The Gauley River in West Virginia is recognized by paddlers as one of the top ranked rivers in the world. Its technical rapids, inaccessibility and scenic quality contribute to its world class designation. Dropping more than 650 feet in 24 miles, the Gauley River features over 100 rapids.
Two distinct 12-mile sections offer their own personality and flair. The Gauley River is a dam-controlled watershed and the scheduled fall release dates ensure optimum flows for rafting. This is truly a world class rafting experience and River Expeditions recommends a two-day adventure on the Gauley River for maximum enjoyment of the most premier stretch of whitewater in the country.
Summer water flows on the Gauley River allow another dimension in rafting and a very different perspective of this wild river. Intermediate to advanced rafters will delight in the challenges of this trip highlighted by cool, crisp water and clean mountain air.
The Gauley River offers truly exceptional rafting opportunities. River Expeditions runs trips on the Gauley River in the summer from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, based on water flows. Then beginning the Friday after Labor Day the fall draw down of Summersville Lake begins and brings Gauley River to its peak rafting flows. Raft the Gauley River in the summer and the fall for two completely different perspectives of this wild, scenic river.
'TENTATIVE' 2013 Fall Gauley Release Dates -
September:
6,7,8,9
13,14,15,16
20,21,22,23
27,28,29,30
October:
4,5,6,7
12,13
20
Adventure Class
Minimum Age: 12
Experience the Gauley River from an entirely new perspective in the Summer. Crisp, sparkling water will awaken your sense of adventure and spontaneity as water levels vary daily. We'll evaluate water flows to determine the use of rafts and/or duckies on the appropriate river section, giving you the best possible rafting experience.
Spend a hot summer day cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Gauley River. This trip offers challenges for beginner to advanced paddlers; minimum of 6 people required; based on water flows; available Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Package Rates & Options
|
Single Day Rafting
|
$125 |
$125 |
$155 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
The Upper Gauley is ranked among the best whitewater runs in the world and certainly the most extreme trip we offer. This high impact adventure features big, technical rapids that demand precise maneuvering through steep drops, narrow chutes and crashing whitewater. Spectacular scenery and dramatic views highlight this intensely challenging trip. Enjoy exclusive access to the sunny side of Sweets Falls where hot, grilled lunch is served while you take a break and watch more rafting action. Previous rafting experience is highly recommended on this legendary trip; minimum age 16.
Package Rates & Options
|
Double Upper Gauley
|
$190 |
$205 |
$285 |
|
Full Gauley Marathon
|
$185 |
$205 |
$240 |
|
Single Day Rafting
|
$125 |
$145 |
$175 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This trip is for those who want to experience the Upper and Lower Section of the Gauley River in the same day. You'll be paddling 24-miles of whitewater; taking a break in between for lunch at our exclusive Sweet's Falls Overlook. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended. Trip includes lite breakfast, riverside lunch and beverages after rafting. You can add camping and dinner to make a complete adventure package. Minium age 16. Minimum of 6 people required to book this trip.
Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
-
1 Day Rafting
-
2 Nights camping
-
Lite Breakfast each Morning
-
Round-Trip River Shuttle
-
Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
-
Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
-
Hot Showers
-
Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting
Package Rates & Options
|
Basecamp Camping
|
$215 |
$235 |
$270 |
|
Rafting Only
|
$185 |
$205 |
$240 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This package includes rafting the top river segment in the country - the famed Upper Gauley River - two days in a row! After the first day, you'll return to camp at our comfortable basecamp where you can enjoy hot showers and relax in the hot tub. Dinner is served in our restaurant then relive tales from your trip as you watch your video in The Red Dog River Saloon. Get a good night's sleep before heading out to do the Upper Gauley again on day two of your adventure. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended.
Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 3 Nights camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting first day
Package Rates & Options
|
Basecamp Camping
|
$290 |
$290 |
$240 |
|
Rafting Only
|
$190 |
$205 |
$285 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
Adventure Class
Minimum Age: 12
The fall Lower Gauley is considered a moderate adventure and combines exhilarating rapids with magnificent scenery from start to finish.
This high adventure trip feels like a watery roller coaster ride - a favorite among intermediate paddlers. It is set in a pristine wilderness which allows you to marvel at the rugged canyon walls and grandeur between rapids.
Indulge your passion for adventure. This trip is often the next step after rafting the New River, although it is suitable for adventurous beginners (age 12 and up). The Lower Gauley is the perfect prelude to the intense Upper Gauley.
Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
- 1 Day Rafting
- 2 Nights camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting
Package Rates & Options
|
Camping Package
|
$140 |
$150 |
$185 |
|
Hotel Package (Starting At)
|
$230 |
$240 |
$275 |
|
Rafting Only
|
$110 |
$120 |
$155 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This premium trip includes two full days of rafting - warm up the first day on the Lower Gauley and then challenge the Upper Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax with a beverage before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty riverside breakfast and setting out for day two and the Upper Gauley River. After rafting on day two, you can camp overnight at River Expeditions basecamp and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home. This is a great way to enjoy all the Gauley River offers.
Raft the Lower Gauley on day one, then take on the world-famous Upper Gauley River!
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
- Minimum of 8 People Required
Package Rates & Options
|
Riverside Camping
|
$360 |
$360 |
$310 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This premium trip includes two full days of rafting on the Gauley River. Day one you'll be on the intense Upper Gauley section and the adventurous Lower Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty breakfast and setting out for day two and the wild and scenic Lower Gauley River. After rafting on day two, return to camp at River Expeditions basecamp overnight and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home the following day. Make the most of all the Gauley River offers on this premium two-day rafting expedition.
