GAULEY RIVER – NEW RIVER
West Virginia white water rafting trips on the New
River are fun for all ages and abilities. The Gauley
River is a thrill seeker’s dream
come true. West Virginia’s rivers, which
are within a one-day drive of half the US population, offer terrific choices
for whitewater rafting from family rafting adventures on the Upper New River to
the famous whitewater challenges of the Lower New River Gorge ,
Lower
Gauley and world class Upper
Gauley River sections.
Over 2,000 miles of rivers
and streams flowing out of the lush Appalachian Mountains make the Gauley River and
the New River the ultimate year round playground for
whitewater rafters.
The New River offers rafting trips appropriate for families and a wide range
of rafting enthusiasts from early spring until late fall; with rapids ranging
from class I-III on the Upper New, and class
II-V on the Lower
New River Gorge.
The Gauley
River in West Virginia
is world renowned for being one of the world's top ten whitewater rafting
destinations. The annual fall water release of the Summersville Dam creates
high flows up to 2800 cubic feet per second with the Gauley dropping 650 feet
over 26 miles and featuring steep drops, massive holes and big waves.
Technically demanding, the Lower Gauley
River section combines big waves
and drops and is the next logical choice after rafting the Lower New.
The Upper Gauley is
big and technical.
Rapids like
Insignificant, Pillow, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring and Sweet’s Falls drop15 to 35
feet in less than a ¼ mile and are rated class V+.
