West Virginia…..America’s Best Whitewater Rafting

The quest for beautiful mountain rivers and big-water rapids leads to West Virginia, home of the finest whitewater rivers in America…the Gauley and the New. Within a 30 mile radius of Ace Adventure Centers 1400-acre rafting center are four designated National Rivers, offering over 100 miles for river exploration, a concentration nowhere else found in the U.S.

With over 140 different trips, from friendly floats to world class whitewater, from day-long to five-day adventures, ACE offers the very best in rafting fun.

The New River Gorge National River

In 1978, the US government recognized the unique and wonderful qualities of the New river and designated it as a National river. With near vertical canyon walls covered with verdant green forests, the New River is a large volume river with reliable flows year round. The high-water season peaks in Spring, but two upstream lakes provide reliable flows throughout the summer. The New sports 52 miles of protected waterway with the last 13 miles being named the “Grand Canyon of the East”. The upper section offers miles of beginner-friendly rafting and kayaking while the lower section hosts the famous “Big Water Canyon”, renowned for its roller coaster ride.

The Gauley Recreation Area

The Gauley National Recreation Area was designated in 1987 for its pristine wilderness setting and world-class whitewater. In 1967, the river was impounded with the country’s largest earthen dam and Summersville Lake was formed. When a team of experts challenged the Gauley for the first time in 1969, they were astonished. Rafts followed, the Gauley was rated the in the world's Top Ten, and its reputation began.

From April through August the Gauley reacts and fluctuates like a free flowing river, running anywhere from 500 to 5,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). ACE determines the raft size the day of the trip to insure the best ride.

In the Fall, the Army Corps of Engineers pulls the plug on the dam and releases high flows for a period of 22 days. People come from around the world to challenge the Gauley during the Fall drawdown. There are two sections. The Upper Gauley is known as the Lost Paddle Canyon and the Lower Gauley is called the Cliffside Canyon. Together they host over 100 major rapids. The Fall Gauley is the undisputed king of whitewater rivers.

Are you looking for a unique vacation experience? A place where learning and having fun go hand in hand? Come discover Wild, Wonderful West Virginia and ACE Adventure Center. Their mission is to help you plan a perfect summer experience for yourself, your family or group. They will provide fantastic action adventures at reasonable prices. Make their 1,400 acre Adventure Center that borders the 70,000-acre New River Gorge your vacation destination – and you will have an experience that can’t be beat.

ACE Adventure Center has been in operation for 15 years and for the last four years they have been named the largest outfitter in West Virginia.

ACE also offers a variety of other action adventures that guests can attempt during their stay and before or after rafting the rivers. They can choose from their climbing, mountain biking or kayaking programs, go horseback riding from their stables on property, or go swimming on their beach on the New River. In 2002, ACE will also be adding a Challenge Course to their list of action adventures. ACE also has hundreds of acres of property on the Gauley River to provide the best put-ins, take-outs and lunch sites on the river.

Hungry And Tired After A Day On The River?

Dine on property at their fabulous restaurant in the Lakeside Dining Hall. After a day of action adventure you can relax in the Lost Paddle Lounge, listening to live music while sipping your favorite beverage.

Guests can then retire to quality lodging that ranges from –bedroom chalets, Lakeview cabins -both with hot tubs, cozy cabins, cabin tents, bunkhouses or for those who want to bring their own gear and campout there is the Mountain Top campground.

Forgot Your Gear At Home?

ACE has two retail outfitter stores right on property – with the best names in equipment and clothing. And if you meant to purchase something before you left ACE – you can visit their web site year round and purchase equipment and gear at their on-line store.

Mountain Biking

Ace Adventure Center has miles of trails of all levels (easy to extreme), and is the perfect place for mountain biking. Located on the rim of the New River Gorge, their trails pass some of the most scenic overlooks in the entire park. Trails connect with the National Park Trail system, so they can provide an endless variety of rides and destinations. A bike is the ideal vehicle to see the many remote areas of the park that are seldom visited.

with so many options, you and your guide can plan a ride that will be perfect for yourself, family or group. Choose from easy, rolling hills, or the steepest single –track trails you can imagine. Half-day and full-day trips are available. You can also go exploring on your own.
Front or full suspension. Giant bikes.
www.bikewv.com

Kayak School

ACE’s Kayak School is located in the East’s premier whitewater area…southern West Virginia. Four National Recreation Rivers, with over 100 miles of whitewater, are minutes away….the New, Gauley, Bluestone & Meadow. They have the perfections of water to match your skill level…from Beginner to Advanced, it’s all here! Their staff of prefessional kayakers includes several internationally-known whitewater rodeo competitors and internationally-known boaters. Having instructors of this caliber helps you learn more easily and quickly.

