West Virginia Whitewater Rafting: Gauley River Rafting
Gauley Rafting trips on the Upper & Middle Gauley River and the Lower Gauley River are some of world's best white water rafting. Join the experts in West Virginia rafting - Class VI Mountain River, Rivermen, and Songer.Did you know you can run the Gauley River in the Spring, Summer, and Fall? Most people have only heard of the famous Fall Gauley Season when the Summersville Dam releases 2,800 C.F.S. for six magical weekends in the fall for guaranteed HUGE white water action. And this year, a "dam inspection year," the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will release extra water to lower Summersville Lake enough to get to the dam. This means fall Gauley BONUS DAYS!
Rafting the Gauley River in West Virginia is indeed a world class experience. The Gauley River in West Virginia has been rated one of the top ten rivers for rafting in the world.
Upper / Middle Gauley River Rafting
The Upper Gauley River drops over 335 feet in less than 13 miles. The Upper Gauley River is the essence of big water rafting excitement creating an intense whitewater experience not recommended for the faint of heart or first time rafters. If untamed adventure is what you're looking for, you'll discover more than 40 white water rapids in all, five of which are rated as solid Class V's. The Upper Gauley River is continuous, big volume, gut-wrenching whitewater from start to finish. Due to the intense nature of this trip, prior rafting experience and the ability for self-rescue are recommended. Not for the timid or inexperienced. Lower Gauley River Rafting
The Lower Gauley River is made up of long, continuous rapids and powerful hydraulics. Rollercoaster waves rise and fall in great swells of excitement…the kind you won't find in a theme park! With over 70 rapids and breathtaking scenery, the Lower Gauley is the best choice for an adventurous first time rafter or an experienced New River enthusiast alike.More on Fall Gauley River Rafting
Class VI-Mountain River Fall Gauley RaftingThe Rivermen Fall Gauley Rafting
Songer Fall Gauley Rafting
Spring / Summer Gauley River Rafting
We never really know, until the morning of our rafting trip, what water level is in store for us that day based on the extent of dam releases by the Army Corps of Engineers. In the spring, the Gauley River often runs at water levels that are much higher than they are during the standard fall releases for the Gauley River. When this happens, we typically run Gauley River rafting trips on the Middle and Lower sections of the Gauley River. You may also be lucky and catch the Gauley River at flows near standard fall release, getting an extra chance to do the Upper Gauley River.Summer time levels change the appearance of the Gauley River to make the flow narrower and the runs steeper. You’ll run the same rapids that have made the Gauley River famous, but in smaller 6 or 4 person rafts or inflatable duckies. This trip is a challenge and may take you out of your river rafting comfort zone, but it promises to give you an exciting close-up view of some booming whitewater. During the summer months the Middle Gauley provides a great opportunity to paddle solo in a duckie.
If the Gauley is not running at acceptable flows, you will be moved to the Lower New River and will be upgraded to a smaller boat.
More on Spring/Summer Gauley River Rafting
Class VI-Mountain River Spring/Summer Gauley RaftingThe Rivermen Spring/Summer Gauley Rafting
Songer Spring/Summer Gauley Rafting