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
- Minimum of 8 People Required
Package Rates & Options
|
Riverside Camping
|
$315 |
$315 |
$265 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
The legendary Upper Gauley River is the top rated single-day trip in the country. This high impact adventure features monstrous whitewater and the most nonstop action you’ll find anywhere. The Upper Gauley can be tempermental and feisty - the ultimate whitewater experience.
Big, technical rapids which demand precise maneuvering and test your teamwork are hallmarks of the famed Upper Gauley. You’ll encounter steep drops, narrow chutes and rocky ledges that heighten your senses and keep your adrenaline pumping.
Due to the intense nature of this trip, previous rafting experience is highly recommended (minimum age of 16). The Upper Gauley demands physical and mental stamina and beckons only serious whitewater enthusiasts.
Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
- 1 Day Rafting
- 2 Nights camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting
Package Rates & Options
|
Camping Package
|
$155 |
$175 |
$205 |
|
Hotel Package (Starting At)
|
$245 |
$265 |
$295 |
|
Rafting Only
|
$125 |
$145 |
$175 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This package includes rafting the top river segment in the country - the famed Upper Gauley River twice in two days! After the first day, you'll set up camp at our exclusive riverside overnight location and enjoy a cold beverage and a cozy fire. Your guide will prepare a delicious dinner over an open flame that you're sure to devour after working up an appetite paddling all day. After dinner you can relive the day's adventures around the campfire before falling asleep underneath the stars. The next day you will enjoy a hearty riverside breakfast before rafting the Upper Gauley again on day two. This is a premium wilderness adventure package. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended.
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Campingl
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
- Minimum of 8 People Required
Package Rates & Options
|
Riverside Camping
|
$365 |
$365 |
$300 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This premium trip includes two full days of rafting on the Gauley River. Day one you'll be on the adventurous Lower Gauley section and the intense Upper Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll return to camp at River Expeditions basecamp overnight where you can enjoy hot showers, the comfort of our resturant and the Red Dog River Saloon. Get a good night's sleep before heading out for day two - the Upper Gauley River. Make the most of all the Gauley River offers on this premium two-day rafting expedition.
Lower / Upper Gauley River Reverse Basecamp Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp
- Round-Trip River Shuttle Daily
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
Package Rates & Options
|
Basecamp Camping
|
$265 |
$265 |
$215 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This premium trip includes two full days of rafting - warm up the first day on the Lower Gauley and then challenge the Upper Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax with a beverage before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty riverside breakfast and setting out for day two and the Upper Gauley River. After rafting on day two, you can camp overnight at River Expeditions basecamp and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home. This is a great way to enjoy all the Gauley River offers.
Raft the Lower Gauley on day one, then take on the world-famous Upper Gauley River!
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
- Minimum of 8 People Required
Package Rates & Options
|
Riverside Camping
|
$360 |
$360 |
$310 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
Adventure Class
Minimum Age: 12
Experience the best of both rivers in our Dueling Rivers trip. Raft the Lower New River on the first day and then challenge yourself on the Summer Gauley River the second day. These are both exciting, action-packed trips appropriate for adventurous beginners, age 12 and up. Trip includes lite breakfast each day, riverside lunch daily and beverages after rafting each day. You can add camping and meals to create a complete adventure package.
Raft both the New River and the Gauley River!
2-Day Rafting and Camping Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 3 Nights Basecamp Camping
- 3 Lite Breakfasts
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- 2 Delicious Riverside Deli Lunches
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
Package Rates & Options
|
Basecamp Camping
|
$240 |
$225 |
|
Rafting Only
|
$205 |
$190 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This trip is for those who want to experience the Upper and Lower Section of the Gauley River in the same day. You'll be paddling 24-miles of whitewater; taking a break in between for lunch at our exclusive Sweet's Falls Overlook. This trip requires excellent physical condition, stamina and previous rafting experience is recommended. Trip includes lite breakfast, riverside lunch and beverages after rafting. You can add camping and dinner to make a complete adventure package. Minium age 16. Minimum of 6 people required to book this trip.
Rafting and Basecamp Camping Packages Include:
-
1 Day Rafting
-
2 Nights camping
-
Lite Breakfast each Morning
-
Round-Trip River Shuttle
-
Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch
-
Complimentary Beverages after Rafting
-
Hot Showers
-
Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting
Package Rates & Options
|
Rafting Only
|
$185 |
$205 |
$240 |
|
Basecamp Camping
|
$215 |
$235 |
$270 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities
World Class
Minimum Age: 16
This premium trip includes two full days of rafting on the Gauley River. Day one you'll be on the intense Upper Gauley section and the adventurous Lower Gauley on day two. After the first day, you'll set up camp riverside and relax before dinner is served. Make memories with friends around the campfire after sharing a delicious meal, prepared by your guide-turned-gourmet-chef. Fall asleep under the stars to the river's gentle rhythms and wake refreshed before having a hearty breakfast and setting out for day two and the wild and scenic Lower Gauley River. After rafting on day two, return to camp at River Expeditions basecamp overnight and enjoy another lite breakfast before heading home the following day. Make the most of all the Gauley River offers on this premium two-day rafting expedition.
Riverside Overnight Packages Include:
- 2 Days Rafting
- 1 Night Riverside Camping, 2 Nights Basecamp Camping
- Lite Breakfast each Morning at Basecamp, 1 Hot Breakfast Riverside
- Round-Trip River Shuttle
- Delicious Riverside Deli Lunch on the River Each Day
- Complimentary Beverages after Rafting Each Day
- Hot Showers
- Deluxe Dinner Cookout after Rafting First Day
- Minimum of 8 People Required
Package Rates & Options
|
Riverside Camping
|
$315 |
$315 |
$265 |
*Discount Applies to Rafting Fees Only
Not Applicable for Lodging or Other Activities