ACE Adventure Resort
Categories: Active Life Rafting/Kayaking Active Life Climbing Active Life Mountain Biking Rafting/Kayaking, Climbing, Mountain Biking
Oak Hill, WV 25901(800) 787-3982
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
17 reviews for ACE Adventure Resort
17 reviews in English
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Review from S N.
Huntley, IL
5/22/2012
I just returned from a four night stay at Ace. We arrived Thursday 5/17/12 and left on Monday 5/21/12. Our group of ten, ranging from early 20s to mid 30s, had a fantastic time!
We stayed in the Red Fox, and it was an excellent choice! 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms meant everyone had plenty of room all weekend. There were two living room areas with TVs, a nice large full kitchen, and a huge deck with a hot tub. (The hot tub was very popular!) There's a grocery store very close by, so we were able to do all our grocery shopping for the trip when we arrived.
The property was very clean. We used the volleyball court on the mountaintop quite a bit, and spent a couple hours in the lake. They have a lot of floating "stuff" in the lake to use, like floating trampolines. There's also a waterslide (that I went down surprisingly fast - it looked a lot slower than it felt!) and a little zip line into the water. They require you to wear a life vest when you're in the lake, which in my opinion is a good thing. I can swim, but I would tire out very quickly in that lake without one.
There's a bar/restaurant by the lake, but we didn't eat there so I can't comment on that.
Onto the rafting! In our group of ten, six of us had rafting experience. I was one of the four that did not. We booked the Upper Gauley, which is their advanced rafting run. I was a little nervous about this since I'd never done it before, but it ended up being the funnest thing I've ever done in my entire life! We split our group in half, and arranged it so each boat had three people who had rafted before and two first-timers. Plus the guides, of course. Our guides were Chris and Scotty. They were both super nice people, and have a lot of rafting experience. I felt very comfortable having them in charge.
We all rented wet suit jackets for $7 each, and we were all really glad we did because the river was freezing! At one point we jumped out of our boats to swim through a tiny little rapid. I kind of decided I prefer being IN the boat since I felt like I snorted half the river up my nose, but I'm glad I did it. I did, however, chicken out on jumping off the 15-foot cliff. I stayed put in the boat. I'm iffy on heights and felt like I'd tried enough new things for the day, but I ended up feeling disappointed I didn't just man up (well, woman up) and do it!
Going through all the rapids was truly awesome. Chris explained everything we were about to do, and made sure we knew which way to swim if we fell out of the raft. No one in our boat fell out, but the other boat in our group flipped. Everyone was fine and it makes for a great story!
There was lunch served since we did the full day trip - deli sandwiches, pasta salads, and dessert. It was all very good. Beer on the bus ride back was even better!
They take pictures while you're out rafting, so we each bought our CDs. The pictures turned out really good!
Basically we all had a great time, and we are definitely going back. I really want to do the overnight rafting trip next time.
It was a great vacay! -
Review from CLARENCE J.
Arlington, VA
9/13/2011
ACE owns a stable of whitewater companies/teams/etc. -- including North American River Runners, which is excellent -- and also runs campgrounds, a great waterpark in a lake (with a few slides and -lots- of floats in different shapes for climbing on, jumping from, and lounging on), and numerous other outdoor activity tours. I mainly wanted to talk about the campgrounds here though -- they're outstanding and large, set in clearings on the top and sides of a somewhat steep valley. The grounds are well marked and kept very clean. Each lot has a firepit circled with rocks, and plenty of space for multiple tents, as well as multiple cars, if necessary. There're also several bathrooms, complete with showers -- these are kept in great shape also (which, to me, was the most amazing part). I'm sure I'll be back here again, and I look forward to it.
As an aside, the little town of Minden, which you drive through to reach ACE, is a great little old mining town . . . with lots of signs saying to drive slowly because of kids playing, which you do often see. -
Review from David L.
