River Descriptions
The New and Gauley Rivers in Southern West Virginia
The New River Gorge National River (1978) and the Gauley River National Recreation Area (1988) were saved for the purpose of conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Located in Southern West Virginia, the New and Gauley Rivers join together to form the Kanawha River just southeast of Charleston, the state capital. When present day West Virginia first broke away from Virginia (early 1860's), the name Kanawha was proposed as the name of the new state in honor of the same river fed by the New and Gauley. West Virginia is sometimes known as the Switzerland of America because of its picturesque mountain scenery. The nickname Mountain State comes from its location in the heart of the rugged Appalachian Highlands although West Virginia could appropriately be called the River State. The chief cities of West Virginia are all located in river valleys, so it's not surprising that our river heritage runs deep.
Family Class Adventures on the Upper New
Whitewater rafting doesn't only come in the extreme form. The Upper New River is wonderfully diverse, gentle and playful, and dappled with easy to moderate white water (Class I-III) with a drop of eight feet per mile. Perfect for families with younger children yet appealing to teens, college students, parents, and grandparents - all can enjoy the Upper New together. The New River is an unusually warm water river with water temperatures ranging from 55°F in April to 80°F degrees in August.
Adventure Class on the Lower New, Middle Gauley, Lower Gauley
The New River has reliable water flows all year round and having such a long season lets us enjoy the Lower New River's different seasonal water levels. The early spring flows offer some of the largest volume white water rafting in North America. The summer months bring moderate water levels that are perfect for first-time white water rafters and West Virginia-style surfing. The brilliant colors of fall add yet another element to an outstanding white water rafting trip. The Lower New River has moderate to difficult white water (Class I-V) and averages a drop of 16 feet per mile.
The world-class Gauley River flows during the spring and summer with less reliable water flows, the potential for exciting possibilities, and refreshing cool river water (the majority of the water is from the base of Summersville Dam). Be ready for the adventure of the day! Take the challenge in duckies on the Middle Gauley at lower water levels. The Middle Gauley features easy to moderately difficult white water (Class I-IV). Medium to high water levels on the Lower Gauley create long and continuous rapids with roller coaster wave trains and powerful hydraulics. During the 98% reliable Fall Gauley releases, the Lower Gauley is often overlooked because of the World Class fame of the Upper Gauley. However, with over 45 rapids and breathtaking canyon scenery, the Lower Gauley is the best choice for an adventurous first time rafter, a New River enthusiast looking for the next challenge, or seasoned veterans.
World Class Adventures on the Upper Gauley
The Gauley River is legendary white water. During optimal spring and summer flows and the guaranteed releases in the fall, the Upper Gauley is one of the most famous stretches of white water in the country and rated by many as one of the top ten white water rivers in the world. We consider the Gauley extreme wildwater. The Upper Gauley is a World Class run consisting of big drops and boulder-choked rapids that test you, your teamwork and it fires up the adrenaline. The Gauley River averages a drop of about 26 feet per mile with moderate to very difficult white water (Class I-V+). The raging white water and incredible scenery are practically intoxicating - meaning unmatched and unforgettable excitement.
