This trip gives you all the West Virginia Whitewater you can handle. With the Gauley River Reverse, you get to challenge the big beefy waves of the Lower Gauley River on Day 1 and brave the incredible class V rapids of the Upper Gauley on Day 2.

Trip Description

Start with the Lower, end with the Upper – Classic Gauley River Reverse

Just because Mother Nature put the big class V rapids of the Upper Gauley first, and the thumpy scenic Lower Gauley second doesn’t mean you have to raft it in that order. The “Gauley Reverse” gives you the entire Gauley River starting with the Lower Gauley section on the first day and finishing with the Upper Gauley section on Day 2. On day 1, you’ll run the “wild & scenic” Lower Gauley, saving up for the incomparable Upper Gauley on day 2. This format allows you to return to ACE for the evening after our first day’s run. You can access all of our many Deluxe lodging options and all the ACE Adventure Resort’s amenities and nighttime fun. You can hang out in one of our luxury cabins (complete with hot tubs) or grab a bite to eat at the Lost Paddle Bar and Grill.

The Reverse is perfect for first time rafters, giving you a “warm up” on the Lower Gauley so you get an idea of what’s to come on day two with the Upper Gauley. The more adventurous first-timers will find their appetite whetted for more, while more conservative rafters might decide that the Lower Gauley is all the whitewater action they care to handle. For these folks, there’s the option of changing their second day trip to something they know they’ll enjoy, like the Lower New River.

So if you’re coming to West Virginia to put a World-Class river on your resume, do the Classic Two Day Gauley Reverse. The Gauley River Reverse allows you to have as much fun as possible in a single weekend. Want to stay on the river overnight? You can make this trip a Gauley Reverse Riverside Overnight with riverside camping.

Trip Format

Two days on the Gauley in a 14' Premier Raft

The Lower Gauley on day one will warm you up for continuous whitewater. You will enjoy a hot gilled lunch riverside, then take out at Sugar Creek.

The Upper Gauley on day two is full force excitement. Seven Class V - V+ rapids awaits on this section of river, with one being the infamous 14-foot drop at Sweet's Falls. You will then join the crowd at the stadium like lunch spot to enjoy the other rafts coming over the falls as you fill up on your hot grilled lunch. Downstream you will be fueled up to face more massive waves. The 14-foot rafts offer more maneuvering ability through the rocks for the best ride possible.

This whitewater rafting trip is recommended for experienced rafters.

The Season

Autumn Whitewater Rafting on the Gauley

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

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!!!!!!

Lunch

Gourmet Lunch

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!

River Map

Rapids of The Gauley River