The Gauley River has drawn men and women to its banks for more than 200 years, boasting enough diverse attractions that it has been enshrined in congressional legislation as a National Recreation Area.

For history lovers, the Gauley story mirrors the story of the United States. The tale of the Gauley River begins with the first West Virginia settlers in the 1770s. These pioneering European settlers braved the challenging terrain - and often-challenging relations with Native American residents who came before them. Chapters followed on the Civil War, industrialization that came with timber, mining and railroads. The great civil works projects of the 1960s saw construction of the Summersville Dam near the Gauley's headwaters, a marvel of engineering to behold.

The Gauley River's reputation these days is built on recreation. World-class rafting and kayaking trips wind their way through the Gauley's three sections: the Upper, Middle and Lower, each offering alternative difficulty levels and scenery. River outfitters offer trips from Spring to Fall, depending on local precipitation and water released by the Army Corps of Engineers from the Summersville Dam.

The boating culminates with the official "Gauley Season," a 22-day schedule of releases for whitewater enthusiasts in September and October. The Gauley attracts more than 60,000 paddlers each year with world-famous rapids such as "Insignificant," "Pillow Rock" and "Sweet's Falls."

Alongside the river, hikers, anglers and hunters enjoy the lush forest and abundant wildlife for which the Monongahela National Forest is known. The area is home to many rare and threatened plants, such as Virginia spiraea.

Wildlife watchers can find deer and even bear along the 26-mile corridor that stretches from the Summersville Dam to the Gauley's confluence with the Kanawha River. Other animals that make their home in the area include 10 threatened species of mammals, birds, insects, fish and amphibians.