Gauley River National Recreation Area

Gauley River is a popular whitewater river in the fall
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
Map showing location of park.
park ranger at a desk looking at a map with an older man
Oral History Recordings Made Available to Public on New River Gorge NPP Website
Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website.
Tents at the Gauley Tailwaters Campground
Temporary Closure of Gauley River NRA’s Tailwaters Campground
The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year.
Rafters enjoying the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Rafting on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Trying to stay in the raft on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Rafting on Gauley River before Sweets Falls fapid
Photo by NPS Photo
Watching the boats come by on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Kayakers coming through Pillow Rock rapid on Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Tapping the rock at Pillow Rock rapid on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
Guiding through a rapid on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo
One of the many rapids on the Gauley River
Photo by NPS Photo