Every fall, West Virginia’s Gauley River, known as the “Beast of the East,” features the world’s best whitewater rapids when Summersville Dam is drawn down at 2,800 cubic feet per second to create close to 100 rapids, including nine Class V rapids, in 26 miles.

The state’s largest adventure resort and rafting outfitter, Adventures on the Gorge, prepares for the season with rafts, cabins, campsites, tents, meals and more.

© Adventures on the Gorge

“Whitewater rafting enthusiasts look forward to Gauley Season like kids yearn for the end of the school year,” said Roger Wilson, CEO, Adventures on the Gorge. “And rafters and guides alike study the many options we offer in anticipation.”

Gauley River attracts big water enthusiasts from all over the world, many repeat rafters who build family trips, quick getaways and other excursions around weekends in September and October when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Summersville Lake, Friday through Monday.

Gauley rafting is typically classified in two sections, Upper and Lower. The Upper Gauley starts just below Summersville Dam and drops more than 335 feet in less than 13 miles, creating the most intense whitewater on the river and one of the most challenging whitewater experiences in the world. The 12-mile Lower Gauley is slightly less intense, but still extremely challenging, with 70 rapids.

The Corps of Engineers releases water each fall from the lake to control potential flooding. Because these releases occur during the day on weekends, rafters and rafting outfitters know the exact timing and water levels of their whitewater excursions. Release dates this year are Sept. 9–12, 16–19, 23–26, Sept. 30–Oct. 3, Oct. 7–10 and 15–16.

© Adventures on the Gorge

The end of Gauley Season coincides with Bridge Day, when New River Gorge Bridge is closed so more than 400 BASE (Building, Antenna, Span and Earth) jumpers can jump, dive and catapult off the bridge while up to 200,000 people watch the event.

Adventures on the Gorge offers several options for rafters who want to experience the “Beast of the East.” Examples include the Upper Gauley, Lower Gauley and Gauley Reverse 2-Day. Additionally, some rafters choose to run both stretches as part of the Gauley Marathon, while others take on the Upper Gauley twice in one day as part of the Double Upper Gauley 1-Day 2-Night offer.

The resort also offers a variety of accommodations, such as freestanding cabins and campgrounds. Other Gorge adventures include rafting on the New River, TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tour, Bridge Walk, rock climbing, TimberTrek Adventure Park and more.

Another program features a two-day Upper and Lower Gauley rafting experience broken up by camping at Canyon Doors, a permanent campground on the river featuring a wood-fired hot tub, hot showers, bathrooms and gourmet meals prepared by an expedition chef.