Smiling group of rafters on a Zoar whitewater rafting adventure trip
Zoar gap trip rafting down a tree lined river
Group of rafters heading through a section of whitewater on a zoar rafting trip
youth group getting splashed whitewater rafting

Zoar Gap Rafting

Ages

7+

Duration

Whole Day and Half Day

Season

April–October

Location

7 Main Street, Charlemont MA

Intensity

Moderate

Mild

Chill – These trips offer a mellow outdoor experience with a minimal (but not non-existent) chance of falling out of the boat. They require a basic level of fitness.

Moderate

Looking to Explore – These trips have some exciting parts and some more laid back parts. They require a moderate level of fitness.

Wild

Epic – These are our most exciting trips.
They require a higher level of fitness and carry a higher chance of falling out of the boat in challenging rapids.

Take your family, office, church, or scout group rafting on the Deerfield River’s most popular rafting section, Zoar Gap. With a minimum age of 7, these Class II whitewater rapids with one Class III rapid are ideal for beginner rafters.

 

A Typical Day

Our Zoar Gap Full-Day trip is the longest commercial white water rafting trip in Massachusetts. The trip begins at Fife Brook Dam in Florida, Massachusetts and spans 10 miles of water adventure, concluding at our private take-out in Charlemont. Rapids such as Hurricane Hole, Freight Train, and Pinball allow crews to hone their skills in preparation for the exciting class III whitewater of Zoar Gap. Along the way we stop for a delicious riverside picnic-style lunch with sandwiches and cookies. After lunch, there are opportunities to swim or simply relax as we raft back to our base-camp where hot showers and a slide show of the day’s adventure await.

The Half-Day Gap trip runs the beautiful upper Fife Brook section ending with the Class III Zoar Gap. This trip pairs perfectly with a morning Zipline trip for a full day of adventure. Half-Day Gap trips start or end with base-side picnic here in Charlemont, Massachusetts.

Please be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. Your confirmation email will provide the exact meeting time of your trip. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time.

All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. Trips take place on the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts. Both full and half-day trips include class II & III whitewater.

Looking to do multiple activities during your visit? Try one of our single day Adventure Packages, or call the office to custom build your own multi-day experience.

topography-dark-small
topography-dark-small

Expect everything you bring on the raft to get wet!

Best options for clothing:

  • Bathing suit and/or shorts in the warmer weather, long pants and sweater made of wool, nylon, fleece, or polypropylene in the colder weather.
  • Sneakers or other shoes that can get wet and can remain securely on your feet during a whitewater swim.  (Bare feet and flip-flops are not allowed)
  • Avoid cotton clothing such as blue jeans, sweatshirts, or t-shirts as cotton keeps you cold when it gets wet and are not appropriate for this activity.
  • We provide all the in-raft equipment!

A few more details:

  • Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. Call our office or inquire when you arrive, and we’ll get you set-up!
  • Bring any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs or any other goodies.
  • Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration; we’ll collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, and then return them to you when you get back to Zoar Outdoor.

Adventurers on the Zoar Gap Trip must be 7 years old or older.

For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following:

  • Wear a helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)
  • Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction
  • Roll from front to back in water while wearing a PFD
  • Demonstrate dynamic sitting position (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water.
  • Be able to walk on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.

Specifically, for our Zoar Gap trip, guests should be able to:

  • Paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests
  • Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water

Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.

Remember to read your confirmation letter (there is a lot of useful information in there!).

Call our office if you have any additional questions: 413-339-4010. They’re always happy to help!

topography-dark-small
topography-dark-small

See All Dates & Prices

It was a good mix of just enjoying floating on the river and exciting rapids. It was my first time, so I was a bit nervous, but it turned out perfect. It was also exciting enough to satisfy my 2 teenage boys who came along! Very well run, on time, organized, fun but safe! Staff was great.

Terese R.
topography-dark-small
topography-dark-small

Don’t see availabilities on the date you’re looking for? Check out the Fife Brook Rafting trip at our sister location at Berkshire East! They’re located across the river from us in Charlemont!