· Beginner To Advanced
· Private Instruction
· Squirt
· ACA River Rescue
· Playboating
· Rodeo
· Creek
· Instructor Course
www.kayakwv.com

Climbing School

The New River Gorge National Park is famous for great rock climbing. ACE has miles of spectacular cliffs, offering just about every climbing challenge you can imagine. With more than 1600 climbing routes, the Gorge is the East’s best sport-climbing in the area.

ACE’s Climbing School offers everything from introductory “samplers” to multi-day climbing clinics from Beginner to Advanced…all under guidance of their professional climbing guides.
www.climbwv.com

The mission of Ace Adventure Center is to provide the highest quality outdoor experience to their guests and groups.

When it comes time to choose your outfitter remember this: it does not cost any more to go first class.

And when it comes to something like challenging a major force of nature, first-class is the only way to go.

All whitewater rafting companies are NOT created equal. Adventure travelers need to compare carefully before making their decision about an outfitter.

Ace Adventure Center is the largest outfitter in West Virginia. Not only do they offer the most professional and challenging rafting experience, families and individuals can choose a range of other activities to do while a guest at the Center. Each individual in your group can personally choose a different adventure, if they would like. Whether yours is a family, a party of friends, or a corporate group, guests can all share a great rafting experience and then individually choose from a wide selection of other action adventures that they would also like to experience

ACE Adventure Center -there is nothing else like it. Most whitewater rafting companies are just that, rafting operations and nothing more. There is an ACE difference. In addition to providing the finest quality lodging, camping and dining, ACE offers great activities right on the property.

· Five stocked fishing lakes for our guests
· Horseback riding stable on property
· Mountain bike rentals
· Gorgeous scenic hiking and biking trails
· Swimming Beach
· Tetherball, Water Volleyball, Ping Pong
· Lawn Chess
· "Aqua-Jump" (water trampoline)
· Canoes, Kayaks & Pedal boats in their 5 acre lake
· Movies under the Big Top
· Kid's Camp

Best of all these adventures are located right at the Adventure Center. Once guests arrive, they never have to drive around looking for things to do.

The Finest Boats on the River

In 1985, ACE introduced the first self-bailing rafts to West Virginia and two years later, they became the first company to use nothing but self-bailing rafts. Since then, ACE has made the major financial commitment to make 14-foot, 7-person rafts their standard boat. Most other companies still cling to the old clumsy 16 and 17-footers and stuff 9 or 10 paddlers into them. These same companies charge you extra for a 14-foot raft when, at ACE, our standard boats are the 14-foot self-bailers and cost nothing extra! Once you have ridden in one of our light, agile, maneuverable 14-foot rafts, you will never want to ride in anything else. Remember it does not cost you more to go first-class.

Experience Counts

When a company operates out of the finest facility on the river and drives the best boats on the river, they will not have any trouble attracting the best guides on the river.

Our guides average close to 10 years experience and some have been running the river for over 20 years. When it comes to getting the most out of your whitewater adventure, there is nothing more important than getting the best available guide. ACE, has complete confidence that their staff is the best on the river.

Great Lodging

There is no finer lodging in the New River Gorge area.

Not everyone likes to camp. Many guests like to 'rough it easy.' It is with these folks in mind that ACE built their deluxe chalets. Each chalet is heated and air conditioned with a kitchen and private bath with shower and each has its own private hot tub. The chalets even have satellite TV!

Even folks that like to camp love their Deluxe Cabin Tents. Situated in the prettiest part of the Adventure Center, each cabin tent is set up on a deck under a permanent roof. No crawling around in the mud with a flashlight in your mouth trying to set up your tent. The Deluxe Cabin Tents even have real beds with real linens! For true campers, there is nothing like their Mountain Top Campground. Lots of spacious, uncrowded sites and the best sunsets this side of Key West. No matter what your preference, you will find the best available lodging right here at the ACE Adventure Center.

Private Lunch Sites

Having our own private lunch site on our property lets ACE provide you with a vastly superior lunch on their trips. They set up grills and picnic tables so they can cook you up a hot lunch and eat it in comfort. Most of the sites even have sanitary facilities. While guests at other outfitting companies are sitting in the sand and eating cold cuts, ACE guests are enjoying a delicious hot lunch in comfort. It is a big advantage.

