Gauley River
Gauley River
4.5
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Turbulant river perfect for white-water rafting.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
39 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
4
jencomp2n
Huntington, WV3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
The Gauley River is a special place and I really believe one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Reputable companies are hard to beat and they handle all the hard stuff. Guides are professional and know what they are doing. Personally wouldn't recommend rafting the Gauley as a first timer. Maybe get the New River under your belt first, progress to Lower Gauley and then the Upper Gauley. Be prepared to swim because the odds are good.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flowergirl3785
Chicago101 contributions
Oct 2010 • Friends
THE GAULEY RIVER IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!!!! BY NOT BEING EXPERIENCED YOU COULD VERY EASILY GET KILLED OR GET SOMEONE ELSE KILLED!!!! Rafting is an awesome adventure, especially down the Gauley, in particular the Upper Gauley. I've been down this river enough times now to know what it has the capability of doing. If you have never rafted before do yourself and the other people in your boat and on your trip and raft a smaller less advanced river first. By not being experienced you are putting yourself at risk as well as the others in your company. The guides taking you down the river are very skilled and know what they are doing. However, should something go wrong and someone panics becasue they don't know what they are doing it can mean life or death in some instances. I joined the Gauley River Swim Team on my first run down the Upper Gauley and had my nose broken on the Lower Gauley. This is some serious [--]. This is big whitewater.... 5th best in the world and it only comes once a year. People get killed on this river every year so take that into consideration before you or your kids jump into the raft. I've been part of some rescues on the river and when people fall out of the boat they panic. It's a lot of work to raft this river, so if you're not physically fit do not attempt it because you won't have the endurance to keep up with what you need to be doing. On the Upper Gauley there are 5 solid Class V rapids. There is everything from a I all the way up to a V on this river. From Upper to Middle Gauley there are 65 rapids. On the Middle Lower Gauley there are 70 rapids. This ride will rock your world! It is the most fun and the biggest adrenaline rush I've ever had in my life. I'm hooked now so I keep going back. I had a bad experience on the New River in high water this year (almost killed me) so I'm taking Gauley season off this year but I'll definitely be back for it next year. I just have to tame the New River again before I jump in something bigger. There is one part of the river where the Gauley meets the Meadow River. Depending on the flow of the Meadow your ride may get bigger 2 Class V rapids into the trip. You finish the Class V's with a 15ft waterfall at Sweet's Falls. Pillow Rock is some of the best whitewater in the world. Iron Ring is some nasty stuff. Insignificant is the first V on the river and it will be sure to wake you up 10 minutes into your early morning ride. Lost Paddle is a long solo swim should you fall out and depending on the line has been classified as a class VI - especially in a kayak. My advice is don't fall out on purpose on this trip. If you want to swim tell your guide and they'll point you in the right direction or tell you it's a bad idea alltogether. This will be cold water so go prepared in the fall for the dam releases. It's beautiful scenery. Lunch is served on the side of the river by a camp fire. Watch out for snakes when you are walking to lunch if the weather is sunny and slightly warm. This is nothing like you've ever experienced before and nothing can top it.
Written August 4, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Pittsburgh, PA3 contributions
Sep 2012 • Friends
I have rafted the Upper Gauley nearly at least once a year for the past 12 years with a multitude of outfitters. I have enjoyed the experience of seeing the unique features that each outfitter brings to the table, or should I say river. Well as much as I have enjoyed the journey, the search is over. This past year, my friends (also seasoned veterans of Hawaii 5-0) and I chose Ace Adventure Resort as our outfitter and we all agreed that unless something changes, and I hope it doesn't, we will stay with them for good.
We chose not to take advantage of many of Ace's adventures and amenities. Many of them looked great, including the food, cabins and the lake (I could not stop thinking about how much my kids would have loved this place.) I will be back with the family at some point.
