Plan a Whitewater Rafting Adventure This Gauley Season in West Virginia

It is almost the most epic time of year: Gauley Season! This six-week period celebrates the release of the Summersville Dam, creating a guaranteed flow of whitewater on the Gauley River. The season kicks off at the beginning of September and lasts until mid-October, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after outdoor activities in West Virginia. Check out this guide below to plan your next Gauley River whitewater adventure!

Choose Your Rafting Adventure

Upper Gauley

With the biggest rapids on the Gauley, the Upper Gauley will make sure you have the thrill of your life. Head out with Adventures on the Gorge to ride the Class III-IV rapids, stopping on the banks of the river for a riverside lunch. While stopped, take in the impressive surrounding landscape and grab your fishing pole to catch some trout.

Traveler Tip: This section of the river is recommended for highly experienced rafters, so make sure to read up before selecting your adventure.

Lower Gauley

Known to be slightly less difficult than the Upper Gauley but still full of fun, the Lower Gauley boasts over 50 rapids and guarantees several big hits and wave trains. Gather your friends and take to the Lower Gauley with ACE Adventure to ride these Class II-IV rapids in style! Choose from a variety of rafting options, including a full-day trip or overnight stay and immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery of the “beat of the East.”

More Gauley Adventures

Enjoy the Gauley River with unique rafting experiences, such as the Gauley Marathon or Deluxe Gauley River Overnight at Adventures on the Gorge. Gear up to raft all 26 miles of the Gauley River in one day, or indulge in a luxury overnight camping experience complete with platform tents and wood-fired hot tubs. Wanting to test the waters before going full throttle? Try out ACE Adventure‘s Reverse Gauley Trip, where you raft along the Lower Gauley before testing out the more difficult Upper Gauley the next day.

Pick a Place to Stay

State Parks

Relax after a long day of rafting in one of West Virginia’s many State Parks. Enjoy panoramic views of the New River Gorge at the Hawk’s Nest State Park Lodge, which features a nature center, outdoor swimming pool, scenic overlooks, fishing, jet boat tours and more. Babcock State Park, located slightly further south, offers three different types of cabins such as vacation cabins, legacy cabins and economy cabins.

Camping

Pitch a tent at one of the various campsites near the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Cozy up at the Gauley Tailwaters Campground, a first-come-first-serve primitive campground located directly next to the Gauley River. Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins is nearby, offering RV camping, tent camping, yurts and cabins. During your stay, enjoy the swimming pool, beach, mini golf, mining sluice, outdoor movie theater, basketball court and playgrounds. You will never run out of things to do! If you’re looking for something in between these two options, try The Gauley River Wild & Woolly Primitive Campground, which offers tent, RV and vehicle camping and features a sheltered common area, recreation lodge and hot water showers.

Cabins

Country Road Cabins is a dreamy escape in the forests near Fayetteville, offering a variety of unique and comfortable stays for weary travelers. Try out the Holly Rock Treehouse, Moonshiner Glamping Dome or Tropical Sun Luxury Tent – any of these cabins will give you the perfect glimpse of paradise in the Mountain State. Looking for an upscale night amongst the trees? Reserve a stay in the modern Gauley River Treehouse near Summersville. For a boutique vacation rental, check out Lafayette Flats in downtown Fayetteville. These four flats are cute as can be!

Things to Do

Dining

There are so many good restaurants to choose from near the Gauley River. For a tasty breakfast, stop by Cathedral Cafe and try one of their infamous Breakfast Sammies or an Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll. Shhh! Secret Sandwich Society has some of the best sandwiches in the state. Go for the Hoover, a delicious fried chicken sandwich served with your choice of side. For dinner, the Vault on Main in Summersville is calling your name! To close out the day, pick up a Belgian-style IPA or stout at Bridge Brew Works, a small brewery in Fayetteville.

Activities

This part of the state is packed full of adventures and outdoor recreation for all ages. Enjoy the Adventure Lake at ACE Adventure Resort or take a day trip to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, which has the largest bog in the Appalachian Mountain region. With Adventures on the Gorge, enjoy ziplining canopy tours and ropes courses. Reach new heights on BridgeWalk, an exhilarating catwalk that runs under the entire length of the New River Gorge Bridge. Hike the Long Point Trail at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and explore rich Civil War history at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.

Shopping

It’s time to shop until you drop! Head over to North Court Street in Fayetteville to explore some local favorites. Pick out some cute and cozy Appalachian-inspired apparel from Lost Appalachia Trading Company, gear up at Waterstone Outdoors, and hunt for vintage treasures at the Hobbit Hole. For local souvenirs, explore Lakeside Outfitters or Mountain Lake Country Store and More in Summersville.

Looking to plan your next adventure? Request your free vacation guide to learn more.

This post was last updated on August 26, 2024