Designated as a National Recreation Area, the Gauley River is consistently ranked as one of the top five whitewater rivers in the world.  The Gauley River is dam-controlled with guaranteed release dates each Fall, in September after Labor Day and running for six weeks, ensuring optimum whitewater levels for beginner to advanced rafters.

Twenty-four miles of the Gauley River are split in two distinct sections which provide truly unique rafting experiences.  The Upper Gauley offers bold, adrenaline-filled adventures and torrential whitewater, beckoning only serious rafting enthusiasts; while the Lower Gauley River is thrilling, yet appropriate for novice paddlers.

The entire Gauley River features spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring views of steep cliff faces set in a remote, rugged wilderness environment.  Gauley River trips are also available in Summer, dependent upon water levels.

2024 FALL GAULEY RIVER RELEASE DATES (TENTATIVE):

September: 6, 7, 8, 9; 13, 14, 15, 16; 20, 21, 22, 23; 27, 28, 29, 30
October: 4, 5, 6; 12, 13; 19 (Bridge Day) & 20 (Last Day)

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Upper Gauley | Single Day

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Advanced

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16+

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5 - 7 Hours

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Starting at $140 / person

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September - October

Experience Recommended
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Lower Gauley | Single Day

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Intermediate

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12+

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5 - 7 Hours

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Starting at $125 / person

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September - October

A favorite among rafters
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Summer Gauley | Single Day

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Intermediate

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12+

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5 - 7 Hours

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Starting at $145 / person

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Memorial Day - Labor Day

thrills for all levels of paddlers
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Dueling Rivers | 2 Single Days

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Intermediate

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12+

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5 - 7 Hours

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Starting at $225 / person

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Memorial Day - Labor Day

Two rivers in two days
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Dueling Rivers | 2 Day Lower New/Summer Gauley (Basecamp)

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Intermediate

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12+

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2 Days

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$295 / person

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Memorial Day - Labor Day

INCLUDES CAMPING: 3 NIGHTS BASECAMP
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2 Day Lower/Upper Gauley (Basecamp)

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Advanced

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16+

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2 Days

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$325 / person

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September - October

INCLUDES CAMPING: 3 NIGHTS BASECAMP
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2 Day Lower/Upper Gauley (Riverside)

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Advanced

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16+

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2 Days

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$420 / person

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September - October

Includes CAMPING: RIVERSIDE+BASECAMP
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2 Day Upper/Lower Gauley (Riverside)

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Advanced

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16+

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2 Days

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$375 / person

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September - October

Includes CAMPING: RIVERSIDE+BASECAMP
group of rafters during their two day trip on the Upper Gauley River Expeditions West Virginia
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2 Day Upper/Upper Gauley (Basecamp)

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Advanced

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16+

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2 Days

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$350 / person

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September - October

INCLUDES CAMPING: 3 NIGHTS BASECAMP
group of male friends enjoy their Gauley River rafting trip River Expeditions West Virginia
White Wave Graphic

2 Day Upper/Upper Gauley (Riverside)

Meter / Difficulty Level Icon

Advanced

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16+

Clock Icon. River Expeditions West Virginia

2 Days

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$425 / person

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September - October

Includes CAMPING: RIVERSIDE+BASECAMP