Class VI River Runners, New River, West Virginia

Class VI River Runners in West Virginia take the family white-water rafting in style, and is a great place to get your "feet wet" in this exciting sport.

And sure enough, they came through just fine and I could shift my worrying to something else, like what to choose for dinner:  chicken, steak, or fish.

Several qualities set this well-run rafting outfitter apart from their competition: they're just a few hours from a number of major metropolitan areas yet offer a wilderness adventure experience; they are one of the best rafting values for your dollar in the country; and their guides can tell West Virginia-style tall-tales around the campfire for as long as you can stay up to listen.

They have a sense of humor, too -- the Groover (no relation to Austin Powers) is the portable potty set up at every camp site.

If you're not sure if river rafting is for your family, opt for a one-day trip to get your feet wet. And if you're even more reluctant than that to try it, sign up for their mile-long tree canopy zipline ride -- you can stay high above the New River Gorge and just admire the whitewater.

But the real fun is when you get to spend a night or two under the stars. You can paddle your own duckie along the New River like we did, or you can ride a larger raft with a guide aboard. You'll pass through steep canyons, rolling hills, and pristine meadows, and you can slip into the water (which is comfortably warm) whenever you need a refreshing break.

One-, two- and three-day trips suitable for families are offered weekly during the summer.