Gauley River National Recreation Area • West Virginia

Rafters enjoying the Gauley River

Rafting on the Gauley River

Trying to stay in the raft on the Gauley River

Rafting on Gauley River before Sweets Falls fapid

Watching the boats come by on the Gauley River

Kayakers coming through Pillow Rock rapid on Gauley River

Tapping the rock at Pillow Rock rapid on the Gauley River

Guiding through a rapid on the Gauley River

One of the many rapids on the Gauley River

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.

Gauley River is a popular whitewater river in the fall
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Gauley Season on the Gauley River is popular.
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Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River
NPS Photo

A popular spot to watch the boats on the Gauley River - Sweets Falls
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A popular place on the Gauley River - Pillow Rock
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Watching the kayaks come through Pillow Rock rapid
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Tapping the Pillow Rock is a ritual on the Gauley River
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Whitewater rafting is popular during Gauley Season
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Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River
NPS Photo

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Duration:: 1 minute, 58 seconds

Explore the Wild and Wonderful National Parks of Southern West Virginia.

Kayaker paddling through a rapid on the Gauley River

Plan Your Visit

Before you plan your trip, check out the Plan Your Visit page.

whitewater rafters crash through a rapid

Whitewater Boating

Whether going on your own or with an experienced outfitter, start your Gauley River adventure here.

two kayakers approach rapids

2025 Letter to Gauley River Boaters

Check here for new 2024 whitewater information.

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History and Culture

Learn about the history and culture of Gauley River National Recreation Area

Deer standing in field

Learn about nature at Gauley River National Recreation Area

Raft going through a rapid

Photos and Multimedia

Photos and Multimedia of Gauley River National Recreation Area

Last updated: September 5, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Gauley River National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

Phone:

304-465-0508

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