Thinking about rafting the Gauley River? In this post, I’m going to tell about 4 different river trips for Gauley Season, and explain which trips are right for you.
It looks like this, but in a raft
Because I know what you want better than you do. It ain’t my first rodeo.
The Lower Gauley
This one is what you could consider “tame” if it didn’t rock so hard. Just because the lower isn’t littered with Class V rapids doesn’t mean it’s not loaded with awesomeness. The rapids aren’t small- they’re just not as big as the upper. If you want to step up your game, but aren’t ready for giant steps, choose the lower.
The lower is right for you if…
-You want to take it one rapid at a time before the river tries any funny stuff.
The Upper Gauley
It’s a big as big gets. It’s not the most dangerous or the most difficult in the world, but it’s probably the most fun. It’s a single day adventure on one of the greatest stretches of whitewater in the universe. This trip is what Gauley Season is all about.
The upper is right for you if…
-You look at a big ol’ honkin’ rapid, and you’re like, “Hey bud- let’s party!”.
The Gauley Marathon
The Gauley has two sections, as mentioned above- the upper and the lower. Usually, folks choose either/or. But a few adrenaline nuts do it all in one day. It’s called the marathon for a reason: the trip is 26 miles long, with more than 100 rapids. It’s the goods.
The Gauley Marathon is right for you if…
-You think Navy SEAL training looks like a great time.
The Gauley Double Upper
The Upper Gauley has 5 class V rapids on it (known as the Big Five). On the double, we get out right below the last one, then head to the top to do it again. This one is a no holds barred, white knuckle assault. Best hang on, y’all.
The Gauley Double Upper is right for you if…
-You watch MMA matches and think, “Man, I’d be great at that.”
Choosing the right trip is an exercise in being honest with yourself. Remember, the most important thing about choosing a Gauley trip is to pick the one that you’ll have the most fun on. It’s all about having a good time.
Tags: Adventure Vacations, Gauley River Rafting, Songer Whitewater, West Virginia Whitewater Rafting, white water rafting