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North American River Runners: Whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia (WV).
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Gauley River

Considered one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world, the Gauley River is West Virginia's legendary run. Each fall, Summersville Dam opens wide to unleash this “Beast of the East.” Over 23 days of high adventure and fun, thousands of gallons of water per second begin their roaring, pounding journey to the sea... dropping 650 feet over 26 miles, thundering and frothing over thousands of boulders, and creating steep drops, massive holes, and colossal waves. Technically demanding, the Gauley offers more than 100 major rapids, 56 of them Class III-V+. So, grab a paddle and a guide, because this is Gauley Season, and to you it means unmatched and unforgettable excitement.

UPPER GAULEY RIVER
World Class White Water Rafting: Class III-V+, ages 16 and up.

UPPER GAULEY RIVER
Multiple Trip Options - Descriptions & Rate Information below.

UPPER GAULEY RIVER OVERNIGHTS
The Gauley Overnight is our Most Popular 2-Day Trip. Learn more

UPPER GAULEY RIVER PACKAGES
Add lodging and meals to your trip and save! Learn more

UPPER GAULEY RIVER VIDEO
See the Upper Gauley on the NARR Video Player. Watch now

UPPER GAULEY RIVER SLIDESHOW
Check out a day of Rafting on the Upper Gauley. Watch now

UPPER GAULEY RIVER RAPIDS
Rapid Names, Classifications and Scale of Difficulty. Learn more


GAULEY RIVER - SPRING & SUMMER 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.

The Spring/Summer Gauley is available in a one-day format, departs in the morning, is available April through Labor Day, has a minimum age of 14 and is rated R. The Spring/Summer Gauley is potentially one of our most challenging runs. Due to fluctuating water levels and river conditions NARR river staff has discretion to run the trip on any section of the Gauley River, in their choice of craft including duckies, or move to the New River without advance notice. If you have time, try the best of both rivers - the Lower New and the Spring/Summer Gauley. A second day of rafting entitles you to a 25% discount. Click on trip for rate.

Spring/Summer Gauley - Full day on the river (five to seven hours), lunch included.

GAULEY RIVER - FALL TRIPS

Downstream from Summersville Dam, the boundary of the Gauley River Recreation Area begins and so does the annual fall migration of whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. In cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers, water is released from the dam into the Gauley riverbed on a scheduled basis each fall. Beginning the first Friday after Labor Day and concluding the Sunday after Bridge Day, world-class whitewater and West Virginia’s famous fall foliage collide in a spectacle of color and excitement. Two raft options are available: Standard (maximum nine plus guide) and High Adventure (maximum five plus guide). The High Adventure format is definitely a wetter and wilder ride on either the Lower or the Upper Gauley.

2008 Gauley Season Release Dates in blue:

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UPPER GAULEY RIVER TRIPS

This is the “main event” in world-class rafting! This section includes five of the most memorable drops in North America. Experienced and adventurous rafters are preferred - this remote canyon is not the place to find out that rafting is not your cup of tea (and it’s not fair to the other folks on the trip to have to carry your weight). This is big whitewater with a heightened potential for dangerous consequences when errors are made.

The Fall Upper Gauley trips are available in a one- and two-day format. Both formats depart in the morning, are available in September and October, have a minimum age of 16 and are rated R. Click on trip for rates.

Upper Gauley - Full day on the river, lunch included.

Upper Gauley Camping Package - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights camping, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Upper Gauley Cabin Tent Package (min 4) - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights cabin tent, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Full Gauley - Full 26-mile day on both sections, lunch included.

Full Gauley Camping Package - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights camping, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Full Gauley Cabin Tent Package (min 4) - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights cabin tent, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Gauley River Overnight - First day is a full day on the Upper with lunch, dinner and riverside camping. Second day is a full day on the Lower with breakfast and lunch. Tents are included.

High Adventure Upper Gauley - Same as a one day trip except for a wetter and wilder ride in the smallest raft that conditions permit.

LOWER GAULEY RIVER TRIPS

LOWER GAULEY RIVER
World Class White Water Rafting: Class II-IV, ages 14 and up.

LOWER GAULEY RIVER
Multiple Trip Options - Descriptions & Rate Information below.

LOWER GAULEY RIVER OVERNIGHTS
Try the popular Reverse Gauley Overnight Trip. Learn more

LOWER GAULEY RIVER PACKAGES
Add lodging and meals to your trip and save! Learn more

LOWER GAULEY RIVER VIDEO
See the Lower Gauley on the NARR Video Player. Watch now

LOWER GAULEY RIVER SLIDESHOW
Check out a day of Rafting on the Lower Gauley. Watch now

LOWER GAULEY RIVER RAPIDS
Rapid Names, Classifications and Scale of Difficulty. Learn more

Revered by seasoned boaters and welcomed by novices, the Lower Gauley is a great prelude to the Upper Gauley, yet can stand on its own. Roller coaster waves and big hydraulics create drenching runs on this beautiful section of river.

The Fall Lower Gauley is available in one- and two-day formats. Both formats depart in the morning, are available in September and October, have a minimum age of 14 and are rated PG. Click on trip for rates.

Lower Gauley - Full day on the river, lunch included.

Lower Gauley Camping Package - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights camping, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Lower Gauley Cabin Tent Package (min 4) - Full day of rafting with lunch, 2 nights camping, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Great Rate - Book Online!

Reverse Gauley Overnight - First day is a full day on the Lower with lunch, dinner and camping at NARR’s basecamp. Second day is a full day on the Upper with lunch.

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