Gauley River National Recreation Area
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.
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.
- Boating
- Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Paddling
- Kayaking
- Whitewater Rafting
- Junior Ranger Program
- Military
- Battlefields
- Wars and Conflicts
- Civil War
- Animals
- Birds
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Deciduous Forests
Splashy Gauley River
Gauley River is a popular whitewater river in the fall
Smiling on the Gauley River
Gauley Season on the Gauley River is popular.
Holding On - Gauley River
Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River
Before Sweets Falls
A popular spot to watch the boats on the Gauley River - Sweets Falls
Kayaking Pillow Rock rapid on the Gauley River
A popular place on the Gauley River - Pillow Rock
Kayaking Pillow Rock rapid
Watching the kayaks come through Pillow Rock rapid
Paddler's tapping Pillow Rock
Tapping the Pillow Rock is a ritual on the Gauley River
Guiding on the Gauley River
Whitewater rafting is popular during Gauley Season
High siding on the Gauley River
Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River