Gauley River Rapid Descriptions

Upper Gauley River Rapids (Fall Release Descriptions)

Put-In for the Upper Gauley: Summersville Dam

Summersville Dam was built between 1960-1966 at a cost of $48 million. It is the second largest earthen filled dam in the eastern U.S. requiring 12 million cubic yards of earth and rock. It is 390' high and 2,280 feet long - 40' wide at the top and 1,780' wide at the base. It created the largest lake in the state with summer pool of 2,790 surface acres, winter pool of 930 surface acres, and depths of over 300' near the dam.

The lake, with towering cliffs, is the cleanest and clearest lake east of the Mississippi. The drainage area is 803 square miles. Water is released through thee 1,555' long, 29' diameter tunnels, that are controlled by 9' diameter Howell Bunger Valves.

A 80 megawatt Hydro Plant, costing $55 million, was added to the dam. One of the three tunnels was diverted into the power planr. The plant can produce power with levels between 800-4,000 cfs.

Entrance Rapid - Class III

The Upper Gauley wastes no time and immediately launches you into a Class III rapid know as Entrance Rapid. Be ready to listen to commands from the begining. The stream bed constricts (narrows) between the right shore and a jumble of boulders on the left (don't go there), forming a nice little wave train down the middle. Towards the end of the wave train is a large boulder on the left that warns you to start to move to the left because immediately downstream on the right is Magnet Rock - the current can sweep you into it if your not careful (another place you don't want to be). Either stay on the left side of the wave train or catch the small eddy behing a large boulder on the left and cartwheeling out of the main current.

Just past Magnet Rock you will drop a four foot ledge that kicks left to right (use a left hand angle to off-set the kick) to finish the rapid. There are a few rocks, easily avoided, at the bottom - the river opens up for your first break.

Back It Up - Class II

An easy class II rapids with multiple rockgarden slots to choose from. Most rafts drop center past a small ledge and then back off a rock in the center and drop a tight, yet forgiving slot on right center. Wide open route on the far left shore.

Left Slot - Class II

This is a straight forward little rapid with an obvious left side line. There are a few small rocks that make some interesting rock turns if you hit them. After the initial drop you will want to move towards the right for the easy open channel.

Initiation - Class IV

This Class VI rapid will be your first real test. Made up of three distinct drops, this rapid has some penalties if you're not careful. All these areas are easily avoided if you listen to commands.

First Drop: A broken, submerged ledge that most boaters drop center moving right to left. You then move to the right and then back to the left into the main current. The current is deceptively faster than it looks as you approach the second drop.

Second Drop: As you approach the second drop you will notice a horizon line (a distinct line were the water drops down out of view) and a nice moderate wave above it. This wave is a deceptive place for kayakers who can be swept off to the right into a really nasty sieve.
Rafts on the other hand will hit the left side of the wave for a good splash and then drop over the edge down the middle on the fast tongue into the bottom. Sometimes the lead boat will setup safety here in the right eddy just incase something happens. Most rafts quickly turn the boat to the left and start paddling hard to the left, trying to avoid a possible pin (raft stuck in or on the rocks) on the boulders on the right. There's not much time between the second and third drop and the current is pushing hard to the right.

Third Drop: A broken ledge system that you can enter just to the left and the right of a sticky pourover. Too far left and you run the chance of hitting a large rock on the left side of the main current. The large rock on your right is undercut and you need to avoid it.

No Name - Class I

Small ripple with wide easy lines.

Pyramid Rock - Class II - III

Also known as Little Z. This is an easy little rapid that the you can go either left or right of the Pyramid rock in the center. Watch out for the other slightly submerged rock in the middle.

No Name - Class I

Simple lines.

Collison Creek - Class II / III

Collison Creek is broken up into two section: Upper and Lower Collison Creek.

Upper Collison Creek, Class II, has two nice waves on the left at the top and one on the right at the bottom that make for nice hits.

