Prepare yourself for the most intense, overnight whitewater rafting experience on the Gauley River!

Trip Description

Two Days of Intense Whitewater Rafting and One Night Under the Stars on This Gauley River Overnight

Prepare yourself for the most intense, overnight whitewater rafting experience! Day one is twenty-three miles of whitewater fury in the Upper and Lower Gauley Canyons. Camp overnight at ACE's own private riverside camp at Sugar Creek, and take on the big class V+'s when you run the whole Gauley River all over again!

The daily trip format is similar to The Premier Gauley Marathon only the trip will camp out and run the Gauley again.

Our Gauley River Marathon Riverside Overnight lets you run the entire river in one incredible day. That’s over 23 miles and 100 memorable rapids. The Marathon trip leaves early in the morning and actually gets to camp about the same time as most of our Lower Gauley trips. Because the Guides stay in the current throughout the day, the Marathon is only about 1-1/2 hours longer than the length of the normal Upper Gauley trip.

However, this is a long, high output day on the river. If you’re out of shape, don't sign up for the Gauley River Marathon Riverside Overnight. Instead check out the Gauley Reverse Riverside Overnight. This is a full day of big action. But if you’re physically up to the challenge, there’s no other trip like the Marathon.

If you’re comparing whitewater rafting outfitters, remember that only ACE has a take-out just below the last major rapid on the Lower Gauley. (If you book a Marathon with another company, you’re going to endure 3-1/2 miles of flatwater at the end of your trip.) Try an ACE Marathon this fall and you’ll see why it’s fast becoming one of our most popular Gauley trips.

At the end of the second day you will be tired, we recommend you relax in one of the hot tubs of our deluxe lodging options.

Trip Format

The Gauley River in a 14' Premier Raft

Day 1: This trip offers the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in one day. After maneuvering Lost Paddle Canyon, you will run Sweet's Falls and stop for lunch for front row seating during lunch to watch others run the 14-foot drop! After lunch you run the lower section and take out at ACE's exclusive spot at Sugar Creek. This avoids a 3.5 mile flat water paddle other outfitters make! You will camp over night here, where your guide will grill dinner that evening and breakfast the next morning.

Day 2: You will run Lost Paddle Canyon again, and lunch at Sweet's Falls. Take-out is at Wood's Ferry, where you will be bussed back to ACE.

Our 14-foot rafts are lighter and more maneuverable, which makes a long day seem a bit easier. They are able to take more extreme lines and surf in smaller holes.

The Season

Autumn on the Gauley

Autumn colors and a festive atmosphere! Water is warmer as the season progresses into the end of October. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the season, water is coming off the very bottom of the lake, and towards the end of the draw down the water is coming from closer to the top of the lake where it has been warmed by the sun. Wetsuits are highly recommended. This river is rated No. 2 in North America and No. 6 in the World. It's know for it's whitewater during the fall flow.

What To Wear

What To Wear And Bring

Pile, wool or acrylic sweater Polyester or wool long johns wool and/or rubber gloves, ski Cap Nylon Windbreaker Wetsuits and neoprene booties are strongly recommended. Wetsuits are available for rent at ACE. NO COTTON!!!!!!

Meals

Gourmet Meals

Lunch - Both Days: Hot grilled lunch both days at Sweet's Falls. Watch the thrills and spills as other rafters take on the single biggest drop on the Gauley! Primitive bathroom facilities and a covered eating area are exclusive to ACE's lunch spot. Heaters will warm you up on chilly fall days as you eat and watch the most exciting rapid of the day from your front row seat ACE provides!

Dinner - Day 1: Steak and vegetarian options, with sides of potatoes, salad, corn on the cob, and various desserts. Beverages include soft drinks as well as lemonade and water, and a limited amount of beer. Guest are allowed to bring a cooler with extra beverages.

Breakfast - Day 2: Hot grilled breakfast includes eggs, sausage and bacon, fresh fruit, muffins and danishes. Beverages include milk, juice, coffee and other hot beverages.

River Map

Rapids of The New River