The restrooms were plentiful and clean. A fact we appreciated since we elected to tent camp and make our own food. Now I love to tent camp, so I can be pretty picky sometimes. I do realize when I run the Gauley that outfitters must pack lots of people into small spaces sometimes. This was definately not the case at Ace. We had a great spot with some privacy, which was exactly what we were looking for. Ace actually has different loops depending on your desired evening activities. It appeared that those looking for an early, quiet night with small children could be accommodated just as well as the college kids wanting to see the sun come up. This is a fact I can appreciate, as I have been on both sides of the spectum camping before.
But the reason I return to the Gauley every year isn't for the outfitters amenitites. I COME FOR THE UPPER GAULEY RIVER. I have had some great guides over the years, and had some great rides down the Upper Gauley. But this is where Ace really outdid themselves. Watching the videos afterwards you could tell that their guides all knew this stretch of river like the back of their hand. None better though than our guide Sunshine, a great name for a raft guide right? We all agreed, our lines were perfect all day. Our ride at Pillow Rock was the best I have ever seen.
I will certainly return this year the the Upper G with Ace.
I realize this may appear to be a review written by a company employee, but it is not. I am just someone who wants to let others know my experiences. It took me a while to write this review as I am not an avid reviewer. I just ended up feeling that, every once in a while a great company deserves some recognition.
We chose not to take advantage of many of Ace's adventures and amenities. Many of them looked great, including the food, cabins and the lake (I could not stop thinking about how much my kids would have loved this place.) I will be back with the family at some point.
The restrooms were plentiful and clean. A fact we appreciated since we elected to tent camp and make our own food. Now I love to tent camp, so I can be pretty picky sometimes. I do realize when I run the Gauley that outfitters must pack lots of people into small spaces sometimes. This was definately not the case at Ace. We had a great spot with some privacy, which was exactly what we were looking for. Ace actually has different loops depending on your desired evening activities. It appeared that those looking for an early, quiet night with small children could be accommodated just as well as the college kids wanting to see the sun come up. This is a fact I can appreciate, as I have been on both sides of the spectum camping before.
But the reason I return to the Gauley every year isn't for the outfitters amenitites. I COME FOR THE UPPER GAULEY RIVER. I have had some great guides over the years, and had some great rides down the Upper Gauley. But this is where Ace really outdid themselves. Watching the videos afterwards you could tell that their guides all knew this stretch of river like the back of their hand. None better though than our guide Sunshine, a great name for a raft guide right? We all agreed, our lines were perfect all day. Our ride at Pillow Rock was the best I have ever seen.
I will certainly return this year the the Upper G with Ace.
I realize this may appear to be a review written by a company employee, but it is not. I am just someone who wants to let others know my experiences. It took me a while to write this review as I am not an avid reviewer. I just ended up feeling that, every once in a while a great company deserves some recognition.
Written April 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BPatrick1
Cleveland, OH12 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
I had purchased a trip to the Gauley River Adventures online through a discount site. However, when we tried to schedule our trip the employees gave us a very difficult time and were rude. Finally after the discount site contacting the owner, they scheduled a trip over the phone for September. Unfortunately, minutes later it followed up with an email canceling the reservation. This went on over the phone and through email until I finally asked for a refund. I would not recommend this business and we are reporting them to the Better Business Bureau for their poor business practices.
Written August 7, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell07
Chattanooga, TN45 contributions
If you're looking for the ultimate river to raft in the US, look no further than the Gauley River. There might be one or two better than the Gauley, but certainly east of the Mississippi nothing can touch it. And make sure you book with Class VI River Runners(http://www.class-vi.com/). First class facilities, first class food, and awesome guides. Read their web site to determine if the Upper Gauley is right for you. I would not recommend it for first-timers.
We went on 9/28/07 for a 10am departure on the upper Gauley (the tougher of the two). The lower Gauley would be like a good warm-up for the upper. After taking on the 5 Class V rapids featured on the Upper Gauley, we had a delicious lunch right on the river--sandwiches, pasta salads, desert pudding...mmmmm. We then continued down for about another 1.5 hours through some nice Class III and IV rapids. Total time on the river was about 4.5 hours.