Lower Collison Creek, Class III, has a nice open wave train in the right center and a house sized boulder towards the bottom on the left side that is a really cool undercut in that millions of giant bubbles come out from under it on the backside.

No Name - Class I

Small rapid, easy lines.

French Kiss - Class III

At the top of this rapid is Geek Wave, a nice hit. Then you have a short break before setting up for the second half. The bottom of the rapid is shallow with a lot of exposed rocks that you must navigate between. Try to avoid the pinning rock on the bottom right.

Finesse - Class III

Guides try to "finesse" this rapid alone, without help, but they usually end up needing it a little. Also known as Slant Rock, this rapid is technical and shallow at the top and slides right, towards a slanted rock that is slightly undercut. Many rafts softly bump, slide or spin off this rock.

Bud's Boner - Class III+

This is a tricky rapid that you have to stay focused on to run it clean. At the top you will find a horizon line with a pointed rock on the left. Key off the rock and drop to the right of it over a moderate ledge. You must imediately decide wether to back off the big rock in front (river right) of you or turn and go. The rock is slightly undercut and many rafts bump into. With little time you must set up for the second drop. Choose quickly to go either right or left of the pourover in the center of the narrow channel. Many rafts will catch a corner of this hole and spin out of the way. Different water levels change this rapids characteristics dramatically.

Insignificant - Class V+

The first of the "Big Five" legendary rapids. Insignificant is anything but insignificant. It is a big, long and squirrelly rapid. The entrance is a tight and technical rock-garden with several small ledges and holes that can easily bump or spin the raft off-course. There is very little time to regain control before the second drop - a meaty ledge with a nasty pourover that divides the the river. Quick decision-making is required to make the move left or right of this juicy hole.

It's not uncommon to see a fledgling crew drop into this hole for the "big surf".

Past the ledge the river narrows, gaining speed and driving all the water toward the right shore and into Slide Rock, a giant, house-sized boulder that slants into the river. If you have time, wave to your video boater above - he's filming the whole run from this vantage point. Many rafts end up hitting this rock and "slideing" off it.

As the water hits this rock, it explodes back into the main current creating a roller-coaster wave-train and holes that make for a good soaking. At the exit there is a big boulder that the main current will push you into it if you're not careful.

Don't worry if at the bottom of the run you have to shake your head and wonder what just happened, many guides have done the exact same thing!

Stay Right - Class III / IV

During the Fall Release most guides run this rapid left to right, and follow the right shore, maneuvering between easy holes and ledges. When water levels are lower, some guides try the Class IV hero line on the left side, called the Screaming S-Turn move, many guides end up temporarily getting stuck on rocks.

Pick-A-Slot - Class III

This rapid is rarely run the same way twice. The jumble of ledges and boulders always gives you an intersesting run. The easiest lines are to the left while the center lines and right lines are tricky and entertaining.

Iron Curtain - Class III+

Named for the prominent, iron colored cliffs on the right. This rapid has a narrow, fast tongue that is a lot of fun. At the top there are several nice waves. As you drop into the rapid you will see a boulder right in the middle that most folks try to avoid to the left. Hitting this rock could cause a wipeout with swimmers or a flipped raft. Just downstream on river left is a big undercut rock that is easiely avoided.

Overlook Rapids - Class II+

There are four smaller rapids in a row that have easy lines but you have to stay focused, especially with the last one. These are great little rapids that give you time to catch your breath and get ready for your next big test just downstream.  These rapids are named for the great overlook above that you can access from Carnifex Ferry State Park - the site of a Civil War battle on September 10, 1861.

Pillow Rock - Class V

The second of the "Big Five" legendary rapids. Best described as pure, raw power! Pillow Rock drops 30-feet in only 75 yards - the largest elevation drop in the shortest distance on the river. Like most East Coast rivers, this is a classic pool-drop river - above the rapid there is a calm pool and below the rapid, another moderately calm pool.

