White water rafting FAQs & Water Flows

Answer: Yes. Online waivers are available to be filled out via your email confirmation and MUST be filled out. A new waiver must be filled out and signed for each day and for each activity before participating. Waivers can also be found under the waivers link on our website.  Waivers are also available onsite. Minors Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor and must have a parent guardian signature. 

Answer: New for 2021 a photographer will be taking pictures on some weekend trips.  We do sell  waterproof cell phone cases and waterproof cameras at our outfitter store.

Answer: The Bus. You are going to get wet. If you somehow manage to get through every rapid dry, someone is bound to take pity and dump a bailer full of water on you!

Short answer:  At home.  Long answer:  Save the bottled fun for after the run.  If you show up for the trip intoxicated or on drugs, you will not be allowed to go and your money will not be refunded.  Drunk or drugged boaters pose a serious danger to themselves, our other customers, and our staff.

Answer: Please inform your reservation specialist before arrival of any physical or medical conditions of anyone in your group.  Also inform your trip leader prior to the trip.  We highly recommend you consult a physician prior to participating in our activities if you have any concern.  We advise all ASTHMATICS to bring their inhalers. We also advise that anyone who has allergies requiring an epi-pin to bring it. Note: We reserve the right to refuse anyone participating in our adventure activities due to physical, mental or size limitations that, in our opinion, would expose that person or group to extreme risk.

Answer: At River and Trail we have suggested ages for each of our trips. Age limits will change depending on water levels and trip formats.

Suggested Ages:

• Rafting, Shenandoah 7 yrs
• Rafting, North Branch 10 yrs
• Savage Rafting 14 yrs

*Minimum chest size for a Type V PFD is 24 inches. Maximum chest size is 54 inches. Minimum weight for River and Trail Trips is 50bs.

Answer:  YES.  Always wear your life vest. Not only does this add another layer to keep you warm, it also keeps you floating should you decide to leave the boat mid trip.  Our U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs are required by law, our insurance, and our company policy.  We will provide you with an approved life vest, so please do not bring one with you.

Answer:  Like you, your camera will get wet. Things also have a way of going into the river, never to be seen again.  This being the case, we would suggest a sturdy strap and a waterproof camera. We do sell waterproof cases for cell phones and waterproof cameras in our outfitter store.  New for 2021 we will have a photographer taking pictures on some trips.  

Answer: As stated above “Like you, your cell phone, wallet and keys will get wet. Things also have a way of going into the river, never to be seen again.” This being the case, we recommend that you DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS ON THE TRIP WITH YOU unless you have a completely waterproof container. Our guided trips carry cell phones for emergency situations. We suggest that you lock your personal belongings in your car trunk and give your keys to our shop staff. Watches can be worn if they are waterproof. Keep in mind that River & Trail is not responsible for any of these items mentioned that are damaged by water if you choose to take them on the trip with you. We try to keep dry boxes and bags for cell phones stocked in our shop.

Answer: Yes, just let us know at the time you make your reservation.

Answer: Anywhere from 4-6 plus a guide, this depends on water level and group size.

Answer: A light snack is served water-side on all Harpers Ferry rafting and ducky trips and Antietam tubing. Food is served mid-way to ¾ way down the trip. A light snack consists of water, granola bar, and piece of fruit. Groups can customize the trip with lunch options, please see the website link “Group Information Packet” or “Planning your trip” for our fantastic picnic options!  

Comment: We know this question has nothing to do with Whitewater, but it is our most frequently asked question.

Answer: Turn left onto Keep Tryst Road from U.S. 340, the flashing yellow lights just on the Maryland side of the Potomac River Bridge. Turn onto Sandy Hook Road from Keep Tryst. After you pass through a long row of houses on the right, Sandy Hook Md, you are on Harpers Ferry Road. Do not park in the school bus turn-around at the end of Sandy Hook. Note: There is no longer parking access for Maryland Heights here.  You must park in Harpers Ferry and walk across the pedestrian bridge. 

Answer: DO NOT WEAR COTTON ON COLD DAYS. ON HOT DAYS IT HELPS TO KEEP YOU COOL WHEN IT’S WET.

Cotton wicks the heat away from you when it gets wet and will cause you to become hypothermic. Wear wool, Under Armour,  PolyPro^tm — these will keep the heat in. Sweats are most definitely out, until after you get back to dry land.

Answer: Drink warm liquids. These will help you replace lost body heat and warm you from the inside. Please note that warm food will have the opposite effect. A good hot meal an hour or so before the trip would, however, give you energy reserves to keep you warm.

Answer: Know the weather conditions.

Being prepared is the best way to keep warm. Check to see what the water and air temperatures are. If you add the air temp, adjusted for wind chill, and the water temp together, and they equal less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you are in prime hypothermia conditions. You can get current weather, water level, and water temperatures from the National Weather Service and other river forecasting links shown above. Our Outfitter Store will be happy to rent you a wetsuit when the weather conditions call for it , but please reserve them in advance (sometimes they are even included, so check your specific tour). You must also wear shoes.

See What to wear rafting and tubing here.

Be sure and eat a hearty meal before coming on your rafting trip.  Also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.  There will be a snack and drink served on your trip, however we do recommend you bring a 32 ounce bottle of water with you in the raft.