TRIP OVERVIEW
Three Words: Upper Gauley River Rafting.
Like the badges of boy scouts or the medals of four-star generals, experience on the Gauley River is worn as a badge of honor by experienced white water rafting veterans. Once you get some Gauley River rafting under your belt, it sticks with your forever. Each twist and turn goes running through your head at work, as you drift off to sleep, watering the garden, when you least expect it. From beautiful mountains to some of the most challenging rapid slopes in West Virginia, Gauley rapids are a force to be reckoned with and a badge of honor you will never forget. Check it out:
- Over 40 rapids made of pure "steep-churning-top-10-in-the-world-white-water" packed into 11 miles of river
- 6 class V rapids only Mother Nature could invent (with help from dynamite)
- A 14-foot waterfall. Seriously.
- Gauley guides who specialize in teambuilding to keep your team on point in the most challenging white water
- Lunch at ACE's own private grill spot and deck overlooking the colosseum. Boats and lodging fill up fast, 'cause it's some pretty fun stuff
September and October are scheduled releases — Gauley Season — and people come from all over for the Gauley white water action. Boats and lodging fill up fast, 'cause it's some pretty fun stuff.
If the Upper Gauley white water rafting sounds like a bit more than you'd like, check out Lower Gauley River rafting, the most advanced trip we offer for first timers.
Step up to the next level of white water adventure with these Gauley river rafting experiences:
Upper Gauley River rafting - All Day
- Straight up world-class section of Class III-V+ Gauley white water rafting
- Trip Length: 12 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Choose your ride:
The smaller the boat, the wilder the float!
| Min Age | REGULAR RATE | PEAK RATE | ||
| Great Value | 16' Raft (8+ people) | 15 | $159 | $169 |
| #1 Choice | 14' Raft (6+ people) | 15 | $169 | $194 |
| Wildest Ride | 12' Raft (4+ people) | 18 | $204 | $229 |
*All Saturdays are Peak Rate - Check out the Fall Release Schedule for available dates
Gauley Marathon - All Day
- Gauley white water rafting smorgasbord - Upper and Lower Gauley in one day (70+ rapids)
- Trip Length: 23 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October*
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Choose your ride:
The smaller the boat, the wilder the float!
| Min Age | REGULAR RATE | PEAK RATE | ||
| Great Value | 16' Raft (8+ people) | 15 | $209 | $219 |
| #1 Choice | 14' Raft (6+ people) | 15 | $219 | $269 |
| Wildest Ride | 12' Raft (4+ people) | 18 | $254 | $304 |
*All Saturdays are Peak Rate - Check out the Fall Release Schedule for available dates
Double Upper Gauley River rafting - All Day
- Upper Gauley white water rafting pig out! Six big class V+ rapids twice in one day
- Trip Length: 24 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October*
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Choose your ride:
The smaller the boat, the wilder the float!
| Min Age | REGULAR RATE | PEAK RATE | ||
| Great Value | 16' Raft (8+ people) | 15 | $219 | $229 |
| #1 Choice | 14' Raft (6+ people) | 15 | $229 | $239 |
| Wildest Ride | 12' Raft (4+ people) | 18 | $264 | $274 |
*All Saturdays are Peak Rate - Check out the Fall Release Schedule for available dates
MORE INFO
Upper Gauley River white water rafting is more than something to do — it's an event.
Gauley Season is only 6 weekends in September and October, when the Summersville Lake is drained to its winter water level. We start Upper Gauley rafting trips at the base of the Summersville Dam.
Come for the buzz of opening weekend — always right after Labor Day. The third Gauley Season weekend is always Gauley Fest, including fundraisers for American Whitewater, raft and kayak races, and a post-river celebration. The final Gauley weekends feature the explosive color of West Virginia's fall foliage. We wrap up our Gauley adventures for the year on Bridge Day weekend — why not combine rafting with a BASE jumping extravaganza?
Only 23 Releases in Gauley Season 2013...
Don't miss your chance to go rafting on the Gauley this year!
Go Gung Ho For Gauley
GungHo 14’ Trip Options
You’ve probably heard your guide say that driving a raft is a lot like driving a car. Some makes and models are better for certain rivers. The 14-foot raft is the boat of choice for the Gauley. And this year, ACE is ready to customize the ride your crew wants. Check out our two 14-foot trip options:
Trip Option #1 – 14’ High Adventure
• Hit all 42 rapids from Class III-V+
• Run the classic lines and the proven sweet spots
• This is big whitewater and keeping you in the raft is our #1 priority
Trip Option #2 – 14’ GungHo
• Surf the classic holes on the Upper Gauley
• Maximize each rapid and wave for action and amplitude
• Explore more advanced lines through rapids
The GungHo distinction with the 14’ raft is FREE. However, you must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have prior rafting experience
• Ready and able to swim aggressively
• Be able to pull yourself into the raft
• Watch “the video” and sign an additional waiver detailing the risks
If the GungHo trip is for you, you need to add this feature to your reservation. Just give us a call at 800-787-3982 to upgrade.
What To Wear
The Upper Gauley runs in the spring and in the fall. In both seasons, weather can vary quite a bit. Be prepared to rent a wetsuit or bring your own on most days. Cotton is a poor insulating layer to wear; when cotton gets wet (like it does when you are rafting the Gauley) it actually draws heat from your body, making you colder. There is a saying in the white water world that you should dress for the swim.
Although no one plans to fall in the water while rafting the Gauley River, it does happen. On chilly days, wearing synthetic pile or fleece over your core along with a windbreaker works with your wetsuit (don't forget, Gauley River water is around 55 degrees) to keep you warm — and comfortable — all day. On particularly cold days, wool socks, gloves and skull caps are a good idea for conserving your body heat.
- Shorts and/or bathing suit
- Wetsuit recommended
- Hat
- Sunglasses with strap
- River sandals, water shoes, or tennis shoes
- Your steely-eyed face of determination
- Video - What To Wear
What To Bring
- Sunscreen
- Personal prescription medication
- Extra layer
- Waterproof camera
- Can-do attitude
Don't Bring
- Towels
- Wallets, keys, rings or jewelry
- Non-waterproof camera
- Backpacks or excessive cargo
- Friends who don't like to have fun
Whitewater Safety Orientation Video