Jerry has been the president of Ace Adventure Center for 14 years. He has been dreaming of fantastic adventures for the last 29 years. Growing up in the farm country of the Midwest, Jerry was enthralled with whitewater rafting and rock climbing. In college, he discovered the thrill of adventure in the outdoors--rock climbing, skiing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. It was then that Jerry decided to offer others the same thrill and experience.

Jerry paddled and climbed throughout North America in search of the one place where he could live out all his dreams of adventure. That one place has turned out to be Wild Wonderful West Virginia.

The Eastern United States best whitewater, rock climbing, kayaking, trail riding, mountain biking and hiking are all at ACE Adventure Center.

Ace Adventure Center's spring calendar of events is listed below:

SPRING BIKE FEST Click here for more information.

XTERRA ACE BIG CANYON OFF ROAD TRIATHLON
Click here for more information.

Even if you’ve never been on a river before, you’ll be rafting with complete confidence with a professional guide in every raft. Your guide will show you all you need to know to enjoy a safe and fun day on the river.

· The most popular, “Big Water Action” trip

· Starts with Class II (easy)...ends with Class IV-V (very challenging)

· Raft under the world’s longest "Single Span Arch" bridge...876 feet above the river.

· No experience needed...professional guide in each raft

· Reliable water flows all year round

The New River Gorge National River is the setting for ACE Adventure Center’s most popular Big Water trip. This premier all-day adventure travels through the world’s second oldest river canyon. High waters on the New River offer extreme rafting! The New River typically runs 1/3 more volume than the Grand Canyon during the spring. ACE offers specials at this time that include pig roasts or bar-b-que ribs! The High Waters on the New usually rock right into June!

Morning features verdant mountain scenery and friendly warm-up rapids that are interspersed among relaxing blue/green waters. After ACE’s exclusive grilled lunch...that’s out of this world...you’re ready for an afternoon of action!

Teens, tykes, grandparents and cautious adults...the world of rafting awaits you! This is a great opportunity for all to enjoy the scenic beauty and warm emerald waters of the New River. This “introductory” trip has eight good-time rapids that can be easily skirted if desired. Your experienced and friendly oarsman will do all the maneuvering, allowing you to enjoy the canyon’s beauty.

During the summer, the New River is warm and mild. The flow on the upper New is perfect for first time rafters and the Lower New is a great trip for family and friends – who want a fun, mild adventure. The Lower New is intense but can be done by about anyone in the summer.

When you’re ready for North America’s most intense and exciting river experience, join Ace Adventure Center on the Gauley...and become part of the Gauley legend.

Here’s what some authors of whitewater guidebooks have to say:

“...stands out as the classic big water run in the East.”Whitewater Home Companion

“...the best two-day whitewater rafting trip in North America.” Whitewater Rafting in North America

“Pull out all the stops to describe this run. It’s the absolute swirling, pounding, crashing end!” Wildwater West Virginia

One of their personal favorites is a quote from Neil Armstrong, fighter pilot, test pilot and the first man to walk on the moon, describing his Gauley River trip:
“...the most exciting experience of my life.”

The Gauley is truly a World-Class river. Rated in everyone’s Top Ten, the Gauley’s steep, technical whitewater is intimidating and demanding.

The Upper Gauley is simply the best one-day whitewater run in America. It’s wild, relentless, scary…and more excitement than you can imagine. The Upper Gauley is extreme rafting and should not be taken lightly. However, ACE can provide a less extreme trip in 16 foot rafts, or use 14 and 14 foot rafts for those wanting the most extreme rafting available anywhere in the world. The Lower Gauley is not so intense, but is still a high energy rafting experience.

With 12 miles of nearly non-stop action, and no fewer than SIX Class V+ rapids, there’s nothing like the Upper Gauley…anywhere! From the base of Summersville Dam, over a million gallons of water per minute come thundering into the Gauley’s steep and rocky riverbed. World-Class rapids include Shipwreck, Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and the incomparable Sweets Falls. This is truly the stuff of legend!

No other American river can match the Gauley’s combination of size, power and technical complexity. For 22 glorious days each Fall, West Virginia and the Gauley River become the epicenter of the rafting world.

Summer Upper Gauley

The “Crown Jewel” of spring/summer whitewater, it just doesn’t get any better than the Upper Gauley. You’ll run the very same rapids that make the Fall Gauley Dam Release so special...Sweets Falls, Lost Paddle, Pillow Rock and all the rest are even steeper and rockier at lower summertime flows. Summer water flows determine our boats...60% of the time, we’re in high-performance rafts, 40% of the time we’re in our quick, inflatable kayaks. Class III-V rapids. This trip is awesome!