There are two ways to enter the rapid - the most commonly used entrance is on the right. The left line, although more direct, is called the Hero Line for its super technical maneuvering.

The challenging aspect of this rapid is that you can't see it until you drop into it! The main channel of water screams down a narrow chute and hits a giant rock creating a pillow of water - its a surging ramp more than 10-feet high on the side of the rock!

Of course, before you reach the pillow, you have to navigate past Inertia Hole. Some guides like to hit this bone-jarring hole and drive up the pillow, knifing across it and falling off the back-side into the swirling vortex of water called the Toilet Bowl. Others prefer to catch just the left corner of the hole, ride high up on the pillow and stall on its face to slap a paddle on the rock. With this line you must be sure to catch a little bit of the hole or you will run into the Room of Doom - a nasty place were you are almost guarnteed to swim out of.

If your angle is just right, the boat slides off the right side of the pillow into the center of the river. But if the ride's not over yet - skilled maneuvering is required by your guide to miss the massive pour-over in the center of the river called Volkswagon Rock and reach the calm water below.

Don't forget to smile and wave - this is were your photo will be taken!

No Name - Class II+

A nasty ledge/boulders directly below Pillow Rock that you try to aviod to the left if possible.

No Name - Class I

A wide open line down the middle.

Scale - Class III

Technical top section requires some solid paddling in order to miss a nasty pinning rock in the right center of the river. You can go right of it but most prefer to go to the left for some nice hits.

Fountain Rock - Class III

Tight lines at the top of the rapid set you up for several options in the middle section. There are several ledges and boulders to miss in this one. A quick break allows you to set up for the bottom section were you find a nice hit.

Hungry Mother - Class III

Straight forward rapid with a really nice hit, the Hungry Mother Hole, a powerful hydraulic in the center of the river. The hole can be easily missed to the right.

Meadow View - Class III-

After comming around a bend in the river you will able to see where the Meadow River joins the Gauley. A simple rapid with clear lines down the center. You may bump a rock or two.

Dick's Desertion - Class III

A small rocky island splits the river here giving you the option to go left of right. Most prefer the shallow technical left were you are most likely to bump a small rock or even get a temporary snag. The right is a super technical hero route (add a + behind the Class III). There are some penalties here, and some rafts will get stuck.

Meadow River

The Meadow River joins the Gauley River just upstream of Lost Paddle Rapid. If there is a local rain event then the Meadow River could add additional water for your Fall Gauley River Trip.

For example: One year we had a hurricane push inland far enough to dump large amounts of water in the area. There was so much water that the Meadow River had over 3,000 cfs coming into the Gauley River. So at the Summersville Dam they only released 1,000 cfs, making the upper section very low and technical. When we arrived at Lost Paddle and all that added water from the Meadow, the sections below were at high water levels... very interesting day!

Lost Paddle - Class V+

The third of the "Big Five" legendary rapids.This is the longest rapid on the river - it has four distinct drops. It gets its name from all the undercut rocks on both sides of the river that love to eat paddles!

The first frop, the entrance, is tight and technical. It is common for rafts to get stuck for a brief time. There is a sweet pool (moving water) just after this and before the second drop, that lets you set up for one of the best waves, Hawaii 5-O, on the river. If done right, you hit a nice curler wave, standing the boat up and all you see is the sky above you before you drop off the backside - the perfect gut wrenching feeling that no roller coaster could ever duplicate.

There isn't much time to celebrate because Six-Pack Rock is coming up fast. It divides the river with most rafts going to the tight left side. And then it's onto the third drop, a deceptively deep hole that can envelop a boat, filling it up to the brim with water.

After a short, and important, recovery pool, the fourth drop, called Tumble Home is on the horizon. There is no straight line through this section. You never really know how the run is going to go - all you can do is react to each spin and turn. It is the only drop that guides will call every command in their arsenal! - "All Back, Right Back, Left Back, All Ahead, All Down, Get Left, Get Right, and "Oh S*@t!".

