Gauley River
National Recreation Area
More Gauley River information is available on our Gauley River News page.
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.
- ACREAGE:
- Total: 11,145.07 Federal: 1,719.06 (NPS) 43.46 (USACE) Non-Federal: 9,382.55
- Much of the land within the National Park Service authorized boundaries remains private property: please respect the owners' rights.
- VISITATION:
- Highest in September and October; lowest in winter.
- LOCATION:
- Between Summersville and Swiss, WV
- ADDRESS:
- P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
- TELEPHONE:
- (304) 465-0508
- OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
- Open year-round.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Climate is varied, without prolonged extremes of temperature
or precipitation. The water temperature is cold enough to
require wetsuits, drysuits and/or other protective apparel.
- DIRECTIONS:
- Access from Route 129 at Summersville Dam, off Route 19.
Other access points include Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
off Route 129, and the Swiss Road, off Route 39.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- To Park: Interstate 64 or 79, State Routes 19, 129, 39,
60.
In Park: personal vehicles may be driven to Summersville Dam
parking area by the tailwaters. Other access points in park are
private property at this time.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- No admission fees.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
- Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a visitor information station at Summersville Dam.
- Trails, Roads:
- Trails are found in nearby Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, accessible from State Route 129 west of Summersville.
- Programs/Activities:
- Ranger-led hikes are offered in the fall. Schedules are available at visitor centers at New River Gorge National River, Carnifex Ferry State Park, and
Summersville Dam.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
- Primitive camping is available at the Tailwaters Area below Summersville Dam. The Corps of Engineers operates a campground at Battle Run on Summersville Lake, approximately 1 1/2 miles from Summersville Dam.
Private campgrounds and motels are available in Summersville.
- Food/supplies:
- Restaurants and grocery stores are located in nearby Summersville.
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
- Opportunities:
None.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
- White water rafting, kayaking, and fishing are popular pastimes. The WV Division of Natural Resources stocks trout in the tailwaters section of the river. Hiking trails are available at nearby Carnifex Ferry Battlefield
State Park.
- RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
- None. Campsites are visited by visitor protection rangers
who may register campers.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- A scenic overlook is located in Carnifex Ferry Battlefield
State Park. The main Gauley rafting season consists of five
four-day weekends and one two-day weekend, beginning the weekend after Labor Day.
- SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
- A Civil War battle re-enactment takes place every September at
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.
The Gauley River Festival is held the third weekend of Gauley Season, and attracts whitewater paddlers from around the United States.
- VISITOR IMPACTS:
- Boaters should consult a park ranger for water level
information and duration of flow before embarking on a white
water trip. More information is available at the NERI Whitewater Site. Current river levels are available from the Corps of Engineers Whitewater Site.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Route 2, Box 435, Summersville, WV 26651;
Summersville Lake, Route 2, Box 470, Summersville, WV 26651.
New River Gorge National River
West Virginia Web
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Write: Park Headquarters, P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV
25846; phone: (304) 465-0508.
Request information about the park: NERI Information
Send comments about this site to: NERI Webmaster
Last Updated:Tuesday, 15-Dec-98 08:17:56
http://www.nps.gov/gari/