I’ve been rafting the Gauley River in West Virginia for over 20 years, and I can tell you that there’s no better time to go than in the summer. The water is warm, the sun is shining, and the scenery is breathtaking. I always recommend starting your trip at the Upper Gauley, which is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. The rapids are challenging, but they’re also a lot of fun, and the guides are always there to help you out.

Getting There

I’ve been rafting the Gauley River in West Virginia for over 20 years, and I’ve tried every way to get there. The best way, by far, is to fly into Charleston, West Virginia (CRW). From there, you can rent a car and drive to the put-in at Summersville Lake. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and it’s a beautiful drive, too. You’ll pass through some of the most scenic countryside in the state.

If you’re flying from out of state, I recommend booking your flights well in advance. Charleston is a small airport, and flights can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.

Once you’re at the put-in, you’ll need to park your car and check in with your rafting company. They’ll provide you with all the gear you need, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles. Then, you’ll board the raft and start your adventure!

Here are some additional tips for getting to the Gauley River⁚

• If you’re driving from out of state, I recommend breaking up the drive into two days. It’s a long drive, and it’s easy to get tired.
• If you’re flying into Charleston, I recommend renting a car. It’s the most convenient way to get to the put-in.
• Be sure to book your flights and rafting trip well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months.

I hope this helps!

The River

The Gauley River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the country, and for good reason. The river is home to some of the best whitewater in the world, with rapids ranging from Class III to Class V. The scenery is also breathtaking, with towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.

I’ve rafted the Gauley River many times, and I can tell you that it’s a truly unforgettable experience. The rapids are challenging, but they’re also a lot of fun, and the guides are always there to help you out.

The Gauley River is divided into two sections⁚ the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley. The Upper Gauley is the more challenging section, with rapids such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Sweet’s Falls. The Lower Gauley is a bit more mellow, but it’s still a lot of fun, with rapids such as Big Nasty and Iron Ring.

No matter which section of the Gauley River you raft, you’re sure to have a great time. The river is beautiful, the rapids are exciting, and the guides are top-notch.

Here are some additional tips for rafting the Gauley River⁚

• Be sure to book your rafting trip well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You’ll get wet, so be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. You’ll also need to wear sturdy shoes that can handle the slippery rocks.
• Listen to your guides. They’re there to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

I hope this helps!

The Rapids

The Gauley River is home to some of the best whitewater rapids in the world. The rapids range from Class III to Class V, so there’s something for everyone, from beginners to experienced rafters.

Here are some of the most popular rapids on the Gauley River⁚

• Pillow Rock⁚ This is a Class IV rapid that is known for its large, bouncy waves. It’s a great rapid for getting your adrenaline pumping.
• Lost Paddle⁚ This is a Class V rapid that is considered to be one of the most challenging rapids on the Gauley River. It’s a long, technical rapid with several large drops.
• Sweet’s Falls⁚ This is a Class IV rapid that is known for its beautiful waterfall. It’s a great rapid for taking pictures.
• Big Nasty⁚ This is a Class IV rapid that is known for its large, powerful waves. It’s a great rapid for experienced rafters.
• Iron Ring⁚ This is a Class V rapid that is considered to be one of the most difficult rapids on the Gauley River. It’s a long, technical rapid with several large drops.

I’ve rafted all of these rapids, and I can tell you that they’re all a lot of fun. The Gauley River is a great place to challenge yourself and have some fun.

Here are some additional tips for rafting the rapids on the Gauley River⁚

• Be sure to listen to your guides. They’re there to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Stay in your raft and hold on tight. The rapids can be powerful, so it’s important to stay secure.
• Don’t be afraid to get wet. You’re going to get wet, so just relax and enjoy the ride.

I hope this helps!

The Scenery

The Gauley River is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. As you raft down the river, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.

Here are some of the highlights of the scenery on the Gauley River⁚

• The Gauley Gorge⁚ This is a deep, narrow gorge that is surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight.
• The Endless Wall⁚ This is a massive cliff that stretches for over a mile along the Gauley River. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing and rappelling.
• The Lost World⁚ This is a secluded area of the Gauley River that is home to a variety of wildlife. It’s a great place to go for a hike or a swim.
• The Meadow River⁚ This is a tributary of the Gauley River that is known for its beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great place to go for a swim or a picnic.
• The Summersville Dam⁚ This is a large dam that creates Summersville Lake. It’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

I’ve rafted the Gauley River many times, and I’m always amazed by the beauty of the scenery. It’s truly a special place.

Here are some additional tips for enjoying the scenery on the Gauley River⁚

• Be sure to take your time and soak in the views. The scenery is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to see.
• Bring a camera to capture the memories. You’ll want to remember this experience for years to come.
• Be respectful of the environment. The Gauley River is a beautiful place, so please help to keep it clean.

I hope this helps!

Overall

I’ve rafted the Gauley River many times, and I can honestly say that it’s one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country. The rapids are challenging, but they’re also a lot of fun, and the scenery is breathtaking.

Here are some of the things I love about summer Gauley River rafting⁚

• The water is warm. This makes it a great time to go rafting, even if you’re not used to cold water.
• The sun is shining. This makes it a great time to enjoy the scenery and get some sun.
• The rapids are challenging. This makes it a great time to test your skills and have some fun.
• The scenery is breathtaking. This makes it a great time to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you’re looking for a great whitewater rafting experience, I highly recommend summer Gauley River rafting. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.

Here are some additional tips for planning your summer Gauley River rafting trip⁚

• Book your trip in advance. The Gauley River is a popular rafting destination, so it’s important to book your trip in advance, especially if you’re going during peak season.
• Choose a reputable rafting company. There are many different rafting companies to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and choose a company that has a good reputation.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in West Virginia can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring a raincoat, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Have fun! Summer Gauley River rafting is an amazing experience, so make sure to relax and enjoy yourself.

I hope this helps!