Trip Description

 

Get Your Whole Group Whitewater Rafting the Lower Gauley in a Stable Traditional Raft

Whitewater Rafting the Lower Gauley in a Traditional RaftPicture monster wave trains with steep drops that defy gravity and can take your breath away. Add to the mix majestic wilderness scenery and mammoth boulders guarding the shoreline as you descend through the canyon's narrow chutes and churning waters.

This whitewater rafting section of the Lower Gauley is jam-packed with rapids ranging from Class III-V...a favorite among veteran guides. Often considered a stepping-stone to the Upper Gauley, the Lower is by no means tame! Get ready for high energy and whitewater rafting excitement at it's best! This is our most challenging trip recommended for first-timers. It's fast, fabulous, and fun.

You can incorporate this trip into the Upper Gauley with a Fall Gauley Marathon or a Traditional Gauley Reverse Riverside.

Trip Format

 

Whitewater Rafting the Lower Gauley in a 16' Traditional Raft

Whitewater Rafting the Lower Gauley in a Traditional Raft

Our Traditional Lower Gauley trip is run in 16-foot, 9-10 person rafts, the industry standard, to take a little intensity out of the giant Lower Gauley waves and make it more suitable for the less adventurous rafter. But have no fear; all of the Lower Gauley fun is still included. Guests who paddle the Lower Gauley with ACE Adventure Resort will experience up to an extra 5 miles of rapids at the start of the trip. Thanks to our ACE exclusive Sugar Creek take-out you'll get to avoid 3.5 miles of flat-water at the end of the trip. This is an amazing rafting trip for families and first-timers!

The Season

 

The Whitewater Rafting Season for the Lower Gauley

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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.

 

What To Wear

 

What To Wear And Bring

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Pile, wool, or acrylic sweater
Wool or rubber gloves, ski cap
Nylon windbreaker
NO COTTON!
Towel, dry set of clothes (for after the trip)
Wetsuits and neoprene booties are strongly recommended for fall Gauley River trips. Wetsuits are available for rent at ACE.

Lunch

 

Lunch

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We strive to provide the best river experience for our guests. That’s why ACE goes the extra mile to serve a hot-grilled lunch prepared fresh daily by our own kitchen and guide staff. Enjoy hamburgers, veggie burgers, and grilled chicken accompanied by a selection of salads, snacks, and desserts.

River Map

 

Rapids of The Gauley River

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