Gauley River
The Gauley River National Recreation Area was established in 1988 to preserve 25 miles of the Gauley River and six miles of the Meadow River. The Upper Gauley and Lower Gauley drop more than 668 feet through 25 miles of rugged terrain. The Gauley's complex stretch of whitewater features more than 100 rapids with a steep gradient, technical runs, an incredible volume of water and huge waves! Its vigorous rapids, scenic quality and inaccessibility combine to make the Gauley one of the premier whitewater rivers in the world and rated by many experts as one of the top ten.
While most outfitters offer Gauley River trips only during the fall water releases from Summersville Dam, Class VI provides spring and summer access to the this world-class river. Based on water conditions, our experts determine the optimum stretch of river and necessary equipment for your trip. During the summer we often use the Middle Gauley for raft and ducky tours. The Middle Gauley features easy to moderately difficult white water (Class I-IV).
Fall Gauley Season attracts thousands of whitewater enthusiasts from around the globe for the prime rafting created by the annual water releases from Summersville Dam. To paddle the Gauley now is considered by many to be the one of the best whitewater runs in the country. Clear skies, crisp weather, and dazzling foliage add to the exhilaration of rafting one of the world’s top whitewater rivers. Fall Gauley Drawdown begins the first weekend after Labor Day, and continues for six weekends (five 4-day weekends, and one 2-day weekend).
The Lower Gauley
You do not have to brave the demanding Upper Gauley in order to experience the beauty and mystique of the legendary Gauley River. The Lower Gauley is the best choice for an adventurous first time rafter, a New River enthusiast looking for the next challenge, or even seasoned veterans. Lower Gauley trips give you rapid after rapid of pure paddling fun, comparable in difficulty to the Lower New River. With over 45 rapids ( such as “Heaven Help You” and “Pure Screaming Hell”) you will find plenty of excitement and breathtaking canyon scenery.
The Upper Gauley
The Upper Gauley is extreme, scary and thrilling all at the same time! Almost non-stop rapids include the ‘monster five’Class V+ rapids: Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweet’s Falls. Big drops and boulder-choked rapids that test you, your teamwork and it fires up the adrenaline. The raging white water and incredible scenery are practically intoxicating - meaning unmatched and unforgettable excitement.