Summer Lower Gauley

While not as demanding as the Upper, the Summer Lower Gauley is a highly technical run with plenty of excitement and some world-class wilderness scenery. At most summertime levels, we use inflatable kayaks. Your guides begin the day with a thorough orientation, and then lead the way through the rapids. Class III-V rapids.

New/Gauley Twin Rivers Package

When you come to West Virginia this summer, why not do both of the state’s famous rivers! A day of rafting on the New...plus a second day on the Lower Gauley...makes for an unforgettable getaway.

ACE created “Team Extreme” for the select few who want...and can handle...an intense and aggressive whitewater experience.

You’ll use the sport’s smallest rafts and you’ll get the industry’s “extreme” guides. A Team Extreme adventure begins with an intense instructional orientation. You’ll learn braces, and advanced strokes. Don’t sign up for a Team Extreme trip unless you’re in top physical shape.

April...The New River’s “Extreme Month”

Picture waves...lots of waves...some as high as fifteen feet tall! Picture “holes”...hydraulics that are big enough to park a car in! Picture non-stop whitewater for eight miles...no long pools to paddle, just crashing, pounding whitewater.

Now put yourself in the picture...hanging on for dear life, paddling for all you’re worth! Got the picture? Now picture doing it TWICE IN ONE DAY!

That’s ACE’s springtime Double Lower New River trip. What really makes this trip special is that ACE does it in 14-foot rafts! Spring is when they named the New the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Once you do it, you’ll see why they should have named the Colorado the “New River of the West.” Min. age: 14. 16 miles, Class V.

May and June...
Summer Upper Gauley

Most of you know about the Gauley’s famed Fall dam release. You may not know that the dam releases water in the summer, too. Summersville Lake is usually filled up by April 30, so the fun starts in May. Lower summertime flows make the Gauley even steeper, tighter, more rocky and...more extreme!

Fall Lower Gauley

ACE invented this trip 13 years ago. Let our “Team Extreme” specialists show you the wildest ride on the Gauley. We use state-of-the-art 12-foot, 5-person rafts. We surf, we explore, and we run some very aggressive routes. To join this trip you must be in excellent health & a strong swimmer. Previous Class V rafting experience is required.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

The New River Gorge National River is famous for some of the best rock climbing in the East. ACE Adventure Center is surrounded on three sides by the New River Gorge National River in the park, with some of the best climbing that there is right on property. Their highly trained climbing guides can take you all the way from experiential introductory sessions to the most serious hard-core climbing. In addition to the climbs at the Adventure Center, they are only minutes away from the best cliffs in the New River Gorge.

Wild Caving Expeditions

Located about an hour and a half to the east of the ACE Adventure Center lie some of the country’s wildest subterranean limestone caverns. Their caving guides will lead you through staggering mazes of tunnels and rooms. Guests will view spectacular rock formations that took millions of years to create. They will leave with a sense of awe and wonder about the subterranean world.

All Day Rapid Experience, Kayaks, Sit-on-Tops, Ducks

The philosophy at ACE is that learning to kayak should be fun, not work. For beginners they suggest experiential clinics. They offer their guests a variety of boats from self-bailing inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks and, of course, top of the line whitewater kayaks. The self-bailing inflatable kayaks and the sit-on-tops give you the feel and maneuverability of a kayak but let you get a feel of kayaking without the pressure of having to master your ‘Eskimo Roll’.

Kayak Clinics

For those who want to delve more deeply into the sport, the Adventure Center’s warm, shallow lake with its sandy beach is the perfect spot to learn to roll a kayak. For the experienced kayaker, ACE offers advanced clinics, taught by some of the area’s best instructors, on some of the best whitewater in the country.

Mountain Biking

ACE Adventure Center has over 25 miles of trails and many of those trails connect with the New River Gorge National River trail system offering an almost limitless mountain biking experience In addition to guided rides, they offer a full selection of rental bikes, including top-of-the-line front and full-suspension models. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own bike and enjoy our many scenic trails at no charge.

ACE Library...check out Peterson guidebooks on birds, trees, plants, flowers, reptiles, etc. We’ll even lend you a backpack so you can carry your guidebooks on your hike.

Fishin’ Poles...simple cane poles for fishing in our ponds...kids love them.

Lawn Chess...move the big pieces just like a chessboard.

Tetherball, Water Volleyball, Ping Pong

Kids’ Playground

Movies...shown under the Big Top in summertime at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.

