Explore Gauley River National Recreation Area

Gauley River National Recreation Area

West Virginia

Managed by National Park Service

Established 1988

11,507 acres

Overview

Located downstream from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Summersville Dam (completed in 1965), this area protects 25 miles of the Upper and Lower Gauley River, plus six miles of the Meadow River. The river’s headwaters are in the Monongahela National Forest and after 105 miles it joins the New River to form the Kanawha River. It is the first river to have U.S. Congress mandate dam releases 22 times each fall expressly for recreational whitewater rafting and kayaking (a major boon to the local economy). The Upper Gauley River provides habitat for a small, colorful fish called the candy darter, as well as other rare species like the Allegheny woodrat, cerulean warbler, eastern hellbender, and finescale saddled darter.

Highlights

Pillow Rock Rapid, Sweet’s Falls Rapid, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Meadow River Gorge Trail

Must-Do Activity

Most of Gauley River National Recreation Area is only accessible by rafting the river on six weekends each fall and occasionally after dam releases in the summer. The stream gradient drops 28 feet per mile over the course of 26 miles known as “The Marathon.” The Upper Gauley has five famous Class V rapids: Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweet’s Falls. The Lower Gauley offers 50 Class III–V rapids and scenic cliffs up to 500 feet high in places. Most visitors go with one of several whitewater guiding companies in the area that offer a variety of options, including overnight trips. Fishermen come to the river to catch trout, smallmouth bass, walleyes, and muskies.

A scenic view of the Gauley River surrounded by lush greenery and autumn-colored trees under a clear blue sky.

Best Trail

Located right off Highway 19, Meadow River Gorge Trail drops 300 feet down to the river and under the bridge to access several popular rock-climbing areas.

Photographic Opportunity

In Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, a short walk down the Patterson Trail leads to an overlook of Pillow Rock Rapids.

A scenic view of a river flowing through rocky terrain surrounded by lush green trees and autumn foliage.

Peak Season

Fall

Fees

None

Road Conditions

The road to Gauley Tailwaters is paved until it turns to gravel at the very end, but some of the other river access points require a high-clearance vehicle. Access is fully paved to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park and Meadow River Gorge Trail.

Camping

At the dam, Gauley Tailwaters has a primitive campground with bathrooms run by the National Park Service, while the Corps of Engineers offers full-service camping on Summersville Lake. Most of the land along the Gauley River is privately owned, but backcountry camping is allowed for free on public land.