At the bottom there are two exits. The one on the left is preferred because a raft can fit. The right one is called the Mail Slot, a narrow slot between two huge boulders - rafts can make, but they have to balance on one tube.

No Name - Class II

A neat little s-turn move throught some large boulders with a small hole at the end.

Conestoga Rock - Class III

Named after a large boulder on the top left that looks like a conestoda wagon (the old west covered wagons). This rapid has two parts. The top drops over a nice little ledge, followed by some small waves to a calmer section. This allows you time to decide which of the three chutes you want to take. The far right one is a very shallow horseshoe ledge and the middle line is a fold drop into a hole that has a nast rock, Tombstone, in the back that likes to keep swimmers stuck in the whole. Your only real option is the left line. Don't stay in the main current the whole way, there is a pinning rock (Rookie Rock) right at the end in the middle. You can go left or right of - decide quickly because is you hesitate you'll hit that rock which may result in a nasty pin.

Shipwreck - Class V+

This a scary rapid with the largest undercut rock on the river called Shipwreck (looks like the front of a ship rising up out of the water) blocking off most of the river - you have to go left or right of it and they are both really narrow lines. Everyone gets their game face on for this on - you can here it the guides voice and talk up. The top has two technical lines - left or right. The left line is a fast, narrow line with some fast water and waves. At the bottom of this is a nasty razorback rock hidden behind a nice wave you don't want to hit. The right line is slower but usually requires you to spin off some shallow rocks and ledges. Either line, be prepared for the "All Down" command if you get off line. On the left line you have the choice to ferry across, in front of the huge undercut, to the right or bump along the left shore and knife under the prowl of the ship. The right line clears up after the inital entrance and you stay right all the way down. At the bottom right is the Orange Juice Squeezer, a tight chute between two big boulders that can squeeze you through if you are just a little off. A great rapid if you are on line, but everyone breaths a little easier after this one.

No Names - Class II

This little rapid has wide open lines on the left. Miss the boulders and you are fine.

Guide Ejector - Class II+

A cool little rapid directly above Iron Ring. Take the left chute - a tight, neat little drop. The center line is not a good choice - this is were guides can get thrown into the air if they hit the hidden rock. The far right line was the original line eveyone took in the early days to enter Iron Ring but everyone quickly learned that the left line gave you a better setup for it.

Iron Ring - Class V

The fourth of the "Big Five" legendary rapids. Originally classified as a Class VI rapid when they first started rafting this river because of the undercut at the top and Woodstock Rock at the bottom - everyone use to walk around it. There is really only one line through this one - either you're on it, or you wish you were. You can't see this one either until you enter it. At the top you key off two great waves, putting your left tube on the right edge of them, moving left to right before turning down into the rapid.

This is a big, fast drop into a big hole that soaks everyone. Too far right and you hit the right shore, folding the boat. To far left and you drop over Woodstock Rock (pour-over) which will envelopes the raft. There is a nice big pool at the bottom left - stay away from the right shore undercuts.

The Hole - Class II

Not really a named rapid, there is a great hole you can drop into that is a blast.

Keegan's Falls - Class II+

A short broken ledge drop. Key off the pointed rock at the top right and go right of it. There are some nice waves here. There is a really nasty ledge pour-over on the far left that you want to avoid.

Double Dilemma - Class IV

A technical rapid, it is shallow with several pinning locations. Enter left of center and then immediately move to the right between two boulders. There are some shallow rocks here that can spin you out of control. There is a really nasty pinning rock on the left. Watch your toes, this is a very shallow rapid in the middle section.

Fingernail - Class III+

A large flat rock on the left is called Fingernail, a notorious undercut. The wide green chute in front of this rock looks inviting but don't take it. Take the center line to the right of the rock for a fairly clean line.

Nutra Sweet - Class II

A small rapid with wide, clean lines leading to the pool above Sweet's Falls. 

