Gauley White Water Rafting in the Summer — Only With ACE
Like to take the road less traveled? How about the river less traveled? We do, too. That's why we've created a program specifically for Summer Gauley white water rafting with guides who specialize in running this stretch of river. No other outfitter is on the Gauley River rafting in the summer day in and day out like ACE.
Check this out: Sometimes there's enough water for our smaller, high-adventure rafts. Sometimes we take FunYaks—high-performance inflatable kayaks—that you paddle yourself. Check the extra info tab on this page to learn more about how water levels affect which boats we choose.
The Gauley River in the summer is quite different from the dam-controlled releases of Fall Gauley Season. Lower summer flows mean technical Gauley river rafting:
- Steep drops get steeper
- The river channelizes, creating white water mazes through boulder gardens
- Lower flows = FunYaks
- No crowds
You'll leave the Gauley with a whole new perspective, not only of the river, but also yourself.
Looking for the guaranteed dam releases for Gauley white water rafting in the fall? Go head, check it out. You may get so amped up, you won't be able to wait for fall. In that case, we'll be right here. Looking to check out the Gauley from a drier perspective? Check out ACE's Follow the Gauley River West Virginia mountain biking adventure.
Summer Gauley Intermediate - All Day
- Class I-III+ (IV) rapids with fun waves and open chutes
- Learn basic paddle strokes and techniques
- Riverside deli lunch included
- Season: April-August
- Minimum Age: 13
Rates Per Person:
Sun-Fri: $124
Sat: $149
Summer Gauley Advanced - All Day
- Class II-IV+ (V) technical rapids with house-sized boulders and big drops
- Reinforce paddling and river reading skills
- Riverside deli lunch included
- Season: April-August
- Minimum Age: 15
Rates Per Person:
Sun-Fri: $124
Sat: $149
Boat size and trip length change according to water level. For Summer Gauley white water rafting, ACE uses 1-person inflatable kayaks (FunYaks) and/or 4+, 6+ and 8+ person rafts. Mother Nature determines the boat size, but during an average year, you can expect to be boating the Gauley in the following crafts:
| Month | Avg. CFS Range | Description | Craft |
|---|
| April |
1,200 - 5,200 cfs |
The Summersville Dam is being refilled making water levels unpredictable. Be ready to paddle! |
4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft |
| May |
1,200 - 6,000 cfs |
Expect high water - usually the highest water flows outside Fall Gauley Season. Great for the adventure seeker. |
4+, 6+ or 8+ person raft |
| June |
300 - 6,500 cfs |
The Gauley becomes very technical in early summer and must still be navigated by raft. A great option for those looking for a wild and scenic stretch of river. |
FunYak, 4+ person raft or 6+ person raft |
| July |
200 - 4,500 cfs |
The rapids on the Gauley change to technical chutes and drops. If you’re ready to maneuver these river currents in your own boat, this is the time to tackle the Gauley. |
FunYak, 4+ person raft or 6+ person raft |
| August |
500 - 3,000 cfs |
With the temperatures soaring, this is a great time to take advantage of refreshing Gauley flows. A perfect option for the active and adventurous. |
FunYak or 4+ person raft |
If you get cold easily, or if it's an overcast, rainy day, we recommend a wetsuit rental. It's way easier to cool off than it is to warm up. And neoprene adds some nice padding.
What To Wear
- Shorts and/or bathing suit
- Hat
- Sunglasses with strap
- River sandals or old shoes
- How 'bout that game face?
What To Bring
- Sunscreen
- Personal prescription medication
- Extra layers (non-cotton)
- Waterproof camera
- A little gumption
Don't Bring
- Towels
- Wallets, rings or jewelry
- Non-waterproof digital cameras
- Cell phones
- Lame friends
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