OAK HILL---The water slowly bubbles up from the riverbed, but don’t be deceived. Its full impact doesn’t become apparent until you float one-fourth of a mile downstream. Whitewater enthusiasts from around the world will soon gather at the base of Summersville Dam, the headwaters for the Gauley River. During its 22-day release in September and October, over 30,000 rafters will experience why this river is rated 7th best in the world and 2nd best in North America for whitewater rafting.
Twenty-three miles and over 100 named rapids make up the challenge for those who trek to southern West Virginia. When the river was first commercially navigated in the early 70’s, many felt the needed stamina combined with the level of difficulty made commercial trips unrealistic. Thirty years later, the river has become a proverbial melting pot of whitewater paddlers and expert guides throughout North America and the world.
Veteran guide and 25-year Gauley paddler Joe Shrewsbery explains, “These 22 days are the ones we work for the hardest. Not everyone can be a guide on this river and those that are represent the best from many different rivers. Paddlers converge on West Virginia in September and October to guide and renew friendships. The energy is unbelievable.” When not on the river, Shrewsbery oversees the grounds and maintenance for the largest outfitter in the state, ACE Adventure Center outside of Oak Hill. “Everyone knows I plan to guide on the Gauley during the fall.” Joe’s skill and expertise make him one of ACE’s most requested guides year after year.
The river is divided into two distinct sections, the Upper and Lower. For those less experienced or interested in just exploring the tremendous scenery of the river, the Lower section is a terrific day. For those looking for the challenge of extreme whitewater, the Upper Gauley is the ticket. ACE owner Jerry Cook says, “The whitewater industry and Gauley River products have changed. Several years ago, you simply did the Upper or Lower Gauley. Today, whitewater paddlers can choose from thirty options such as Double Uppers and Deluxe Gauley River Overnights with riverside camping. The river hasn’t changed but what we can offer our guests has.” In addition to the traditional fall season, ACE is one of the few outfitters running the river throughout the summer months.
The Gauley River dam release runs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday through October 10th and again on October 15th and 16th. The last weekend also features the state’s largest one-day festival with the annual Bridge Day Festival on the New River. For more information and trip availability, visit www.aceraft.com.
(ACE Adventure Center is West Virginia’s largest Outdoor Resort featuring whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, rock climbing and kayak instruction, on-premise stables, mountain bike rentals and tours, chalet and deluxe lodging, a trail system throughout our 1400 acres connecting with the New River Gorge National River, southern West Virginia’s largest campground, an Outfitter Shop, 2,200 square foot conference meeting facility, and an Alpine Tower with a full service corporate training/leadership development program.)
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