Gauley River National Recreation Area

Pros: Incredible adrenaline rush; consistent water levels; beautiful, untouched gorge
Cons: Risk, weather variables, crowded in season

Okay, I get the shivers just thinking about it: the almighty Gauley. It is the river to run in the Southeast for experienced whitewater paddlers—rafters and hard-boaters.

For rafters, the river is divided by various companies in...

Pros: Non-stop excitement, invigorating, awesome.
Cons: Expensive, bus trips in from company to river can be long and tough.

Living in West Virginia there just seem to be certain things you need to do. Hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing are just a few, whitewater rafting is another. 10 years ago I decided to answer the whitewater challenge and tackled the Gauley River, the #2...

Pros: Unbelieveable river, big, fast, heartpounding, beautiful.
Cons: This is a very powerful river. You must respect it.

I have run a trip to the Upper Gauley during drawdown every year since '92. I take between 4-8 guys each year, the first weekend after Labor Day. The sooner you go in the season, the higher the odds of having warm weather. I spend the month of August ...

Pros: Fast Water, Big Rapids, Danger at Every Turn
Cons: It is a little cold when you wake up at 6am

Having woke up with a tremendous hangover in the Fall of 1996, I had no idea what I was getting into when I got on the bus to the Upper Gauley. As we pulled in, I saw rows of rubber boats and two huge water canons jutting water from the resevior into the...

Pros: Great time, beautiful scenery, a must for every outdoor person!
Cons: There are no cons!!

Our family has gone rafting for the last several years, sometimes 3 times a year! We have rafted on the New River in addition to the Gauley River and I have to admit the Gauley River is EXCITING! In the fall they let out the damn for 22 days or so...

Pros: A lot of white water and fun. Enjoy!
Cons: A little bit cold after September to be wet on the raft.

Cool! Though as not too dangerous as expected.
With skilled and experienced guide it's difficult to tip over. So don't be scared. In October warm cloth under a wet suit is helpful, especially after a few hours of rafting.