Our Rivers

Technical
The New and Gauley rivers in southern West Virginia provide drainage for numerous tributaries west of the Allegheny Front. Having amassed a large amount of water, they are then forced through constrictive canyons and unleash their energy as they encounter obstacles such as rocks in the riverbed. Additionally, these rivers gain speed as the gradient increases. The gradient is how much the river drops over a certain space and is measured in feet per mile (fpm). The New River has about half the gradient of the Gauley River and twice the canyon depth. By comparison, the Mississippi River has a gradient of slightly over one-half foot per mile from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

Historical
The New River was a trade route and hunting grounds in the spring and summer for Native Americans. First discovered in the 1650’s, it wasn’t until the 1870’s that railroad tracks were set down and the coal boom exploded. One hundred years later, the coal towns came and went, and commercial rafting began its boom. Today, 53 miles of the New River Gorge are protected under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service as New River Gorge National River (established 1978).

The Gauley River has had its history steeped in the timbering and logging industry, and the Civil War. On September 10, 1861, a major event of significance happened at the confluence of the Gauley and Meadow rivers. In 1988, 25 miles of the Gauley River and six miles of the Meadow River were added to the National Park Service as the Gauley River National Recreation Area.

Recreational
Both rivers offer fun, excitement and adventure for just about everyone. As a common resource, the river is shared by a variety of enthusiasts and their respective sports: camping, hiking, walking, climbing, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. Peak day use is on the weekends, although weekday use is on the rise as people increasingly discover the benefits of vacationing close to home. Both national parks are within driving distance to the majority of the east coast. Direct flights into Charleston - only an hour north and west of here - have increased ease of access for many people seeking a refreshing break from everyday life.