Can pretty much sum it up like this: They’re big. They’re bad. We love em’.
The Upper Gauley River is known across the world for its whitewater. Big rapids and plenty of them. When I talk with folks about the Upper G, which is quite often, I break down the top 5 rapids into two types: long and short.
Lots of whitewater in this Class 5+
The Long
The long rapids are characterized by shallow water littered with small rocks at the entrance, leading into small waves which gradually grow larger. Interestingly, they also usually follow a large curve in the river bed with a wallop at the end serving as a friendly reminder of just who is in charge.
- Insignificant
- Lost Paddle
Don’t let the name fool you. Seriously. Technical, steep ledges with giant waves at the end. Often shrouded in early morning fog, this rapid is a great way to get the party cranked up.
Consisting of 4 distinct drops, this is a 1/4 mile of bona-fide Class V whitewater. It is also the home of the universally-loved Hawaii-Five-Oh Wave, my second favorite hit of the day. Those with Upper G experience look forward to this wave from the moment they grab their t-grip. First-timers are usually surprised by this spectacular wave, creating a 100% chance of a “woo hoo!”.
The Short
These rapids are steep. When I say steep, I mean…steep! When running these rapids you will carefully line-up the raft for a proper entrance, then dig-in the paddle strokes and let the chips fall! The 3 short Class 5+ rapids are: Pillow Rock, Iron Ring & Sweet Falls.
- Pillow Rock
- Iron Ring
- Sweet’s Falls
A giant rock on the left side of this rapid creates a huge pillow of water, with a big drop on the downstream side. Carefully navigating the top of the rapid, a true “Pillow Ride” creates a perfect ride carrying your just inches from the giant rock.
A rapid with a very interesting history, the name sake of this rapid comes from a relic left behind reminding us of the bygone logging era in the Gauley River Canyon. It is also home of Woodstock Rock, which creates a monstrous pile of whitewater. I’ve watched countless boats try to run up and over it, some make it. Some don’t. The best line, in my opinion, is to drop-in the right corner of Woodstock. Big drop with less consequence.
So, you wanted to know my fav? Sweet Falls. Watch the video to see it for yourself. A unique combination of calm smooth water as you approach, followed by a massive drop over the falls with a big punch at the bottom. My hearts racing right now just writing about it! The key here? Approach.
Excited yet? (take a deep breath)
So that’s my Big 5 on the Upper G. But there are a lot more great rapids I haven’t told you about. One of them being another long Class 5 to finish up the day: Woods Ferry. I’ll let you discover that one for yourself.
Tags: Gauley River, Pillow Rock, rafting, white water, whitewater