Sweet's Falls - Class V

The last of the "Big Five" legendary rapids. It's show Time! As you drift in the pool above the falls, you'll notice that both sides of the river are lined with people. You hear a low rumble, and you think it's the river. As you get closer, however, you realize it's the crowd chanting!

The raft line is a 15-foot tongue of churning water. On the right is a vertical-drop with a very sticky hole at the base call the Energizer. On the left is Guide Ejector (Snaggletooth) - a rock protruding from the waterfall that has been known to "eject" paddlers from their raft. Navigated correctly, however, the tongue is so smooth, you don't even have to paddle.

Of course, the rapid isn't over - as soon as the falls are dropped, you and all the force of the river are screaming towards Postage Due - a flat rock that many rafts have been "Stamped" against.

Just to the left of the rock is The Box. A raft can easily fit into The Box but getting out is a little trickier. Of course, if the boat angle is just right, or a crew is strong enough to back ferry away from the rock, there are smooth, open waters to the right of Postage Due.

No Names - Class II

Below the Sweet's there are three small rapids with wide, easy lines. Basically they are large boulders with current going around them. It's perfect, it's really the first time you get to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and it gives you time to talk about what just happened at the falls.

Nemesis - Class III

This rapid starts off with large boulders you work around to the left. The channel narrows and you want to be on the right as you drop down a series of broken ledges twards the right shore. There are some nice hits here. At the bottom you will follow the main current along the right shore.

Thumper - Class III

There are three different lines here. Most opt for the far left for the easiest and cleanest line. The center line you must work left to right avoiding an undercut. You will slide towards the right shore and follow it around as it curves back out into the river center. This area of the shore is undercut as well.The far right line is basically a kayak slot that some smaller rafts try.

Driftwood - Class II+

A long Class II rapid with multiple lines. There are some barely hidden rocks that you sometimes bump and spin off if you're not careful but nothing too bad.

Mason's Branch Access:

Take out point for the Double Upper Trips.

No Names - Class II

There are three no name rapids after Mason's Branch Access. They all have obvious lines with a few fun waves and moves.

Tinkle Falls - Class II

This is a fun little rapid that allows you to paddle under a cool little (unless we have had heavey rain) waterfall. There are few moves after the waterfall but nothing too serious.

Pipeline - Class II

This is where a gas line cuts across the gorge and under the river. This was the original access point for the Upper and Lower sections - it was a brutal hike. Now we have good roads and several private access points. The rapid here requires you to weave in and out of some small rocks and ledges - nothing difficult.

Swimmers - Class II

Guests really enjoy this one - you can intentionally swim an easy rapid if you choose too. There is a big pool above and below. There are some nice waves you can swim through or avoid.

Gillespie's Hole - Class III

A fun rapid that you enter on the left center between some ledges and you move towards the center to hit Gillespie's Hole, a sticky little hole that is sometimes surfed.

Jump Rock

Just downstream of Gillespie's, on river right, is a great Jump Rock that most people choose to jump off. It's about 15 to 20 feet to the water.

No Names - Class II

There are three no name rapids, close together after Jump Rock that requires easy moves to avoid any problems.

Chicken Enders - Class III

There are two lines here, with the left line called Chicken Enders. The current sweeps you towards river left and a large flat boulder. Drive to the right between this rock and another one to your right. You will find a lot of kayakers playing here.

Pencil Sharpener - Class IV

This is the right line from above and is a more difficult line than Chicken Enders. Most people choose the other because of the undercuts here. But a good crew and a small raft may take this one on.

Fuzzy Box of Kittens - Class II+

This is a very decieving rapid that looks wide open on the left. As you get into the rapid you will see a small wave. This wave drops off on the backside for a big hit. Many unsuspecting paddlers fall into the water here - there is a calm pool directly downstream and swims are not that bad.

