Gauley River
🌲 Nat. Recreation Area🛶 AW Stewardship
Nicholas / Fayette Co. · 25 mi · Class IV–V
420CFS/ 4.54 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 54°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 2400–2800 CFS · USGS #03194700
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Gauley River National Recreation Area (NPS) · Congressionally-Mandated Whitewater Releases · American Whitewater Stewardship
The crown jewel of East Coast whitewater — one of the most celebrated Class IV–V rivers on the planet. The legendary Gauley Season (22 dam-release weekends each fall) was created by the first U.S. law mandating recreational dam releases.
Trip sections
Upper Gauley — Summersville Dam to Peters Creek, Class IV–V
Lower Gauley — Peters Creek to Swiss, Class III–IV
Notable Rapids
InsignificantClass V
First major rapid on the Upper Gauley. A complex, technical Class V with multiple channels, huge holes, and an intimidating horizon line. Do not be fooled by the name.
Pillow RockClass V
Massive undercut pillow rock on river left creates a violent hydraulic. The line is right of the pillow — miss it and the consequences are severe.
Lost PaddleClass V
The longest rapid on the Upper Gauley — a quarter-mile of continuous Class V chaos. Multiple drops, no eddies, relentless.
Sweet's FallsClass V
Last major rapid on the Upper Gauley. A clean 12-foot waterfall drop — the most photogenic rapid on the river.
Upper and Lower MashClass IV
Opening rapids of the Lower Gauley. Big wave trains and strong hydraulics. Good warm-up for what follows.
Pure Screaming HellClass V
The marquee rapid of the Lower Gauley. A long, violent, technical Class V with huge holes, powerful hydraulics, and no easy line.
Outfitters
ACE Adventure Resort
Gauley Season specialists since 1976
Rivers Whitewater
Upper and Lower Gauley guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.