“Aqua-Jump” water trampoline..what a hoot! (summertime)

Canoes, kayaks and pedalboats in our 5-acre lake.

Evening Eskimo Clinic...professional kayak instructors introduce you to rolling a kayak.(summer weekdays)

KID'S CAMP

Camp ACE is a fun, “action-learning” Day Camp experience for youth 6 to 11 years old. Kids love it and parents can get away for a day while the kids enjoy supervised activities. Our activities are designed in collaboration with professional educators and our own kids and are taught by skilled instructor/counselors.

At Camp ACE, kids and parents spend a full day together rafting the Upper New River, then they add 1 to 5 days of “kids only” adventures. While the kids are having the time of their lives, parents can spend “camp days” of their own pursuing adult activities. After each day’s activities, the family gets together for dinner, lodging and stories of the day’s adventures.

Call for more information

ACTION ADVENTURE PACKAGES

ACE’s Adventure Packages put a premium on one-call convenience and the highest quality experience. For one inclusive price, you get:

Lower New River
High-Adventure Raft Trip

Plus...your choice of 1 to 6 days of “mix and match” action adventures.

Plus...great meals from breakfast on your 1st day through lunch on your last package day.

Best of all, each individual in your group can personally choose a different adventure if they would like. Whether yours is a family, a bunch of friends or a corporate group, you can all share a great rafting experience and then individually choose the action adventures you would most like to try.

When you build your Action Adventure Package, add your choice of lodging...from old-fashioned camping to deluxe resort cabins. Make the lodging choice that’s right for you, and your adventure vacation is ready for you to enjoy.

Min. age: 12. The sequence of activities will be determined by ACE. All activities must be reserved in advance. Only one Action Adventure per day.

Dine with your friends at their Lakeside Dining Hall, then order your favorite beverage and watch some great videos in the Lost Paddle Lounge.

CAMPING...ON YOUR OWN

Bring your own gear and enjoy the best tent camping in the New River Gorge. Their Mountaintop campground features spacious campsites and also has a limited number of wooded individual campsites for small groups. All sites have a midnight curfew and are assigned on a “first come” basis. Not pets.

BUNKHOUSES

Bunkhouses are perfect for youth groups or large family outings. They sleep up to 12 people on bunk beds with mattresses. Located in a secluded private area. Bring your own overnight camping gear. (sleeping bag, flashlight, etc.)

GROUP TENTS

Group tents feature two large cabin tents on a wooden platform under a permanent roof. Each tent sleeps up to 6 people on mattresses for a total of 12 people. Ideal for a co-ed group desiring separate sleeping areas! Special Meal Packages are available. No pets.

CABIN TENTS

These deluxe “safari-style” Cabin Tents are their most popular camping option. An extra roof and wooden deck keep guests high and dry. Each Cabin Tent has one double and one single bed, so they’re perfect for both couples and singles. We even provide sheets, pillowcases and blankets. Enjoy your own private deck, roast up some marshmallows and enjoy camping in style. No pets.

TWO BEDROOM CHALETS

The most luxurious accommodations at ACE, each two-bedroom chalet sleeps up to 6 people and has central heat and air along with satellite TV. The two upstairs bedrooms are lined with beautiful native poplar and each has a large king-size bed. There’s also a bathroom upstairs. Downstairs, there’s a kitchen, a full bath with a shower, a comfortable dining area and a spacious living room with full-size sleeper sofa.

Out on the deck is your own private whirlpool hot tub and patio furniture. Towels, linens, kitchenware and a charcoal grill are provided. All chalets are non-smoking. For your privacy and relaxation, chalets do not have phones. No pets.

COZY CABINS

ACE has cozy cabins that are located within easy walking distance of their Lake Side Dining Hall. The cabins are surrounded by their 1400- acre resort which is bordered on three-sides by the 70,000- acre New River Gorge National River.

Each air-conditioned cabin features a main room with futon, full bath, kitchen and cozy bedroom with double bed, and a kids sleeping loft. Outside, there is a charcoal grill and picnic table. All cabins are non-smoking. For your privacy and relaxation, cabins do not have phones. Outside whirlpool hot tub on deck after May 1. No pets.

LAKE VIEW CABINS

The cabins are in a wooded setting, close to the dining hall and main lake…within easy walking distance of just about all of our ACE Adventure Center activities. Each cabin sleeps up to 4 people and features central heat & air, 2 queen beds, a private bath, small refrigerator, microwave, and outdoor charcoal grill.

