Gauley

Location: Central West Virginia (about 55 miles east of Charleston; about 160 miles south of Pittsburgh; about 210 miles west of Washington, D.C.).

Length of trips: Upper section ten miles in six to eight hours; middle section six miles in six to eight hours; lower section ten miles in six to eight hours.

Season: March through October. Dam releases in spring and summer fluctuate on a daily basis, creating opportunities for both white-water rafting and kayaking. As many as 5,000 people a day run the Gauley during the autumn season, which is limited to 22 days of guaranteed water from dam releases (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from the first weekend after Labor Day for five weeks, then Saturday and Sunday only for the sixth week).

Weather: Temperatures in early spring can drop as low as the 30s or 40s (F). Daytime highs average in the 70s in late spring and the high 80s in summer, then cool off in autumn. Although it can be steamy in August, the cool water creates the effect of an air-conditioned room. Springtime tends to be rainy, while summer and fall are dry.

Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels, and B&Bs in Beckley, Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Summersville.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: More than a hundred rapids in 26 miles. The upper section features the steepest gradient and the most challenging rapids: Class V+, including a half mile of continuous Class V water. Though the rapids are a bit tamer in the middle section, there are two Class IV+ rapids. The lower section has many Class IV+ rapids and occasionally some Class V rapids. When the water level is high, all three sections are solid Class V, with some Class VI rapids. Cool, clear water (high 50s to low 60s in summer).

Special features:

  • Appalachian hardwood forest in an uninhabited, sheer-walled gorge.
  • Short side hikes.
  • Spring wildflowers.
  • Rhododendrons bloom around Memorial Day and again around July Fourth.
  • Swimming in summer, when the water level drops.
  • Glorious autumn colors.
  • Good fishing (smallmouth bass, muskie).
  • White-tailed deer, hawks, American woodcocks, songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers.
  • Wilderness solitude in spring and summer, but crowded in autumn.
  • Suitable for experienced rafters.

Nearby excursions:

  • New River Gorge.
  • Gauley River National Recreation Area.
  • Summersville Dam, the largest earthen dam east of the Mississippi.
  • Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, site of a Civil War battle on September 10, 1861.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • West Virginia Bureau of Commerce and Tourism, 2101 Washington Street East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0317; +1 304 558 2200 or 800 225 5982, fax +1 304 558 2279. Try to book at least two weeks in advance.

 
 
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