Rafters running whitewater on the Upper Gauley River

Gauley Season · Runs Only 6 Weekends A Year

West Virginia's Legendary Whitewater Rafting.

The most demanding commercially-run whitewater in the East — or the scenic, big water stretch below it. Both only run during Gauley Season. Check dates and lock in your trip today.

Check Availability Call 800-787-3982
★★★★★ 4.8 rated Trips run rain or shine Lunch included on every trip
Full Day
Trip Length
III–V+
Rapid Class
12+
Min. Age
Sept–Oct
Season
2 Sections
Upper & Lower

Two Trips, One Booking Away

Choose Your Gauley Trip.

Both run the same six weekends. The difference is intensity — pick the one that fits your group and check dates below.

Class III–V+ Rafters on the Upper Gauley River, West Virginia

The Upper Gauley

The Most Technical Whitewater in the East

15+
Min Age
41
Rapids
5
Class V
5–7h
On Water

Twelve miles of the most remote, technical whitewater run commercially in the U.S. Previous rafting experience is strongly recommended — the reward is huge.

Starting At$129
Check Upper Gauley Availability
Class III–V Rafters on the Lower Gauley River, West Virginia

The Lower Gauley

Big Water, Big Splash

12+
Min Age
25
Rapids
3
Class V
6–7h
On Water

11.5 remote, scenic miles with room to catch your breath between rapids — still three Class V drops. A great first Class V trip, and it only runs two months a year.

Starting At$129
Check Lower Gauley Availability

Dam-Controlled Release

The Season Is Short. That's The Point.

Gauley Season begins September 11th and runs just six weekends, wrapping October 18th. The Lower Gauley in particular is only guaranteed two months out of the year. Dates go fast — check availability before the weekend you want is gone.

Check Availability
Season BeginsSeptember 11
Season Length6 Weekends Only
Season EndsOctober 18
Water SourceSummersville Dam Release

From The Boat

Real Trips, Real Reviews.

4.8
★★★★★
Average guest rating across ACE Adventure
“Great company with a large variety of activities offered for all ages. Great guides, really make any adventure with ACE a huge game changer. I recently did a fall Gauley River rafting trip and it was amazing. We had a blast and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly.” -Akram S
“If you are looking to find an experience that is out of the ordinary, off the beaten path, and just a heck of a lot of fun, call the folks at ACE. They have adventures for every age and levels of daring...We are Upper Gauley addicts, coming back every year for the thrill of the season. Safety is their utmost concern. We're booked for this Gauley Season so if you dare, we'll see you there!” -Ronda from Ohio

Quick Questions.

Both sections offer exciting rapids, but the Upper Gauley is more challenging than the Lower — 5 Class V rapids on the Upper versus 3 on the Lower. The Lower is still serious whitewater, just more beginner-friendly.
The Upper Gauley takes 5–7 hours, the Lower Gauley 6–7 hours — both full-day trips. Want to run both in one day? Ask about the Marathon trip when you call.
A period each fall when Summersville Dam releases raise the Gauley's water flow, producing some of the most intense commercially-run whitewater in the country. It begins September 11th and lasts 6 weekends, wrapping October 18th.
What's included: professional guide, hot riverside lunch, helmet, paddle, PFD (personal flotation device), transportation to and from the river.
Absolutely! You don't need previous rafting experience to take on the Lower Gauley. While this is definitely not a leisurely float trip, it's a great option for adventurous first-time rafters. Expect exciting whitewater, big waves, and incredible scenery along the way. If you're 12 or older, comfortable in the water, and ready for adventure, the Lower Gauley can be an unforgettable intro into Gauley Season!
When you raft the Gauley with ACE, the details that make a great river trip are already taken care of. Our guides are trained in-house, and many hold advanced certifications backed by years of whitewater experience. We also offer our Best Ride Guarantee — you'll never pay extra to upgrade to the raft size best suited for the day. We automatically choose the right raft to give you the best possible ride.
And then there's lunch. Forget a basic riverside sandwich. Our guides prepare a hot, delicious lunch right on the river, giving you the chance to fully refuel before heading back into the water.
Plus, your adventure doesn't have to end when you get off the river. With 1500 acres of lodging, dining, and adventure at ACE, you can turn your Gauley trip into an entire getaway.
Stay right where the adventure happens! ACE Adventure Resort is a 1500 acre outdoor adventure resort with lodging options for every style and budget. Choose from primitive tent camping, rustic bunkhouses, cozy cabins, and spacious deluxe vacation homes. Best of all, you'll be close to your rafting check-in. Give us a call to check availability!
Whitewater rafting on the Gauley River

Six Weekends. That's The Whole Season.

The river doesn't wait for you to decide.

Gauley Season books out weekend by weekend. See what's still open before you settle for a date you didn't want, or miss out completely.

Check Availability Call 800-787-3982
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