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 technicalGauley 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 raftingin 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
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.