Wood's Ferry - Class IV

The last rapid on the Upper Gauley finishes the trip with an exclamation mark - Wood's Ferry is a big rapid! Most enter the top in the center and try to hit a meaty, slamming hole in the right center of the rapid. After this hole is a bunch of confusing waves with a nice ledge drop. Now you are faceing Julie's Juicer, a huge flat boulder on the right, creating one of the most unique hits on the river. This twisting, slanted hole can cause problems if you get too deep into it, it could flip the raft! Directly downstream are a few rocks in the center that you want to miss. Shorty after this final ride you will take out.

Lower Gauley River Rapids

Put-In for the Lower Gauley: Upstream of Wood's Ferry

Fuzzy Box of Kittens - Class II+

This is a very decieving rapid that looks wide open on the left. As you get into the rapid you will see a small wave. This wave drops off on the backside for a big hit. Many unsuspecting paddlers fall into the water here - there is a calm pool directly downstream and swims are not that bad.

Wood's Ferry - Class IV

The first big rapid on the Lower Gauley finishes the trip with an exclamation mark - Wood's Ferry is a big rapid! Most center the top in the center and try to hit a meaty, slamming hole in the right center of the rapid. After this hole is a bunch of confusing waves with a nice ledge drop. Now you are faceing Julie's Juicer, a huge flat boulder on the right, creating one of the most unique hits on the river. This twisting, slanted hole can cause problems if you get too deep into it, it could flip the raft! Directly downstream are a few rocks in the center that you want to miss.

Ender Waves - Class III

The top of the rapid has a few shallow ledges you must work throught, moving left to right and then back towards the center, to set up for one of the funnest roller-coaster wave trains on the river in the center.

Walk Your Dog - Class II

A simple top section with clear lines between several rocks. A few waves before it calms down into a moving pool that heads for a large boulder on the left. In the older days guides would attempt to slide up to this rock, jump out of the raft and walk along it as the raft drifted by, and they would jump back into the raft. This practice ended years later after a few nasty pins and swims. Now everyone easily avoids the rock to the right.

Slider - Class II+

The main line is center right. Guides attempt to get as close to the large rock on the right without hitting it. A few nice waves below this rock.

No Name - Class II

You can go left or right with the easiest line on the right.

Decap Rock - Class III

With a wide clear path on the left, most guides attempt to paddle the raft by themselves between two rocks on the right. It is a very narrow chute, with Decap Rock (a pointed rock that part of the raft must go under) on the right. There is a rock directly downstream that you avoid by going to the left of it.

No Name - Class II

A simple rapid with fairly easy lines. You can go left or right of the center rocks.

Hippo Falls - Class III

There are three routes here, left, right and center. The left line is the easiest with the right line being very shallow. The center line is the most interesting with you having to go between two large boulders and missing another large boulder in the center just to the left.

No Name - Class II

A simple rapid with a few rock you need to avoid. There is a small ripple above and below this no name rapid.

Tunnel - Class II

A small rapid just upstream of the Koontz Bend Railroad Tunnel. Clear lines and a few easily avoided rocks.

Koontz Bend - Class III

Also known as Chainsaw, this rapid sits at a sharp right hand turn of the river. The center line is wide and open, but you must be careful due to the fact the water tries to sweep a raft to the far left shore were some nasty pinning rocks are.

No Name - Class II

Directly below Koontz Bend, this is a rocky little rapid. The easiest line is right of center.

S.R.T - Class II+

"Screaming Right Turn" is a fun little rapid that you start out on the right, avoiding some rocks in a narrow chute and then move center and then right.

No Name - Class II

You have several lines in the center, but the far left chute is the tightest and funnest.

No Name - Class II

If done right, this is a challenging little rapid to run clean. There are a lot of little rocks that can stall and spin a raft if you're not careful.

Backender - Class IV

This is a pushy and powerful rapid with a steep drop and narrow channel. Entering on the right, you must make a move to the left to avoid the undercut right rock and to catch a really fun wave-train with a nice hit at the bottom. After the hit you must move to the left to stay in the current and not hit the large rock on the right.