Detroit, MI
9/21/2011
My group just returned from our annual trip on the Gauley River. We've stayed in cabin tents, Cozy Cabins and Blackbear Lodge, all have been great choices for our group. They are always clean and the cabins have kitchens, so you've always got an opportunity to cook for yourself. We started over a decade ago on the lower New, working our way up to the Gauley during the fall dam release season.
Lunch on the river is always better than we have a right to expect. Your guide is also your cook and they always seem to do a spot on job. The salads that come along with you in your raft are always good too. We get the meal plan for our off-river meals because there is not a lot of choice surrounding the ACE property. It is average food, but not average enough to effect my view of this place.
Mind you, ACE does several things aside from rafting but we've never taken the time to try them. The river is always our draw and we take the chance to be on the water as seriously as possible!
Please note, first timers the upper Gauley is not a good river for your first time whitewater rafting! No matter who your guide is or how experienced they are, this river will give you more ride than you are ready for! Try the lower Gauley or anything on the New River a few times before heading out to the upper Gauley! Since it is one of the most difficult rivers you will ever raft, leave the upper Gauley to people who have been on a few rivers before for everyone's enjoyment! -
Review from Meesh A.
Takoma Park, MD
10/14/2011
Words cannot expressed the amount of joy my friends and I had at Ace. We just spent Labor Day weekend down in Minden for a mud obstacle course and had visited about three years ago on a white water rafting trip. Despite the long six hour drive, the scenery and all of the activities made it all worthwhile. Of course the man-made lake with the float-ables was a huge factor in having fun. We all hope to return again preferably during Gauley season opening weekend. If not that activity, no worries as Ace host numerous activities ranging from horseback riding to ATV tours to paddle boats to high ropes course to white water rafting. O and the view is spectacular.
Just note that if you are contracted with Verizon or Sprint, don't bank on using your cell up there. You'll be lucky to get one bar. -
Review from Kyle W.
5/10/2011 5 photos
Nothing like the feeling of getting owned by mother nature. Came for a jammed pack weekend of whitewater rafting in beautiful West Virgina for a day on the New River and a day on the legendary Gauley River.
Ace provided great packages that was pretty much all-inclusive, lodging, meals, and white water rafting.
On the first day, we ran the easier New River and had an AWESOME river guide, named Mindy. Mindy was a bowed up mountain woman, but she let a buncha boys from Louisiana do whatever we wanted. We were an adventurous bunch, and there were a few rapids she let us do differently from the rest of the group. There was one rapid that could be done going between 2 boulders, but required everyone to jump on one side of the raft, so that it could go through the rapid on its side. We also got to do some mini-cliff jumping.
On the second day, we got to do the technically harder Gauley River in one man duckies. It was a 5 hour adrenaline rush. I knew it was going to be non stop action kind of day when they dropped us off at Class 5 rapid Koonz Flume. Let's just say, instant wipeout and what a way to start. I guess it's better than starting off at Pillow Rock on the Upper Gauley (http://jmhammett.files...)
To top it off, they even video tape you while you're doing the rapid, and they give you an overview of the rapid, and how you should run it beforehand.
A super exciting weekend. -
Review from Robert M.
Richmond, VA
7/9/2011
Our family had an incredibly good time. We went to the Beckley area to meet my brother half way to Lexington, KY. So, we had a day on our hands. We decided to do the family Ducky run of the Upper New River.
Wow, that was a family memory! I am glad I brought our waterproof camera for a lot of fun memories. The staff were OUTSTANDING. Started with a briefing under the big top a bit before 9. Signed over our lives and everything else on a detailed waiver. Then met to grab gear. An old bus trip down bumpy WV roads (why do they only pave the middle half?). We hit the water with Kelly, Shelby and Josh. First class guides. Our twins had the times of their lives. Three Class 3 waters in the 6 hour trip added spice. Perfect trip for the sub-teen boys. Lots of water games during the calm water stretches. Make sure you bring sun-screen to reapply. We didn't and the two fairer folks in our family got scorched. They highly recommend leaving everything behind. Bring sunscreen. I thought I would be too macho and not like it as much. I really had a good time and our sons had a superb time.
