Gauley River Rafting: The Complete Gauley Season Handbook
The Gauley River in West Virginia is one of the premier whitewater rivers in the world. Each fall, the US Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Summersville Dam, creating six weekends of world-class rapids known as "Gauley Season." Whitewatr lists 12 outfitters running Gauley trips, with prices starting around $96 on average. Always confirm current pricing directly with the outfitter.
Gauley Season in short
Release days and flow are set by the US Army Corps of Engineers and can shift with weather. Confirm dates with your outfitter before booking travel.
- When
- Six weekends, September into October
- Season opens
- The Friday after Labor Day
- Release days
- About 22 a year
- Release flow
- Roughly 2,800 cfs from Summersville Dam
- Upper Gauley
- Class IV-V, 12 miles, five Class V drops
- Lower Gauley
- Class III-IV, 10 miles
When is Gauley Season?
It starts the Friday after Labor Day and runs six weekends into October, on about 22 scheduled dam-release days. The first five weekends usually run Friday through Monday; the last is shorter.
Should I book the Upper or the Lower Gauley?
The Upper is Class IV-V over 12 miles with five Class V drops, and prior Class IV experience is strongly recommended. The Lower is Class III-IV over 10 miles and is the better first Gauley trip.
How far ahead do I need to book?
Upper Gauley weekend trips sell out months ahead, and the first weekend is the most in demand. Weekdays are easier to get and usually cheaper.
What Is Gauley Season?
Every September and October, the Army Corps draws down Summersville Lake for flood control. The scheduled releases send a massive, reliable volume of water into the Gauley River — roughly 2,800 cubic feet per second — creating approximately 22 scheduled release days spread across six weekends (typically starting the Friday after Labor Day). The first five are typically Friday through Monday, with shorter windows in October.
Gauley Season is the biggest event on the eastern whitewater calendar. Thousands of rafters travel to Fayette County, West Virginia for it. The town of Fayetteville essentially revolves around it. If you want to raft the Gauley, this is when you go.
Upper Gauley vs. Lower Gauley
Upper Gauley (Class IV-V)
Summersville Dam to Woods Ferry — 12 miles
The Upper Gauley is one of the most challenging commercially rafted rivers in the US. Over 12 miles, you'll hit roughly 100 rapids, including five major Class V drops: Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweet's Falls. Despite the names, these are serious rapids with large hydraulics, mandatory moves, and significant consequences for mistakes. This is expert-level whitewater — prior Class IV experience is strongly recommended.
Class: IV-V
Typical age minimum: 15-16
Trip length: Full day (6-7 hours on water)
Best for: Experienced whitewater enthusiasts, bucket-list rafters
Lower Gauley (Class III-IV)
Woods Ferry to Swiss — 10 miles
The Lower Gauley is the more accessible option — Class III-IV rapids that are still exciting but less consequential than the Upper. Key rapids include Pure Screaming Hell, Heaven Help You, and Koontz Flume. It's a great introduction to bigger whitewater and a solid choice for strong intermediates who aren't ready for Class V.
Class: III-IV
Typical age minimum: 12-14
Trip length: Full day (5-6 hours on water)
Best for: Intermediate rafters, those not ready for Class V
Pricing
Upper Gauley: $150-$300+ per person for a full-day trip during Gauley Season.
Lower Gauley: $100-$200+ per person for a full-day trip.
Upper + Lower combo: Some outfitters offer two-day packages at a discount.
Gauley Season commands premium pricing — it's limited to 22 days per year and demand is extremely high. Weekday trips are typically cheaper than weekends. Always confirm current pricing directly with the outfitter.
When to Book
Book early. Gauley Season trips — especially Upper Gauley on weekends — sell out months in advance. Many outfitters open bookings in the spring for the fall season.
- First weekend: The most in-demand. Book 3-6 months ahead.
- Weekday trips: More available and typically $20-$50 cheaper per person.
- Last two weekends: Sometimes easier to book as the weather cools, but the whitewater is just as good.
The Gauley Season Schedule
Gauley Season typically begins the Friday after Labor Day and runs across six weekends with approximately 22 scheduled release days. The first five are typically Friday through Monday, with shorter windows in October. The Army Corps publishes the schedule in advance — your outfitter will know the exact dates.
Outside Gauley Season: The Gauley still runs in summer when natural water levels allow, but flows are lower and less predictable. The character of the rapids changes significantly. Most commercial trips focus on the fall releases.
What to Know Before You Go
- Fitness matters. The Upper Gauley is a full day of hard paddling through Class V rapids. You need to be in reasonable shape and able to swim in strong current.
- Water temperature: Fall in West Virginia means cold water. Outfitters provide wetsuits and splash jackets, but bring warm layers for the shuttle ride.
- Swimming: Swimmers (falling out) happen, even to experienced rafters. If you swim in a Class V rapid, it can be a long, rough ride. Trust your life jacket and your guide's instructions.
- Photos: Most outfitters have photographers stationed at the big rapids. Purchase after the trip — don't bring your phone into Class V.
- Lodging: Fayetteville fills up during Gauley Season. Book lodging when you book your trip. Many outfitters offer camping or bunkhouse options.
Getting There
The Gauley River is in the New River Gorge National Park area of southern West Virginia. Most outfitters operate out of Fayetteville or Lansing.
- Charleston, WV — 1 hour
- Lexington, KY — 3 hours
- Pittsburgh, PA — 4 hours
- Washington, DC — 4.5 hours
- Columbus, OH — 3.5 hours
Gauley River Outfitters on Whitewatr
12 outfitters run trips on the Gauley River, with prices from $79 to $425.
| Outfitter | Location | Class | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Adventure Resort | Oak Hill, WV | — | $79 |
| Adventures on the Gorge | Summersville, WV | III-V+ | — |
| Adventures on the Gorge | Lansing, WV | — | — |
| New River Gorge Outfitters | Hinton, WV | — | $110 |
| River Expeditions | Oak Hill, WV | — | — |
| Cantrell Ultimate Rafting | Fayetteville, WV | — | — |
| Alpine Ministries | Mount Hope, WV | — | — |
| River Expeditions | Oak Hill, WV | — | $85 |
| USA Raft Adventure Resort | Oak Hill, WV | — | — |
| ACE Adventure Resort | Hico, WV | — | — |
| West Virginia Adventures | Glen Jean, WV | III-IV | $119 |
| River Expeditions | Fayetteville, WV | — | $85 |
Gauley at a glance
Compiled from the outfitters below. Class ratings and season windows move with water level — confirm before booking.
- Outfitters listed
- 6
- State
- WV
- Rapid class
- Class III-V
- Trips start at
- $79-$119 per person (median $85)
- Season
- May to October (some operators year-round)
- Youngest minimum age
- 5 years
Outfitters running this river
Check dates and pricing directly with any of them — one message, no booking fees.
ACE Adventure Resort
Hico, WV
Adventures on the Gorge
Summersville, WV · Class III-V+
West Virginia Adventures
Glen Jean, WV · Class III-IV
from $119
River Expeditions
Fayetteville, WV
from $85
River Expeditions
Oak Hill, WV
ACE Adventure Resort
Oak Hill, WV
from $79
Data based on 477 verified outfitters on Whitewatr. Last updated August 2026.