Gauley White Water Rafting - Lower

TRIP OVERVIEW

Lower Gauley River Rafting — Big Hits, Big Smiles

Do you like:

Big ol' hits?
Giggle-inducing waves?
Tight turns?
Chill time between rapids?
Some spots to get out and swim?
Scenery that makes you take deep, deep breaths?

The Lower Gauley white water rafting owns the sweet spot between plain-ol' big and flat-out difficult. This Gauley River rafting experience is fun for all abilities and experience levels.

In September and October every year, the Summersville Dam releases a set amount of water — the perfect amount to turn the Gauley River into world-class white water. In the spring, snowmelt and rains bring the Lower Gauley to fantastic, high water levels.

Other Gauley Options:

Upper Gauley rafting is the answer for the hard chargers, those that want the most challenging whitewater. It's a good idea to have previous rafting experience under your belt before you tackle the Big 6 rapids. It's narrow, steep, big and flat out fun.
Gauley Overnights are great for making the most of your time on the Gauley. Raft both the Upper and Lower (you can do them order or switch them up) and camp in between at our private riverside campsites.

For each Lower Gauley trip, there are three boat options:

Consider, if you will, 3 possibilities:

Lower Gauley River Rafting - All Day

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Most challenging trip recommended for first-timers
Plenty of Class III-V rapids
Trip Length: 11.5 miles (All day)
Meals: Grilled riverside lunch at ACE's private site
Season: September-October
Minimum Age: 15 (12 in a 16-foot, 8+ person raft)
Minimum Height: 60 inches

Don't forget to choose your boat size when planning your trip:

Rates Per person:
Fri: $154
Sat: $179
Sun: $154
Mon: $129

Rates Per person:
Fri: $159
Sat: $184
Sun: $159
Mon: $134

Rates Per person:
Fri: $194
Sat: $219
Sun: $194
Mon: $169

Gauley Rafting Marathon - All Day

Upper and Lower Gauley River rafting 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

DON'T FORGET to choose your boat size when planning your trip:

Rates Per person:
Fri: $234
Sat: $259
Sun: $234
Mon: $229

Rates Per person:
Fri: $239
Sat: $264
Sun: $239
Mon:$234

Rates Per person:
Fri: $274
Sat: $299
Sun: $274
Mon: $269

Lower/Upper Gauley Rafting - 2 Days

Day One - Class III-V rapids of the Lower Gauley River white water rafting
Day Two - Class III-V+ Upper Gauley white water rafting
Trip Length: 23 Miles (2 days)
Meals: Grilled riverside lunch both days
Season: September-October
Minimum Age: 15
Minimum Height: 60 inches

DON'T FORGET to choose your boat size when planning your trip:

Rates Per person:
Fri/Sat: $254
Sat/Sun: $279
Sun/mon: $229

Rates Per person:
Fri/Sat: $264
Sat/Sun: $289
Sun/Mon: $239

Rates Per person:
Fri/Sat: $294
Sat/sun: $319
Sun/mon:$269

SLIDESHOW

MORE INFO

The Lower 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 sayiing 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.