You’re exhausted. Your forearms are screaming, your helmet is slightly crooked, and you’ve probably swallowed at least a pint of the New River. But honestly? It was worth it. After smashing through Greyhound and the legendary Lower Railroad rapids, you’re looking for that specific light at the end of the tunnel: the ace raft lower new river gorge take out.
Most people don't think about the take out when they’re booking a trip. They’re thinking about the "big water" or whether they’ll fall out at Fayette Station. But the logistics of how you actually get out of that massive canyon matter. If you're paddling with ACE Adventure Resort, or even if you're just trying to track where your friends are ending their day, understanding the Teays Landing area and the specific ACE infrastructure is key.
The New River Gorge is deep. Really deep. We’re talking about a thousand feet of vertical sandstone and forest between the water and the rim. You can't just "pull over" whenever you feel like it.
Where Exactly Is the Ace Raft Lower New River Gorge Take Out?
Basically, the trip ends where the river stops being a wild beast and starts turning into a lake. As you pass under the massive New River Gorge Bridge—which looks terrifyingly high from a tiny rubber raft—the rapids begin to mellow out. This is the "Lower Lower" section.
The primary ace raft lower new river gorge take out is located at Teays Landing. This isn't just a random muddy bank; it’s a strategically placed access point on the river left (that’s the left side as you’re floating downstream).
For years, the take out was a bit of a bottleneck. If you've been rafting in West Virginia since the 90s, you remember the chaotic scrambles at Fayette Station. ACE, being one of the largest outfitters in the region with a massive private campus in Oak Hill, utilizes Teays Landing to move hundreds of guests a day during the peak summer season. It’s located several miles downstream from the New River Gorge Bridge. This extra bit of floating—often called the "lake float"—is where you finally get to jump out of the boat and swim without worrying about a rock upside your head.
The Reality of the Bus Ride Back
Let’s be real. The take out is the least glamorous part of the day. You’ve just conquered Class IV+ rapids, and now you have to carry a heavy raft up a ramp.
At the ace raft lower new river gorge take out, you’ll see the school buses. These aren't your average "get to school" buses; they are the rugged, often beat-up, legendary transport vehicles of the New River Gorge. ACE staff are usually there to help winch the boats onto trailers, but you’ll likely be helping carry your paddle and maybe a gear bag.
It’s about a 20 to 30-minute drive from Teays Landing back to the main ACE Adventure Resort HQ in Oak Hill. This ride is a rite of passage. You’re sitting on a sticky vinyl seat, probably shivering a little if it’s a rainy May day, or baking in the West Virginia humidity in July. This is where the "river stories" get told. You’ll hear about who almost flipped at Miller’s Folly and who took the best "beating" in the Upper Railroad hydraulic.
Why This Specific Spot Matters
Accessibility in the Gorge is a nightmare. National Park Service (NPS) regulations are strict. Because the New River Gorge is now a National Park and Preserve (as of 2020), the way outfitters like ACE manage their take outs is heavily scrutinized.
- Environmental Impact: High-traffic take outs can erode the banks. ACE and the NPS work to maintain the Teays Landing area to ensure the riverbank doesn't just slide into the water.
- Crowd Control: On a "Satur-gauley" or a busy July weekend, there might be twenty different companies trying to get out of the water. Having a streamlined process at the ace raft lower new river gorge take out prevents those two-hour wait times that used to plague the industry.
- The "Long" Trip vs. the "Short" Trip: Some trips end earlier at Fayette Station (right under the bridge). However, most full-day Lower New trips with ACE go all the way to the Teays Landing take out. Why? Because the scenery changes. The canyon opens up. You get a perspective of the bridge that people on the boardwalks will never see.
Common Misconceptions About the Ending
People think the trip ends the moment they pass the bridge. It doesn't.
You actually have a few miles of flat water or very mild "shoals" after the bridge. This is why the ace raft lower new river gorge take out is a bit of a hike. If the wind is blowing upstream, you’re going to be paddling. Hard. It’s called the "wind curse" of the New River. You’ve just done the hardest rapids of your life, and now you’re fighting a 15-mph headwind just to reach the bus. Honestly, it’s the only part of the day that kinda sucks, but it makes that first sip of a local West Virginia craft beer back at the Lost Paddle Bar & Grill taste so much better.
Another thing? Don't expect a bathroom. There are usually portable toilets at the major access points, but it’s primitive. You’re in the woods.
Logistics for Private Boaters vs. ACE Guests
If you are a private boater (meaning you have your own gear), you might be looking for the ace raft lower new river gorge take out thinking you can just park there.
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Not so fast.
While Teays Landing is a known spot, many of the facilities and the actual transport logistics are proprietary to the outfitters. If you're DIY-ing it, you need to check the NPS shuttle schedules or have a two-car setup. Parking at Fayette Station is notoriously tight, and parking further down near the ACE take out area requires a high-clearance vehicle and a good map. Most locals stick to the public access points managed by the National Park Service to avoid trespassing on outfitter-leased land.
Safety at the Take Out
Injuries rarely happen in the rapids. They happen at the take out.
You’re tired. You’re dehydrated. You’re walking on wet, mossy rocks. Every year, someone twists an ankle or drops a raft on their toe at the ace raft lower new river gorge take out.
- Keep your shoes on. Don't take them off because you're "done." The rocks at Teays are sharp and slippery.
- Lift with your legs. Those rafts weigh 150+ pounds. Don't be a hero.
- Hydrate. The bus ride back is hot. If you haven't drank water since lunch at Cunard, you're going to feel it.
The Actionable Roadmap for Your Arrival
When you finally see the ACE buses parked on the gravel flats, here is exactly what you need to do to make the transition smooth:
Gather your gear early. About ten minutes before you hit the bank, make sure your GoPro is secure, your life jacket (PFD) is clipped, and you haven't left your expensive sunglasses in the bottom of the boat where someone will step on them during the "de-boating" process.
Listen to your guide. They do this three times a day. They will tell you exactly where to stand so you don't get hit by a reversing trailer.
Help with the "Stack." ACE rafts are often stacked on top of each other for transport. It’s a team effort. You’ll likely be asked to help pass a boat up or hold a strap.
Check the "Lost and Found" bucket. People leave everything at the take out. Sunscreen, water bottles, GoPros. Do a final sweep of your seating area in the raft. Once that boat is on the trailer and the bus pulls away, whatever you left behind is basically property of the New River.
Save your energy for the ramp. It’s a short but steep walk from the water's edge to the bus staging area. If you’ve got a "puddler" (a raft full of water), help your guide drain it before you try to haul it up the bank.
The ace raft lower new river gorge take out represents the end of an adrenaline-fueled journey through one of the oldest river canyons on earth. It’s the place where the adrenaline fades and the "I can't believe we just did that" realization sets in. Take a second to look back at the river before you hop on the bus. It’s a view you won't get from the highway.
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Once you’re back at the resort, grab your dry clothes from your locker and head straight to the gear wash. Pro tip: rinse your shoes immediately. New River mud has a way of becoming permanent if it dries. From there, you're just a few steps away from the photos—where you can finally see the terrified look on your face as you dropped into Lower Railroad. That’s the real prize.