I went to a different outfitter maybe 20 years ago. This one was MUCH better. They had an incredible water park and camping facilities. Next time we will stay the week "on campus." -
Review from Mariko F.
9/23/2007 2 photos
My family and I have taken at least 3 Whitewater rafting trips with ACE and every single one has been amazing. We usually go in September and October when they open the dam of the Gauley River. This basically makes the rapids insane and it's one of the best things you will ever do. I think that that book "1001 places to visit before you die" lists "whitewater rafting in WV" as a thing to do. They are so right!!!
So you get to your tent/ cabin/ lodge at ACE and you make a fire at your campsite and roast marshmallows. Then you go to bed early because there is no light except from your flashlight. Ok, well I was in a tent. I think the people in cabins and lodges actually have electricity and running water and stuff. But you are going camping, so what's the point of that??? Anyway, you wake up in the morning and get fed a very greasy southern breakfast and head for the school bus that is going to drive you 1h, through windy country roads to the put-in at the dam. And then the run begins. The entire day is spent going down this river and I can't tell you how much fun it is!
It can be a bit pricey, which is expected. But still... For the fall Gauley (which is the best time to go) trips run from $125 - about $200.
The staff here are great and basically everything is taken care of for you. Not that that doesn't mean you are going to be ruffing it, but at least you don't have to cook your own food. There is a cafeteria. Not a great one, but there is one there. Try to wear a splash jacket or else you might freeze.
For little kids and those who don't want to go through class 5 rapids, there is the New River and the lower Gauley river that are both a little bit less intense. My father and I also took an afternoon to go caving, which was also pretty cool. You get shown around the limestone caves and crawl through spaces that you never thought you would fit into. Definitely not something for someone who is afraid to get dirty. I think you can also go horseback riding, paint balling and mountain biking. But the main attraction here is whitewater rafting. It really is something that you should experience! -
Review from Shaune R.
Cape Coral, FL
8/15/2010
Wow. What a day. I'd never been white water rafting and rather than some boring new river large raft trip, we chose the single fun-yak gauley trip. We went in mid-august and apparently the water is a crap shoot every day. There is a lower gauley, and an upper gauley. The lower in the intermediate run, and the upper is the advanced run. Due to river conditions and water level, the trip was made on the upper gauley as apparently, the lower isn't navigable. There was 3 class 5 rapids. Was a freaking blast. For me, who never been in white water before, this was an awesome experience.
The guides were incredible. They were very knowledgable and funny. The whole trip was video taped and the commentary was hilarious. I ate it pretty bad in one of the class-5s, but I cannot wait to come back here during gauley season.
White water is the main event at this place, but there is tons of other activities. There is a lake with many inflatable climbing things. There was a zip line into the lake. There was kids everywhere on the lake. There is a buffet grill place on the lake that looked decent. They offered a few different beers. People were hanging everywhere having a good time. The facility also offers zip line canopy tours, fishing, camping, mountain biking, paintball, rock climbing, and cave exploring. We only spent the day on the water, but when we come back were camping for the weekend and doing things right. -
Review from Philip M.
Franklin, TN
10/17/2011
This is THE best rafting company running the Upper Gauley. You want a thrilling ride? Give them a call.
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Review from Sally M.
9/27/2010 2 photos
Surprisingly boring.
I did the half day Lower New River Gorge whitewater rafting trip since I had a free gift certificate from Giftybox. I've never whitewater rafted before and this was supposed to be beginner level. What a snooze- my heart rate went up maybe for 2 seconds during the 8 mile ride. There were intervals- short amounts of rapids with very long stretches of pools. We did about a dozen rapids (class 2 to 5, I believe) but most of them we seemed to just float through. We barely paddled- the guide did most of the work, although we did a couple of strokes every now and then to "keep the blood flowing." Honestly, it felt like we were on a tour of the river. Oh, and we were 15 minutes late heading to the river because they were waiting for a family of 5- who ended up having a different trip date.
