Gauley River Rafting WV
Twenty-six miles, 668 feet of vertical drop, more than 100 rapids. Simply put, the Gauley River is world-class. Rafters and kayakers from all over the world descend upon our mountain state each fall to experience the unmatched intensity of the mighty Gauley. During the spring and summer, the Gauley varies greatly in water level and intensity, providing a variety of whitewater experiences.
Defined by big, steep and technical rapids the Gauley River is enveloped by rugged mountain scenery and divided into two equally impressive sections, the Upper and Lower Gauley. The famous Fall Gauley dam releases begin the first weekend after Labor Day and continues for 7 thrilling weekends.
Songer Whitewater offers a wide variety of one and two day Gauley River adventures including some of the most hair-raising high adventure trips available.
Are you ready to accept the challenge of the Gauley River? Feel the adrenaline-rush and sense of accomplishment of running one of the most famous rivers in the world. Reserve your Gauley River adventure today. As your raft gently floats in the current you tuck in your feet, ready your paddle, and listen to the rumble of the pounding water downstream. Your pulse quickens, you feel your heart beat in your ears and the faint taste of iron fills your mouth. This is pure adrenaline. This is why you came.
The sound of the raging water, like a runaway train, grows louder and closer as the current picks up speed. Your raft enters the rapid and your guide shouts commands over the roaring chaos. Paddles stroke in unison as water crashes the bow of the boat and explodes on all sides. Finally the churning waters calm. Smiles and laughter fill the raft and a powerful sense of accomplishment is felt by all. You share a paddle high-five with your crew and peer downstream, ready for more.
1-day Lower Gauley
Remote, beautiful and packed with excitement, the Lower Gauley River offers more than 45 rapids certain to please the thrill-seeking first-timer as well as the more experienced rafter. Not sure you’re ready for the Upper Gauley…the Lower offers all of the excitement of big water rafting without the non-stop technical maneuvering of the Upper section.
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|
| $90 | $115 | $100 | $75 |
| Minimum Age: 12 | |||
1-day Upper Gauley
Rated in the “Top 10 Best Whitewater Runs in the World”, the Gauley is the pinnacle of American rafting. Big, technical and truly world-class, the Upper offers more than 60 class III-V+ rapids including the famed “big five”, Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweets Falls. Be prepared to paddle aggressively as you challenge this amazing wilderness run. Previous rafting experience recommended.
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $150 | $120 | $90 |
| Minimum Age: 16 | |||
2-day Lower/Upper Gauley
The most popular option for the first-time rafter looking to conquer both diverse sections of the Gauley, or for those desiring a warm up before taking on the Upper stretch. Experience the thrilling canyon walls and wave hits on the Lower on day one before returning to Songer base camp to your selected lodging, from camping to a deluxe cabin with hot tub. Wake up on day two and get ready for the non-stop action of the famed Upper Gauley, Songer style.
| Sat & Sun | Fri & Sat | Sun & Mon |
|---|---|---|
| $240 | $250 | $210 |
| Minimum Age: 16 | ||
1-day High Endurance Marathon
Demanding and intense, this trip will test your emotional and physical resilience. Experience more than 100 rapids, challenging the 13 miles of the Upper and 13 miles of the Lower in one intense day. Are you ready to experience the whole Gauley in one eight hour stretch? Prior rafting experience and good physical condition recommended. Available Friday, Sunday and Monday during Fall Gauley season.
| Friday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|
| $169 | $190 | $150 |
| Minimum Age: 16 | ||
1-day Double Upper Gauley
Experience the thrill of the Upper Gauley, twice in one day. You’d be hard pressed to pack more adrenaline into one day of rafting. We get out bright and early to beat the crowd, powering through the “big five” before heading back up to Summersville Dam to do it again. This time you’ll know what’s coming, but it won’t be any less exciting! Prior rafting experience and good physical condition recommended. Available Friday, Sunday and Monday during Fall Gauley season.
| Friday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|
| $185 | $200 | $160 |
| Minimum Age: 16 | ||
Fall Triple Play
There’s no better way to showcase the mountain state’s diverse whitewater offerings! Kick it up a notch on the thrill-o-meter each day. Raft the formidable Lower New on day one, followed by the classic Lower Gauley on day two, and top it off with the grand-daddy of them all, the Upper Gauley on day three.
| Thurs.-Sat. | Sun.-Mon. |
|---|---|
| $320 | $315 |
| Minimum Age: 16 | |
1-day Spring/Summer Gauley
Experience the Gauley like few have. As the outfitter located closest to this legendary river we can run this wilderness stretch at a range of levels outside of the Fall Gauley flow. This is a specialized high adventure trip, so good physical condition and an ability to swim are a must. We finalize the craft and river section the morning of the trip, based on conditions of the day and an evaluation of your abilities and interests. You may be in a nimble four-person raft or carefully led through the big drops in your own ducky (inflatable kayak)! Dates available, April 1 thru September 3, 2008.
| Sunday - Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|
| $110 | $133 |
| Minimum Age: 14 | |
Gauley River High Adventure Option
Want to kick it up a notch by running some of the Gauley’s more aggressive, challenging lines? We have light-weight, maneuverable 13-foot rafts that can accommodate up to 6 adventurous rafters. Cost is an additional $35 per person. Experience the power of the river in the most nimble of craft!
Dueling Rivers
For those who love the rafting part! Discover the great variety of whitewater contained in our two favorite rivers. The first day is spent challenging the rapids of the Lower New on a full-day trip and the second day is spent paddling the Gauley River. Available April 1- September 4, dependent on water level.
| Sunday - Thursday | Friday - Sunday | |
|---|---|---|
| $226 | $249 | |
| Minimum Age: 14 | ||
