Our favorite season of the year returns September 6th, 2024!
Gauley Season 2024
Experienced rafters consider the Gauley River to be one of the best whitewater adventures found in the United States. Thrill seekers from around the world make the pilgrimage to West Virginia for this action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventure that only comes around once a year – Gauley Season! For seven weekends this September and October, controlled releases from the Summersville Dam allow participants to experience the powerful rapids, raging currents, and legendary waves of the Gauley River. If you are looking to get in on the action this Gauley Season, here are a few things you should know.
The Upper and Lower Gauley
The Gauley River is comprised of two sections: the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley. The Upper Gauley River is the pinnacle of whitewater experiences and is recommended for experienced rafters. This 11-mile trip is known for its high intensity and huge waves. On the Upper Gauley River, you'll descend five Class V Rapids, aptly named the "Big Five Rapids" including Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Iron Ring. You'll also drop Sweet's Falls, a 14-foot waterfall and the last of the Upper Gauley's Big Five Rapids. The powerful currents and technical wave trains on the Upper Gauley mean this is one of the most extreme rafting trips offered commercially and it provides an adventure you will never forget.
Though slightly less intense, the Lower Gauley provides an exhilarating, memorable whitewater experience. With Class III and IV rapids, the Lower Gauley offers roller coaster wave trains and stunning scenery that can only be reached when you raft this section of the river. The Lower Gauley is a step up in difficulty from the Lower New and while first-time rafters can raft the Lower Gauley, they must be prepared for miles of powerful whitewater and intense rapids.
Gauley River Experiences
Those seeking the ultimate whitewater adventure will find it at Adventures on the Gorge. We offer full-day trips on both the Upper Gauley and the Lower Gauley, for 5-6 hours of heart-pounding adventure. On our Upper Gauley Express trip, you can experience the world-class Gauley River in a shorter amount of time. You'll finish your trip further upstream than our full day Upper Gauley trip, but you'll still experience all the Big Five Rapids. If you can't get enough of those Class V rapids, you can raft the Upper Gauley TWICE in one day on our Double Upper Gauley Trip! If you want to experience both the Upper and Lower Gauley, our Marathon Gauley River trip is for you. Make sure you get a good night's sleep and eat a hearty breakfast because you'll raft through 100+ rapids on this full-day trip!
Gauley River Overnights
By now, you know that the Gauley River is a big deal. For the most immersive Gauley River experience, we recommend an overnight rafting trip, complete with dinner and camping in between two back-to-back whitewater adventures. We offer two overnight trips on the Gauley River, our Gauley Throwback Overnight and our Deluxe Gauley Overnight. Our Throwback Gauley Overnight trip is available during the first three weekends of Gauley Season, making it a very popular and very limited trip. On the Throwback Gauley Overnight, you'll raft the Upper Gauley on Day 1 before making camp at Mason's Branch Island. Your guides will become chefs and storytellers as you enjoy dinner and relax by the campfire to unwind after a day of adrenaline filled fun. On Day 2, you'll enjoy breakfast before heading out to raft the Lower Gauley. On our Deluxe Gauley Overnight, you will raft the Upper Gauley on Day 1 before camping at Canyon Doors, our exclusive overnight campsite. At Canyon Doors, you can relax in our woodfired hot tubs, take a hot shower, and enjoy a full-course meal and cocktails prepared for you by our expedition chef. On Day 2, you'll enjoy breakfast before rafting the Lower Gauley River. The Gauley River is physically and mentally demanding, so these overnight trips are recommended for experienced rafters.
If you're looking to experience the best whitewater rafting in the United States, now is the time to plan your trip to Adventures on the Gorge. With only 23 days of Gauley Season this year, these trips book up fast. Don't miss your chance to raft America's best whitewater with Adventures on the Gorge during Gauley Season 2024!
If you want to experience everything we have to offer, please call one of our adventure specialists.