No Name - Class I

Small clean lines.

No Name - Class II

There are a couple of hidden rock ledges here to avoid with most rafts going to the right.

Koontz Flume - Class V

This is a short, powerful rapid with a giant undercut on the right. With most of the water pushing you towards the undercut, most guides will take the right center line, just right of a big pourover. If you are going to drop the pourover you are going to want some momentum to punch through it. Just past the pourover you will move imediately to the left droping the "Flume". The bottom is straight forward with some nice waves. On the bottom left is Five Boat Hole, a huge flat hole that is runnable and a lot of kayakers like to surf.

Be sure to smile in this rapid because the photographer is on the left shore.

No Name - Class II

This little rapid is straight forward with no real problems. It helps get you focused for Canyon Doors.

Canyon Doors - Class III

This is the most scenic rapid on the Gauley River with its sheer sandstone cliff walls on the right shore. The key to this rapid is the entrance setup. On the right side is a narrow chute, a broken ledge, that you hit going right to left. Just downstream on the right is a nasty pinning rock that most of the current tries to push you up on. After avoiding this rock you will be following the curve of the river as it turns to the left. There are some nice waves in the main current with a second little drop at the end.

Junkyard - Class III

With sheer walls on the right, the rapid splits into two lines. The right line starts off with a tight slot that keeps you on your toes. There are some nice waves over here. The left line is shallow and a little easier, but there is a nasty flat, undercut rock on the let shore you must avoid.

No Name - Class II

Simple drop with rocks on the right and the main chute on the left.

Rock Garden - Class II+

With three drops combined with little rocks moves in between them, this is the longest Class II rapid on the river. There is nothing earth shattering here but you must constantly check your line and maneuver around the hundreds of rocks sprinkled everywhere. Afternoon trips, when the sun is shinning just right, the reflection can add a little more challenege to this one.

Peter's Creek - Class III

Also known as Trestle because of the railroad bridge you must go under, this rapid gives you the choice of going left or right of the little island in the middle of the river. Most take the left line in the center. Both lines are straight forward. Avoid the the bridge piers and the sharp metal around them.

No Name - Class II+

With a small ripple above, this rapid is notorious for all the hidden rocks that rafts spin off of or get temporarly stuck on. No major concerns.

Curler Wave - Class III

With a rock garden entrance and several lines to take, you will have to decide to either set up for the wide open right line on the roght or navigate to the tight left line for a cool little chute drop. Most choose the left line and work back to the right to set up for some nice waves at the bottom.

Upper Mash - Class IV

Probably the most technical rapid on the river, there are several ways to enter this rapid on the left. A lot of rafts will pinball off the rocks of get temporarly stuck. Half way through the rapid is a nasty undercut on the right you want to miss followed by a nasty pinning rock in the center you can go left or right of.

Going right of this rock gives you time to catch a big eddy on the right to take a break before entering Lower Mash, while going left usually means you are going to run Lower Mash immediately.

Lower Mash - Class V

The key to this rapid is a pointed rock at the top. To the right of it is a narrow chute that drops off into a shallow ledge and should be avaioded at lower water levels. The goal is to go left of the rock. It pushy just above it and it can be tricky setting up for the main slot and getting the perfect hit on one of the biggest waves on the river. There's not much time to celebrate the big hit because immediately downstream on the left is a huge bolder, undercut, that you want to miss to the right.

At high water levels, above 5,000 cfs, this rapid becomes a monster.

No Names - Class II

Directly below Lower Mash are two little rapids close together that have wide open lines on the right.

Diagonal Ledges - Class III

With a tight entrance on the top left, you will hit a couple of waves before coming to a couple of wide shallow shelf rock ledges, set at an angle to the current that are a lot of fun navigating through. This is a popular kayak hangout, so we try not to run over to many of them.

