Upper Gauley River
+ Years
Overview
West Virginia’s Most Challenging Whitewater
For six weekends every September and October, the gates are opened on Summersville Dam and Gauley Season begins. Comprised of two sections, the Upper and Lower Gauley, the Gauley River offers rafting trips for both newer and more experienced rafters. The full day Upper Gauley trip is jam packed with excitement, thrills, and a delicious riverside lunch.
The Upper Gauley River is what whitewater is all about…if you’re an experienced rafter. This is West Virginia’s most challenging commercial whitewater rafting trip. The Upper Gauley River is the epitome of whitewater excitement! Consistently ranked as one of the top five rivers to raft in the world and one of the top three in the country, it is the “Whitewater of Legends” and known for its high-volume, technical whitewater. This adventure is recommended for experienced rafters who are ready for an intense challenge–one that will demand all your paddling power.
The elevation changes as you descend the Upper Gauley, and you’ll drop over 335 feet in less than 12 miles. This is the hallmark of a whitewater river, a rapid decrease in elevation over short distance. Five class V rapids, dubbed the “Big Five Rapids” await your descent. Epic rapids, including Lost Paddle and Pillow Rock will become something that you remember forever.
After running all the Big Five Rapids, you’ll take a breather and enjoy a riverside lunch before tackling more Class IV rapids. At the end of the day, you’ll reminisce on the bus ride back to Adventures on the Gorge about the pulse-pounding whitewater, the waves, and even the incredible lunch that you enjoyed riverside. You did it! You rafted the Upper Gauley!
Book your Whitewater Rafting Adventure Today!
Resources
FAQ
About the River
What’s Included
Transportation is covered from the resort to the river and back again. We’ll also provide all your rafting equipment (helmet, personal flotation device or PFD, paddle, and boat) and a complimentary beverage. This is a full day trip, so you'll enjoy a riverside lunch partway through the trip.
What to Bring
Bring any medication you need throughout the day, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes to keep at the resort to change into after your trip. Guides carry small, waterproof bags to stow necessary medications. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you may also want a synthetic layer. The Gauley River, due to its nature as a dam release river, is colder than some naturally flowing rivers. If necessary, wetsuits and splash jackets are available for rent. Call us to book those, too.
Trip Time
Your Boat & Guide
Our standard, 16-foot rafts comfortably seat eight rafters and one river guide. Upgrades to 14-foot and 12-foot rafts are available to reserve. Your river guide sits in the back of the raft, where they’ll give instructions for when and how to paddle through each rapid and share their expertise about our rivers and region. Learn more about our guides.
Requirements and Limits
Group Reservations
Custom quotes are available for groups of over 15. Call us to learn more!
Safety
Our trip leaders and river guides will talk through specific guidelines and requirements on site before you head for the water.