America Outdoors outfitters offer world class rafting, kayaking and hiking on the Gauley River in the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
Thousands of whitewater enthusiasts come to the Gauley every fall season, to paddle what is considered by many to be the one of the best whitewater rivers in the country. Gauley Season begins the first weekend after Labor Day, and continues for six weekends. Dropping more than 668 feet through 28 miles of rugged terrain, the Gauley River'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 Gauley River one of the premier whitewater runs in the world.
- SECTIONS:
- Upper Gauley
- This section offers tremendous rapid drops in steep, turbulent chutes such as Pillow Rock, Iron Ring and Sweet's Falls, and rocky routes that demand constant maneuvering such as Lost Paddle and Shipwreck. This section of the river requires experience.
- Rapids: Class III to V+ (Medium to Expert)
- Lower Gauley
- This section is a bit a tamer than the Upper and is a 12-mile "watery roller coaster" stretch.
- Rapids: Class III to V (Medium to Expert)
Gauley River National Recreation Area
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