Heaven Help You - Class V

The top of the rapid is wide and shallow with the best entrance on the left center, just right of a jagged rock. As you pick yor way through the river narrows, gaining speed. You will see a nice wave train to the right, in the center of the river. On the right is a nasty pourover you will want a lot of momentum if you have to run it. How you run the wave train will decide the outcome at the bottom of the rapid when you approach the The Gates of Hell. Two large boulders guarding the main channel, giving you only about a ten foot wide gap to make it through. To far left and you will hit the left gate which usually means a flip. To far right and you will drop over the right gate, usually a nasty pourover in the fall. Between the two gates is a big, twisting hit. Directly downstream in the center of the river is a large, flat angled boulder you want to miss to the left or right.

No Name - Class II

A couple of large boulders on the left center mark this small rapid most run to the right or center.

Rocky Top - Class III

A boulder garden entrance with several lines, most enter on the right and work their way towards the center. After navigating the top section the rapid opens up with most rafts following the right center line were there are some nice waves and a nice hit on the bottom right.

No Name - Class II

A simple little drop that is wide open on the right.

Picture Rock - Class III

The center line works its way around some large bolders with a nice hit at the bottom. After the river calms down you will come to Picture Rock - a single, house-size boulder sitting in the middle of the river. It is an impressive sight.

Upper Staircase - Class III

Usually run down the left side, this is a long rapid with several hits you have to work at to get them all. Watch out for the nasty double pourover in the middle of the rapid.

Lower Staircase - Class III

This is a fun rapid with one of the best wave trains on the entire river. The main line is in the middle, there is a great hit towards the bottom and you need to try an avoid a nasty pinning rock on the right. 

No Names - Class II

There are three no names in a row after Lower staircase that are spaced out and easy to navigate through.

Roller Coaster - Class III

This rapid has a nice little wave train with a nice hit at the bottom. Most rafts enter the left and follow the waves to the bottom hit.

Cliffside - Class III

A fairly open begining that most boats enter center and then move to the left shore. The left chute takes you through a narrow passage between the left cliff face and a large boulder to the right. Stay in the main current to avoid a little bump rock on the right.

Rattlesnake - Class III

Most rafts enter this rapid on the left and then move towards the center and then back to the right through some nice broken ledges. The key is to stay out of the pinning rocks on the left. It calms down with a nice little hit at the bottom.

Rooster Tail - Class III

Most rafts enter this one on the left and follow the current to a nice wave train at the bottom. Stay on your toes because there are a few sneaky rocks you could hit towards the bottom.

Monolith Bay

This is not a rapid, but directly below Rooster Tail you will enter a calm pool with dozen's of huge boluders sprinkled in the river. A cool place to drift through and relaxe before the last big rapid.

Pure Screaming Hell - Class V

This rapid could replace any one of the "Big Five" on the Upper section and no one would complain! It is a big, long rapid with Hell Hole waiting at the bottom - probably the meanest and most powerful hole on the entire river.

The top of the rapid seems pretty straight forward - but it is deceptive! There are several hidden hazards (rocks) that are just waiting under the surface of the water to catch the sleeping guide. Thankfully your guide is fully awake for this one. As you maneuver through the top, you pick up speed. All the water is trying to throw you to the right shore - exactly where you don't want to be. As you fight back to river left, you have to set up for Hell Hole. You have to have the exact angle and enough power to punch through this hole or you may end up flipping!

It's not a bad swim - it is relatively calm below it.

Swimmers Rapid - Class I

It is up to you, but if you so choose, your guide will allow you to swim this little rapid. It's relatively calm with a few small waves, with most folks jumping right in and enjoying the experience.

Sugar Creek Access:

This private access eliminates one and a half hours, or three and a half miles, of relatively flat water everyone else must paddle. It allows our guests to get back to basecamp hours before the other outfitters.

Gauley River Map

Ranked in the Top-Ten commercially run rivers on the planet. Within 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, it has some of the biggest waves and holes on the river.
• 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 dramatically - even the smaller Fall Release and no-name rapids can have multiple drops.

Download Gauley River Map