The New River Gorge National River park is a huge and diverse resource.  This trip is a fun way to sample more than just the river itself.  We start with a guided raft trip, beginning right under the famous New River Gorge Bridge.  After running four mild rapids, the river enters Hawks Nest Lake.  A boat tows our rafts through the lake and we have lots of time for fun stuff like riding a “banana boat,” playing “Ducky games,” swimming and a super jump rock…all “kid-tested” and voluntary.  Once at Hawks Nest State Park, we ride the aerial tram and meet our shuttle vehicle for still  more fun.  After a lakeside lunch, there’s a full afternoon of activities which can include short walks to scenic overlooks and waterfalls as well as a visit to the “Mystery Hole,” a unique West Virginia attraction. 

This trip is run on several different sections of the Middle and Lower Gauley…depending on that day’s dam release and water level.  There are several sections that feature mild, beginner-friendly rapids…Class II and III…and incredible scenery.  The trip can be run with small rafts or our high-tech inflatable kayaks.  It’s the Gauley, but it’s not intimidating…and perfect for first-time paddlers.

Combine two or three days of exciting Summer Gauley paddling with one or two nights of remote wilderness camping.  Because ACE is the only outfitter that runs the Gauley every day during the Spring and Summer, you can’t get this trip anywhere else.