Choose A River Section Below:
The Upper Gauley River
The Year’s Biggest Whitewater.
Fall Upper Gauley Rafting
This is it. Fall Upper Gauley whitewater rafting in West Virginia is more than a rafting trip. More than a vacation. It’s a whitewater milestone of the most remote, challenging and technical whitewater rafting run commercially in United States. This is no lazy river tube ride. This is serious class V whitewater rafting. Previous experience is highly recommended… and the reward is huge.
Min. Age: 15 Years
The Lower Gauley River
All The Wild Scenery With Less Effort!
Fall Lower Gauley Rafting
A little tamer than the Upper but just as fun than the Lower Gauley whitewater rafting is perfect for you! Not everybody is looking for a white-knuckle whitewater experience. If you’d like to have a blast riding giant waves in the remote and scenic backcountry of West Virginia this trip is for you. It’s suitable for beginning rafters, and it only comes around 2 months out of the year!
Min. Age 12 Years
Gauley River Overnight Rafting Trips
Spend The Night On The Banks Of The Gauley
Gauley Riverside Overnights
How can a Gauley whitewater rafting trip get any better? Well, you run the river, spend the night under the stars, on the banks of the Gauley, then get up and do it again! Our Gauley overnights are a trip like none other. You’ll kick back around the fire while our guides cook a spectacular meal. Then spend some time with friends, old and new, until your retire to your tent and fall asleep to the sound of a bubbling river.
Min. Age 15 Yrs.
Featured Gauley Trips
Marathon Trips, Double Uppers and More!
Featured Gauley Whitewater Rafting Trips
Some folks just can’t get enough Gauley rafting in a typical trip. Friend, we understand you… and we have a few trips for you. If you really want to soak in the Gauley experience try the Marathon (the Upper AND Lower in a single day) or our Double Upper (1 day, 2 Upper Gauley runs). These trips are not for the timid. You’ve been warned…
Min. Age 16 Yrs.
About Fall Gauley Whitewater Rafting
Fall Gauley Whitewater Rafting
This is it. Fall Upper Gauley rafting in West Virginia is more than a rafting trip. More than a vacation. It’s a whitewater milestone of the most remote, challenging and technical whitewater rafting run commercially in United States.
There is no greater whitewater challenge than running Gauley River rapids. This is no lazy river tube ride. This is serious class V whitewater rafting. Previous experience is highly recommended… and the reward is huge.
Our Most Popular Fall Gauley Trip
Fall Upper Gauley
Whitewater Rafting
Full Day
Min Age: 15 Yrs.
Duration: Full Day
Meals(S): Free Lunch
This full-day excursion will satisfy your need for whitewater. With all the great scenery, incredible class III-V whitewater, a visit to jump rock, and a riverside lunch, this trip is the peak of whitewater rafting for the seasoned boaters alike.
Gauley Season FAQs
About Gauley Season
How many class 5 rapids are on the Gauley River?
There are 5 class 5 rapids on the Upper Gauley and 3 class 5 rapids on the Lower Gauley.
Which is harder, the Upper or Lower Gauley?
While both sections of the Gauley offer exciting rapids, the Upper Gauley is more challenging than the Lower Gauley.
How hard is the Upper Gauley?
The Upper Gauley is full of huge waves and technical drops, providing one of the top whitewater rafting experiences in the world. This rewarding but challenging river is recommended to those with rafting experience.
How long does it take to raft the Gauley River?
Rafting the entire 26-mile Gauley River is a full day activity. The Upper Gauley takes 5-7 hours to raft, and the Lower Gauley takes 6-7 hours. The Gauley Marathon allows you to raft the river in one day, or you can choose an overnight option to raft for two days and camp riverside.
What class rapids are on the Gauley River?
The Upper Gauley River features 41 rapids ranging from class 3-5+, and the Lower Gauley features 25 rapids ranging from class 3-5.
What is Gauley Season?
 Gauley Season is a period in the fall when the Gauley River water flow increases due to controlled Summersville dam releases. The increased water flow presents intense rapids and an incredible whitewater rafting experience. This season begins the first weekend after Labor Day and lasts 6 weekends.
When does the Gauley River Run?
Gauley Season begins the weekend after Labor Day and lasts 6 weekends, concluding before the end of October.
How many rapids are on the Gauley River?
The Upper Gauley River stretches 12 miles and features 41 rapids ranging from class 3-5+. The Lower Gauley River is 11.5 miles long and includes 25 rapids ranging from class 3-5.
What is the difference between the Upper and Lower Gauley?
The difference between the Upper and Lower Gauley is the intensity. The Upper Gauley is more challenging and requires whitewater rafting experience, and the Lower Gauley is challenging but more beginner friendly. While both sections of the Gauley are surrounded by beauty, the Lower Gauley is famous for its incredible scenery.
What feeds the Gauley River?
The Gauley River is fed by four rivers: Williams, Cranberry, Cherry, and Meadow Rivers, as well as several smaller streams. During Gauley Season, the Gauley is also fed by the Summersville Dam, which increases water flow.
