Trip Description

 

Whitewater Rafting on The Upper Gauley River... Twice in a Single Day

Whitewater Rafting on The Upper Gauley River, Lost Paddle RapidThis trip is for those who just can’t get enough of a good thing. You’ll go whitewater rafting on the best part of the Upper Gauley River, including all 6 Class V+ monsters…then you’ll eat lunch and run them all again!

The Upper Gauley is simply the best 1-day rafting trip in America! No other river has the Gauley’s unique combination of high volume and tight, technical rapids. It’s powerful, relentless and scary…more fun than you can imagine! Now imagine doing it twice in one incredible day!

Our trip begins at the base of Summersville Dam and runs 10 miles of almost continuous rapids. Rapids with names like Lost Paddle, Pillow Rock, Iron Ring, Insignificant, and the incomparable Sweets Falls are truly the stuff of legend. After lunch and a short bus ride back to the dam, we do the entire Upper Gauley again. You’ll run over 90 rapids and 21 miles of whitewater.

As with all our Premier Lower New Trips, the Double Upper uses our light, and agile, 14-foot rafts. With only 6 or 7 paddlers, these custom-designed rafts are simply the best boats on the Upper Gauley.

You can expect to be pretty tired after this whitewater rafting adventure so we recommend a soak in the hot tub of one of our deluxe lodging options.

Don’t choose this trip unless everyone in your group is in good physical shape and ready for a full day of strenuous paddling. There is always the single run on the Premier Upper Gauley.

 

Trip Format

 

The Upper Gauley Twice in a 14' Premier Raft

Whitewater Rafting The Upper Gauley Twice in a 14' Premier RaftThe Upper Gauley is full force excitement. Seven Class V-V+ rapids, one being the infamous 14-foot waterfall known as "Sweet's Falls." Crowds of people stick around Sweet's to watch the other boats come through. Once you are through, you can join in the stadium atmosphere as you enjoy your hot grilled lunch and anticipate more massive waves in the afternoon. Your 14-foot raft will offer even more adventure as you maneuver through the rocks for the best possible ride. This trip is recommended for experienced rafters.

 

 

 

 

 

The Season

 

Autumn Whitewater Rafting on the Upper Gauley

ace_articleimage2_350x350_gauley-seasonAutumn 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

what_to_wearPile, 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!!!!!!

Lunch

 

Gourmet Lunch

ace_articleimage_350x350_lunch_u.gauleyHot grilled lunch 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!

River Map

 

Rapids of The Gauley River

ACE_GauleyRiver_RapidsMap

 

Whitewater Rafting on the Upper Gauley River Gallery