The Gauley River National Recreation Area was established by the National Park Service in 1988 in order to protect 25 miles of the scenic Gauley River and a 5.5 mile segment of the Meadow River. Located near Summersville, West Virginia, most of the park is only accessible via the rivers, with few roads leading directly into the designated recreation area.
Whitewater rafting is the main reason for a visit to Gauley River National Recreation Area. This stretch of river between Summersville and Fayetteville, West Virginia provide some of the best whitewater runs in the eastern portion of the United States along one of the best whitewater rivers in the entire country. At Gauley, prime whitewater season is in the fall months and approximately 60,000 visitors head there each year to run the river.
Whitewater season at Gauley generally runs from the weekend after Labor Day through the next six weekends, which encompasses five 4-day weekends and one 2-day weekend, according to park officials. Rafting on the Gauley is not for the faint of heart. This river is wild and complex, stretching for some 28 miles and dropping more than 660 feet along the way. The terrain is scenic but rugged, and more than 100 rapids can be challenged along the way including many steep technical runs that produce huge waves and demand a good deal of control.
The Upper Gauley River contains mostly Class III to Class IV rapids, which are best navigated by experienced paddlers. This stretch of the river offers lots of steep drops and wild chutes, and a good deal of rocky terrain demands lots of paddling and tricky maneuvering. The Lower Gauley River can be even wilder, depending on depth and run-off, featuring Class III to V whitewater along a 12-mile stretch. According to park rules, rafters must be a minimum of age 12 to run this portion of the river.
On the third weekend of whitewater season, the Gauley River Festival is held. This is an event promoted by local whitewater outfitters and held in nearby Summersville, West Virginia. Established in 1983, it was first organized to celebrate the demise of a hydro-electric project that would have disturbed the flows of this mighty river. Sponsored by American Whitewater, a national non-profit that seeks to preserve and restore whitewater resources in the U.S., the event features vendors, auctions, raffles, food, and live entertainment.
The Gauley River National Recreation Area is open year round and, at times, boating is possible during other times of the year, depending on the release of waters from the nearby Summersville Dam. Visitors can also explore the flora and fauna of the area, which includes a number of endangered species.