Do the Upper or the Gauley- I hear that's where all the action is.
I stayed at the "cabin tent" for $50. It was good for people like me that don't really like camping, but want to feel like they're experiencing the outdoors. It included a tent with a canopy and picnic table, 2 mattresses with sleeping bags, and bathrooms with showers. Everything was very clean! -
Review from Amy H.
7/9/2010
I've gone here twice with the outdoors club at my undergraduate institution and both times were an absolute blast. Both times were during the end of the season (early to mid-October) and though it is typically freezing cold and you have to wake up just before sunrise, it is so worth it. The river guides are always hilarious and have great names for each section of rapids. Obviously white water rafting is not for the faint of heart (as you will fall out/flip over many times). If you have a big group, it's fun to play pranks on each other or force each others' boats into stronger rapids.
In addition, they video tape the whole trip, so you get to see how hilarious you looked as you tried with all your might to stay in the boat!
A seriously exhilarating and worthwhile trip! -
Review from Lee H.
5/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
What a delightful place to spend a weekend. I never thought I'd say that about a place located in the "wild and wonderful" depths of West Virginia.
Ace Adventure Resort is 1,500 acres of outdoor fun. Everything from white water rafting, mountain bike riding and canopy tours to fishing, rock climbing and horseback riding; it all takes place at Ace Adventure.
We were there for the white water rafting and stayed in the Lake View Chalet, which as the name suggests, is a short walk to the man-made lake, meeting area for white water rafting and the food area.
The price was all-inclusive and included meals, rafting and accommodations. The meals were so-so, accommodations were fine and the rafting, which was the main event for us, was amazing.
The lower New River is a series of class three, four and five rapids and we had a blast. Our guide was knowledgeable, funny and kept us talking the entire day. At the end of the eight hour experience, the videographers quickly did some editing and showed us highlights from our day on the river.
After a day on the river, we willed our weary bodies over to our chalet and collapsed on the bed and didn't even make it to our personal hot tub overlooking the lake. We were that worked.
If you're looking for a weekend getaway and an adrenaline fix, Ace Adventure will have what you're looking for. It truly is a destination spot for the adventure minded individual. -
Review from Adam M.
9/10/2009
When most people hear West Virginia and rafting in the same sentence they immediately think "Deliverance." What they don't know is West Virginia + rafting = Adrenaline!
If you're an adrenaline junkie like me you need to raft the Gauley. And if you're going to raft the Gauley you want a top notch outfitter. Ace is a top notch outfitter. They Gauley is big scary white water in a beautiful setting.
Rafting is the prime attraction but they're also a multi-sport mecca. They have mountain biking, horseback riding, zip lines, hiking trails, rock climbing, ATV's, and best of all since Oak Hill is in the middle of nowhere is they have a selection of housing options; cabins, tents, cottages...
Any time is fun but the best action is September when the dam releases and you have guaranteed big water and the leaves are turning. -
Review from Marlene C.
Fairmont, WV
10/3/2010
We went zip lining on the 26th of Sept. It rained that day, but we made the most of it and had a blast!! The guides were awesome! They were enthusiastic, friendly, spunky, and cute. They made for a really fun and relaxing ride across the gull. The views were fantastic (even fog across the mountains was beautiful). I would recommend this for anyone wanting an adventure. We were lucky enough to live in state so we didn't have to travel very far for a great day. Please bring your camera!
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Review from Daniella P.
Rego Park, NY
4/27/2011
WooHoo!!!! One of the best wekends I ever had!
This place is awesome! I spend a weekend in April at Ace with a group of 8 other friends. We planned to do ATV trip and Mountain biking. Paid in advance for the activities and the house.
We got there a little late, the stuff was so kind that they moved the mornign ATV trip to a later one. We checked in very fast. They have amazing Chalets, which we rented, also we found out that they have cabins too. The chalet was very nice, it even had a hot tub on the porch. Imagine what a blast we had in thattub after the ATV trip.