Each unit also has its own private whirlpool hot tub and satellite TV. All cabins are non-smoking. For your privacy and relaxation, cabins do not have phones. No pets.

ACE also has RV sites with full hookups. For information and details, call 888-223-7238.

Enjoy your favorite beverage, deli sandwich and appetizers, while viewing current sporting events on their large screen TV or by playing games. Also attend special events such as film festivals and live music.

ACE MOUNTAIN SPORTS

ACE’s Outfitter Store features the finest paddling equipment, climbing and biking gear. From the latest clothing, books maps and videos to the most recent equipment, they have got you covered. ACE carries Dagger, Perception, Necky, Eskimo, Riot, Werner, Lotus, Giant, Climb High, Metolius, Lowe and Tecnica, to name a few.

ACE Adventure Center offers over 140 diverse and exciting river trips. Whether you prefer rafting, kayaking, canoeing, Duck floats….and whether you are a first time paddler or want to experience the best and the wildest river ride that the US has to offer….ACE Adventure Center has the trip for you.

Call for information at 888-223-7238 and their experienced staff will work with on deciding the best river experience for you, your family and/or your group. Reservations may also be made for vacation stays including their Action Adventure Packages and Kids Camp.

Upon calling, ACE Adventure Center will send you their catalog, video or DVD all filled with exciting information about their Action Adventure Programs.

The New River Gorge National River is the setting for ACE’s most popular Big Water trip. This premier all-day adventure travels through the world’s second oldest river canyon.

· One Day Trip w/Exceptional Lunch
· 14 foot, 7- person, self bailing rafts
· ACE Put Into Fayette Station
· 20 Class 111 –V Rapids
·

Double the action!! Double the fun!! This trip does the last 8 miles of the New River Gorge twice in one day….that’s over 40 gret rapids and 16 miles of rafting!

· One Day Trip with Lunch
· 14 foot, 7- person rafts
· Cunard Put In To Fayette Station, twice
· 40 Class 111 – V Rapids

The “Crown Jewel” of spring/summer whitewater, it just doesn’t get any better than the Upper Gauley. You’ll run the very same rapids that make the Fall Gauley Dam Release so special…Sweets Falls, Lost Paddle, Pillow Rock and all the rest are even steeper and rockier at lower summertime flows.

UPPER GAULEY – FALL

The Upper Gauley is simply the best one-day whitewater run in America. It’s wild, relentless, scary….and more excitement that you can imagine. With more than 12 miles of nearly non-stop action, and no fewer than SIX Class V+ rapids, there’s nothing like the Upper Gauley…anywhere!

· World –class whitewater challenge featuring technical, explosive rapids….the ultimate thrill
· Rugged, remote canyon… a national treasure
· Best one or two-day Fall raft trip in America
· 14 foot, 7- person, self bailing rafts One full river day with lunch
· Summersville Dam to Wood’s Ferry 12 miles
· 50 Class 11 –V+ Rapids

With its sheer cliffs and rhododendron-lined banks, the Lower Gauley is the state’s most beautiful river…and Class V too! This section’s 14 action-packed miles feature towering waves and raft-munching holes…including three Class V rapids.

Long a favorite of veteran boaters, the Lower hosts rapids like Koontz’ Flume, Canyon Doors, Heaven Help You and Screaming Hell.

ACE recommends the Lower Gauley to both first-time rafers and experienced paddlers for these reasons:

· Because the trip is two miles longer, there are actually more rapids on the ACE Lower Gauley trip, than on the Upper Gauley trip.
· The biggest waves, highest jump rock and biggest holes are on the Lower Gauley.
· An ACE hot grilled lunch at our private lunch spot is a Lower Gauley exclusive.
· ACE’s exclusive private take-out at sugar Creek avoids the anticlimactic 3 ½ miles of flatwater that everyone else gets to paddle at the end of the Lower Gauley.
· ACE’s best trip guarantee…your lightest, quickest, most maneuverable 14-foot 7-person self bailing raft.

While many of our guides and Trip Leaders have advanced qualifications, such as Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, EMT, RN…as well as Multimedia First Aid and CPR, they may not be equipped to deal with your specific medical problem. Remember that you are responsible for your own safety at all times while on your trip and you must come prepared for dealing with any physical problems you may have.

Please remember that, in accordance with West Virginia state law, you are required to inform both your guide and your trip leader of any medications you are carrying and of any physical or psychological problems that may affect your safety or that of the trip. We are not allowed to administer drugs…even aspirin…because of possible reactions.