West Virginia comes alive every fall with whitewater rafting adventurers seeking out the Gauley River. Load up your gear and head to Randolph, Webster, Nicholas, or Fayette County for some of the most rugged terrains in the country.

Starting Labor Day weekend and continuing for six weeks is Gauley Season. When you are seeking some whitewater adventure, consider whitewater rafting The Gauley River because it offers up over 100 steep gradient rapids to fulfill every thrill seekers dream. Two sections of this fabulous river will have you speeding down and across the rapids in no time.

This one-time year event happens around when the dam is scheduled for release, giving all adrenaline gurus a rush in a setting of wilderness for some 25 miles.

THE UPPER GAULEY

When your adrenaline has you pumped up and rearing to go, head to the upper Gauley. Pillow Rock and Iron Ring are just two of the outstanding class lll to V+ chutes and drops you will encounter. For even more high pumping action, maneuver along the rocky routes of Shipwreck or Lost Paddle.

The upper Gauley is hands down the most challenging trip when whitewater rafting. The upper Gauley expects you to pump out some extreme paddling power and bring it full speed. You earn your badge of honor when tackling this part of the river.  

These high rolling rapids will have you gliding along smoothly, and then before you know it, you are sideways, water pouring in, facing the mighty white-capped loud rapids and bam out of the raft. If the 12 miles of secluded remoteness along over 50 class ll through V whitewater rapids do not give you a thrill, the 14’ cascading waterfall surely will!

THE LOWER GAULEY

Should you not be a master at whitewater rafting just yet or are experienced looking for some milder class lll-V run, the Lower Gauley is calling your name. Fifty rapids await you along with some big water guaranteed to have you craving more as you traverse over ten miles.

Most of your excursion will have you sailing through coaster waves to class lll and IV rapids, then to a superb class V to top off your fun.

SAFETY

Now that you have considered whitewater rafting the Gauley River, are you going to venture out on your own privately, or book with a local guide/outfitter? Whitewater rafting is intense and risky, therefore before you jump right in and let it all hang out, take into consideration that someone could potentially lose their life.

Ensure that everyone who climbs on board with you knows the risks and agrees to take responsibility for their safety freely. Being able to swim before running whitewater rivers is strongly advised.

Almost all guides/outfitters have minimum age requirements. For instance, the minimum age could be 16 for the upper Gauley and 12 years of age for the Lower Gauley. Before booking your excursion, read all FAQs and information so that no one is disappointed because they are too young.

CONCLUSION

Whitewater rafting on the Gauley River is a great way to challenge yourself, bring your family closer together, or have fun with a group of friends. In West Virginia, with the whitewater season being noticeably short, do not forget to book in advance so that you do not miss out on an incredible memory-making moment on the Gauley River.