Three Words: Gauley River Rafting.
Gauley white water raftingis a badge of accomplishment you earn, and then crave.
Once you get some Gauley River rafting under your belt, it sticks with you forever. You'll find yourself reliving your run at Pillow Rock at work, as you drift off to sleep, watering the garden, when you least expect it. Hands down,
rafting the Gauley puts you on some of the best
white water among some of the
most beautiful mountains. Check it out:
- Over 40 rapids made of pure "steep-churning-top-10-in-the-world-white-water" packed into 11 miles of river
- 6 class V rapids only Mother Nature could invent (with help from dynamite)
- A 14-foot waterfall. Seriously.
- Gauley guides who specialize in teambuilding to keep your team on point in the most challenging white water
- The best lunch you ever had – ACE has its own private grill spot and deck overlooking the colosseum-like setting of Sweet's Falls
September and October are scheduled releases —
Gauley Season — and people come from all over for the Gauley white water action. Boats and lodging fill up fast, 'cause it's some pretty fun stuff.
If the Upper Gauley white water rafting sounds like a bit more than you'd like, check out
Lower Gauley River rafting, the most advanced trip we offer for first timers.
Choose any of the Upper
Gauley white water rafting trips shown below and you'll be blown away, promise.
Upper Gauley River rafting - All Day
- Straight up world-class section of Class III-V+ Gauley white water rafting
- Trip Length: 12 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Rates Per person:
Fri: $164
Sat: $189
Sun: $164
Mon: $139
Rates Per person:
Fri: $169
Sat: $194
Sun: $169
Mon: $144
Rates Per person:
Fri: $204
Sat: $229
Sun: $204
Mon: $179
Gauley Marathon - All Day
- Gauley white water rafting smorgasbord - Upper and Lower Gauley in one day (70+ rapids)
- Trip Length: 23 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October*
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Rates Per person:
Fri: $234
Sat: $259
Sun: $234
Mon: $229
Rates Per person:
Fri: $239
Sat: $264
Sun: $239
Mon: $234
Rates Per person:
Fri: $274
Sat: $299
Sun: $274
Mon: $269
Double Upper Gauley River rafting - All Day
- Upper Gauley white water rafting pig out! Six big class V+ rapids twice in one day
- Trip Length: 24 miles (All day)
- Meals: Hot-grilled lunch at Sweet's Falls – ACE's private lunch site
- Season: September-October*
- Minimum Age: 15
- Minimum Height: 60 inches
Rates Per person:
Fri: $254
Sat: $279
Sun: $254
Mon: $229
Rates Per person:
Fri: $259
Sat: $284
Sun: $259
Mon: $234
Rates Per person:
Fri: $294
Sat: $319
Sun: $294
Mon: $269
Upper Gauley River white water rafting is more than something to do — it's an event.
Gauley Season is only 6 weekends in September and October, when the Summersville Lake is drained to its winter water level. We start Upper Gauley rafting trips at the base of the Summersville Dam.
Come for the buzz of opening weekend — always right after Labor Day. The third Gauley Season weekend is always Gauley Fest, including fundraisers for American Whitewater, raft and kayak races, and a post-river celebration. The final Gauley weekends feature the explosive color of West Virginia's fall foliage. We wrap up our Gauley adventures for the year on Bridge Day weekend — why not combine rafting with a BASE jumping extravaganza?
Only 22 Releases in Gauley Season 2012...
Don't miss your chance to go Gauley this year!
What To Wear
The Upper Gauley runs in the spring and in the fall. In both seasons, weather can vary quite a bit. Be prepared to rent a wetsuit or bring your own on most days. Cotton is a poor insulating layer to wear; when cotton gets wet (like it does when you are rafting the Gauley) it actually draws heat from your body, making you colder. There is a saying in the white water world that you should dress for the swim.
Although no one plans to fall in the water while rafting the Gauley River, it does happen. On chilly days, wearing synthetic pile or fleece over your core along with a windbreakerworks with your wetsuit (don't forget, Gauley River water is around 55 degrees) to keep you warm — and comfortable — all day. On particularly cold days, wool socks, gloves and skull caps are a good idea for conserving your body heat.
- Shorts and/or bathing suit
- Wetsuit recommended
- Hat
- Sunglasses with strap
- River sandals, water shoes, or tennis shoes
- Your steely-eyed face of determination
What To Bring
- Sunscreen
- Personal prescription medication
- Extra layer
- Waterproof camera
- Can-do attitude
Don't Bring
- Towels
- Wallets, rings or jewelry
- Non-waterproof camera
- Backpacks or excessive cargo
- Friends who don't like to have fun
