White water rafting trips on the Gauley River
West Virginia's Gauley River
Considered one of the Top 10 Whitewater Rivers in the World, the Gauley River is West Virginia's legendary run. Nicknamed the "Beast of the East", the Gauley River runs more than 80% of the year. Due to NARR's private access points, custom boat sizes and great river guides, we can offer trips on the Gauley River in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Whatever the time of the year... we are out running the Gauley River just about every day! 23 miles of world-class whitewater await...
- Spring/Summer Gauley
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Spring and Summer Gauley Rafting Trips
The Gauley River, most famous for its world-class whitewater in the fall, is a hidden gem in the spring and summer. Prized for its beauty and value, the Gauley in the spring and summer is great for those that crave adventure in the unknown. The river flows are unpredictable. Keeping tabs on the weather and river levels, adjustments are constantly made to catch the best ride out there. From low to high, it’s a good ride whether you’re in a raft on the Upper or Lower or a duckie on the Middle. Imagine - lush foliage, cool mountain water and no crowds.
- One of the most technical, rewarding and fun trips.
- Wilderness setting, clean and clear water.
- The river flows fluctuate dailey and that determines the size and type of craft.
- Consistently ranks as a favorite with guests and guides alike.
- Minimum age varies on trip chosen.
We offer three different trips:
- Moderate Spring/Summer Gauley
- Advance Spring/Summer Gauley
- Wet and Wild Summer Gauley Overnight
- Fall Upper Gauley
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Fall Gauley River Rafting Trips
Once a year, white water rafting connoisseurs from around the world come to West Virginia for the chance to experience the "Beast of the East"! Considered to be one of the world's top 10 commercial rafting trips, the single biggest boating event in the country, more than 60,000 rafters go crazy for 22 Days each Fall. Come see for yourself why...

Fall Upper Gauley River Trips
Simply put, the Upper Gauley is the stuff legends are made of! Known as the "Beast of the East", this is for the serious fun seeker. This heart-pounding river is physically demanding, mentally stimulating, and the ultimate in adrenaline-packed, world-class whitewater! There are several different trip options to choose from below.
- "Wild and Crazy" - Ranked in the world's top ten commercial whitewater runs.
- This 12-mile section offers 60+ rapids ranging from class III-V+, including the legendary "Big Six" class V+ rapids.
- Ideal for experienced paddlers and serious thrill seekers.
- Be ready to paddle to your guide's instructions.
- Strong swimming skills recommended.
- Hot Grilled riverside lunch included.
- Fall Lower Gauley
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Fall Lower Gauley River Trips
The Lower Gauley is a white water jewel in West Virginia, This jam-packed, fast, fabulous and fun trip, it is our most challenging trip recommended for first-time rafters. It is a remote canyon with breathtaking scenery and world-class rapids. Some of the biggest holes and wave-trains on the river are on this section. It there wasn't an Upper Gauley then this would be the East Coast best whitewater and it would be getting all the hype! Don't miss the boat...
- "Wild and Scenic" - Most challenging trip recommended for first time rafters.
- 11 1/2 miles, 30+ rapids ranging from class III-V raoids.
- A favorite among veteran guides for it's perfect mix of scenery, big wave trains and excitement.
- Often considered a stepping stone between the New River and the Upper Gauley.
- Our private Sugar Creek takeout saves rafters 1 1/2 hours (3 1/2 miles) of flat-water paddling at the end of the day.
- Hot Grilled riverside lunch included.
- "Wild and Scenic" - Most challenging trip recommended for first time rafters.
- Grilled Lunches
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Fall Release Grilled Lunches
Experience the NARR difference! During the Fall Releases NARR pulls out all the stops with their Hot Grilled riverside lunches and includes:- Burgers
- Veggie Burgers
- Tuna Steaks
- Chicken
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Hummus and Pita Bread
- Chips and Salsa
- Veggies and Dip
- Pudding
- Cookies
- Fruit
- Drinks
Note: Some items on this menu can change slightly.
- Gauley River Map
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Gauley River Map
With in the 25-mile stretch of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, the river is divided into two major sections, the Upper Gauley River and Lower Gauley River.
- In the spring and summer, the Gauley River opens up a new level of adventure opportunities in addition to the Upper, Middle and Lower sections.
- The Upper Gauley has the legendary runs known the world over - steep drops, massive holes and colossal waves.
- Roller coaster waves and challenging drops also characterize the Lower Gauley, though not as steep as the Upper.
- Overall, the Gauley is technically demanding with more than 100 major rapids, and over half of them rated Class III and above.

*Map is not to scale.
This map represents the named rapids during Fall Release. There are more than 117 rapids and shoals on the Gauley River during the Fall Release. Spring and Summer water levels can vary significantly and the the rapids change dynamically - even the smaller Fall Release and no-name rapids can have multiple drops.
Click here for Rapid Descriptions
- Gauley Release Dates
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Fall Gauley Release Date:

2012 Release Dates have not been determined yet.
This is the Supperbowl of white water rafting. Every year for 22 Days, the Army Corps of Engineers open the Summersville Dam and releases water specifically for optimum white water flows, helping to reduce the lake water level for winter pool. These guaranteed dates make the Fall Gauley Release - allowing rafter to experice some of the best whitewater on the planet! September is typically warmer and busier, while October has better Fall colors and is less crowded. Gauley trips have become an annual event for many of the 60,000+ rafters that come every year.Check out our Gauley Music Series schedule.
- Fall Hot Deals
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Play More • Bring More • SAVE MORE!
Save $$ by bringing more people, or by the number of activities you reserve!*
*Only 1 discount per activity; number of activities or group size, whichever is the larger
Savings by Activities Savings by Group Size
3 Activities: Save $5 per Guest 10 - 24 Guests: Save $5 per Guest
4 Activities: Save $10 per Guest 25 - 39 Guests: Save $10 per Guest
5 or more: Save $15 per Guest 40+ Guests: Save $15 per Guest
Double Feature Friday
Any Friday release date - buy one Double Upper Gauley Trip, get one FREE!
Marathon Mondays
Any Monday release dateBuy one Marathon Gauley Trip, get one FREE!
Sunday/Monday Overnight Special
Any Sunday/Monday release dates
Save an additional $25 per person on any of our Fall Gauley Riverside Overnight Trips.
Fall Gauley Add Ons
September 9 - October 16, 2011
Add one of these activities to any Fall Gauley Trip for $59 per person!
- Half-Day Zip Line Tour
- Half-Day Rock Climbing
- Half-Day Mountain Biking
- Half-Day Paintball
Triple Play Whitewater Package
Fall Gauley Season
Day 1: Lower New River
Day 2: Lower Gauley River
Day 3: Upper Gauley RiverIncludes 3 nights of camping, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
Only $339 per person!
Columbus Day Special
October 10, 2011 Only
Choose any trip below - Buy One Get One FREE!
- Full Day Lower New
- Full Day Lower Gauley
- Full Day Upper Gauley
- Full Day Gauley Marathon
Fall Rapid Run
November, 2011
Half-Day Lower New River Rapid Run only $49 per person!
Lazy Days Of Autumn
September 6 - October 31, 2011
Stay Monday and Tuesday night in any cabin and Wednesday night is FREE!
Check out our Gauley Music Series schedule.
Questions about availability? Need more info on the Gauely River?
Give us a call at 800.950.2585
A $3.00 per person, per guided activity Resource Use Fee is applied to each reservation.
Release Forms
Save time and download and fill out your release form before you arrive.
Download our Rafting and Adventure Activities Liability Waiver