ATV was great, They have awesome trails and are very organized.
That day after the ATV we found out that we can do Whitewater rafting CLASS 5!!! So, we changed the mntb to ww rafting without a problem. Rafting was great, water was fast, jumping on waves, a great experience!!!
I would definitely go there again! you can easily spend a week at ACE and not be bored!
One of the best sport resorts! -
Review from Sarah W.
8/25/2009 2 photos
I'm on a boat! I'm on a boat! Hey, look at me I'm on a %@)$*# boat!
....or more accurately, a raft.
Any trip to the New River Gorge National River should be complete with a trip rafting, and ACE turned out to be a great choice of rafting company.
My boyfriend and I are on a budget, but neither of us had ever rafted before, so we wanted to give it a try. We wanted to find the absolute most inexpensive way to try rafting. We sat in a roadside rafting info kiosk until I had literally called every rafting company possible to compare prices. The result? $70 for ACE's 1/2 day Lower New River rafting adventure was the best rate by far! An important hint that I found out, both the 1/2 day and the full day rafting trips go the EXACT SAME ROUTE, with no extra rapids or anything! The only difference is that for the full day they take more breaks, stop for lunch, and let you jump off of big rocks.. Since none of these activities really interest me and the rafting is what I want, I'd rather save $30 per person and keep going at it with the rapids!
Our guide was super knowledgeable and before each rapid would give us the scoop on the next rapid's rating, story behind its name, where to swim in case you fell out during each individual rapid, etc. Though I was terrified before going, once we were out there on the water I felt really confident in my guide and knew that he was telling us the best ways to stay in the raft.
The rapids? So fun! They were Class 3-5 (the hardest!) but I felt able to do them because of how good our guide was. I got soaked on almost every wave! For 2 of the Class 2 rapids, we were actually allowed to jump out of the boat and float down the rapids in the water (with a life preserver on of course).
Finally, when we were all done and heading back on the bus, cans of beer and soda for all! A great way to top off an adventure that was the highlight of our trip! -
Review from Sherri C.
Panama City Beach, FL
9/10/2009
Labor Day weekend '09 was my second visit here and although I'm a beach person at heart, whitewater rafting is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on! And ACE really takes care of you--no matter what your budget, you can have a great experience here. My first visit I stayed in a Lake Chalet--nice beds, hot tub, full bathroom & some nice amenities like a little fridge & coffee pot. Second visit was booked a little too late to catch "deluxe accomodations", so we opted for a cabin tent. It's about 9x12 feet with a double platform bed & another single bed in it. The tent has a larger tarp roof over it and there's a picnic table & fire ring. I wouldn't want to spend more than a couple of days in one, but it was comfortable enough for a couple and decent for budget travelers. There is so much to do on the property that you couldn't do it all in a week--something for everyone: horse back riding, a swimming lake with lots of stuff to play on, hiking trails, a dining hall with good food, a bar & grill (sample the local microbrews & great hot wings), paintball, mud obstacle coarse, ATV tours, and lots more...and of course the rafting tours. I took a Gauley trip the first time, not for the timid, picture yourself on a wild wet roller coaster for adults for several hours, what a blast! You do stop for about 45 minutes while the guides cook up a nice lunch and then more adventure in the river--there isn't any place to get off this ride til it's over. The second visit I was with an apprehensive first timer (it took me 3 years to talk him into it), so we did the Lower New River. OK, he had so much fun he's trying to book a trip for Columbus Day & wants to do the Gauley next time when the Corp of Engineers is letting water out of Summersville Dam...we're hooked! ACE's guides are the best--they have some great stories and they know all the best ways to negotiate Class lll-V+ rapid for an awesome ride. The scenery is something you can't see anywhere else, definitely one of those "don't miss" things to do (like Mariko said) before you die. All of ACE's staff was friendly and helpful--sort of a wilderness meets Disney customer service feel. If you have a bad time here I think it would be your own dam fault.
