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Premier Gauley Marathon - Trip #18
Why not go rafting on both sections of the Gauley River in one incredible day…23 miles and 100 whitewater rapids!
ACE can do this trip since our Lower Gauley takeout at Sugar Creek eliminates the 3 mile flatwater paddle that all other outfitters have to endure.
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Trip Description
Whitewater Rafting the Whole Gauley River in One Day
Let’s look at some facts about the Gauley. There are around 100 rapids on the Gauley and 50 of those are on the Lower Gauley section. That’s a lot of great whitewater that shouldn’t be missed. Two of the biggest hits on the entire river are “Pure Screaming Hell” and “Lower Mash”…both are on the Lower Gauley! ACE’s jump rock on the Lower, “BFR #2” is the biggest on any trip! It’s easy to see that there’s a lot of fun to be had on the Lower Gauley. Our Premier Gauley Marathon 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 back to ACE 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. Here’s another thing to consider. Since we only run a single shuttle to and from the river, the Marathon is less expensive than running the Upper and the Lower on separate days. Each year, more and more of our customers choose the Marathon simply because they’re getting more bang for the entertainment bucks! However, this is a long, high output day of whitewater rafting on the Gauley river. If you’re out of shape, don't sign up for the Marathon. You can still see the whole river on a Premier Lower, Upper Two Day Whitewater Rafting Trip. The Marathon is a full day of big whitewater action. But if you’re physically up to the challenge, there’s no other trip like the Marathon. If you've done a Marathon before and want to know what's next, try the Gauley Marathon Riverside Overnight. Its two Marathons back to back with a overnight riverside camp at Sugar Creek. If you’re comparing outfitters, remember that only ACE has a take-out just below the last major rapid on the 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.
Trip Format
The Whole Gauley in a 14' Premier Raft
The 14-foot rafts are lighter and more maneuverable, which makes a long day seem easier. They are able to take more extreme lines and surf in smaller holes.
The Season
Autumn whitewater rafting on the Gauley
What To Wear
What To Wear And Bring
Lunch
Gourmet Lunch
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Of the more than 60,000 whitewater enthusiasts who go rafting on the Gauley each year, only a small percentage actually see the entire river. Because the Upper Gauley is justly billed as the East’s only world-class run, folks tend to ignore whitewater rafting on the Lower Gauley section…a VERY big mistake!
The Gauley Marathon offers the longest stretch of continuous white water in on day. After maneuvering Lost Paddle Canyon, you will run Sweet's Fals and stop for front row seats of other rafters running the 14-foot drop as you enjoy a hot grilled lunch. Continue down the Gauley and take-out at Sugar Creek. This is our own private take-out, which cuts out 3.5 miles of flatwater other companies have to paddle.
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 known for it's whitewater during the fall flow.
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!!!!!!
Hot 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!