They also put together a video of your experience, edit it, put it to music and really capture the thrills and spills as you negotiate the Class V rapids. It costs $60, but has been well worth it for showing family and friends.
Again, make sure you book Class VI River Runners, they're awesome. I can't wait to go back!
We went on 9/28/07 for a 10am departure on the upper Gauley (the tougher of the two). The lower Gauley would be like a good warm-up for the upper. After taking on the 5 Class V rapids featured on the Upper Gauley, we had a delicious lunch right on the river--sandwiches, pasta salads, desert pudding...mmmmm. We then continued down for about another 1.5 hours through some nice Class III and IV rapids. Total time on the river was about 4.5 hours.
They also put together a video of your experience, edit it, put it to music and really capture the thrills and spills as you negotiate the Class V rapids. It costs $60, but has been well worth it for showing family and friends.
Again, make sure you book Class VI River Runners, they're awesome. I can't wait to go back!
Written October 1, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
REJ228
Hummelstown, PA2 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
Ok, so here is my story. July 12th, on a whim, my boyfriend and I decided to go whitewater rafting. I had gone once and thought it would be a great way to spend a weekend. I looked online and found New & Gauley River Adventures. Looked great. Called and spoke with a man (who sounded as though I might be annoying him). We booked for this coming weekend (July 20 & 21) in a Riverside Cottage. Seemed a little costly, but we figured the cottage was worth it. Provided a credit card and all seemed find. I received a voicemail from someone at River Adventures a few days later. Could not make out the name and there was just a message to call back. I did about an hour or so later and spoke with the same guy (who again sounded as though I was wasting his time). I said I had a call from their office and what did they need? He didn't seem to know why I was calling. I said we had a reservation and was there a problem. He said no and that was it.
Well, today I call and confirm because I had a couple questions about the cottage. Again, a young sounding man answered the phone, put me on hold and then said he was too busy right now but could he call me back. I, of course agreed and waited over three hours for a return call. Never got one. So I called again. A woman was very helpful and answered all my questions. A few minutes later this same woman called me back to inform me that our reservation had been cancelled because the credit card had been declined. She said they had sent me an email on July 14th. First, I do not remember receiving an email (if it went in my junk folder, I may have overlooked it). Secondly, how about a phone call? We contacted the bank and there was more than sufficient funds to cover the cost. Obviously they had transposed a number or there was a miscommunication which could have easily been rectified with a phone call. We were already packed and leaving early in the morning. We would have ended up with no place to stay. Although the woman was trying to be helpful, this was very disconcerting. I am a business owner myself and I would not conduct my business in this fashion. If they care so little as to not pick up the phone and rectify a problem, then I am fearful how they would treat you in person? They certainly have lost my business.
Well, today I call and confirm because I had a couple questions about the cottage. Again, a young sounding man answered the phone, put me on hold and then said he was too busy right now but could he call me back. I, of course agreed and waited over three hours for a return call. Never got one. So I called again. A woman was very helpful and answered all my questions. A few minutes later this same woman called me back to inform me that our reservation had been cancelled because the credit card had been declined. She said they had sent me an email on July 14th. First, I do not remember receiving an email (if it went in my junk folder, I may have overlooked it). Secondly, how about a phone call? We contacted the bank and there was more than sufficient funds to cover the cost. Obviously they had transposed a number or there was a miscommunication which could have easily been rectified with a phone call. We were already packed and leaving early in the morning. We would have ended up with no place to stay. Although the woman was trying to be helpful, this was very disconcerting. I am a business owner myself and I would not conduct my business in this fashion. If they care so little as to not pick up the phone and rectify a problem, then I am fearful how they would treat you in person? They certainly have lost my business.
Written July 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana M
Indianapolis, IN6 contributions
Sep 2011 • Friends
My Bucket List buddies allowed me to plan this trip, as this 50-something group had included white water rafting on its List. The Gauley River hosts high level 5 rafting for only 20 days per year when the dam is opened daily, spilling thousands of gallons of water into the river, making it one of the top rated trips globally. We went for it! When we travel, we are dedicated to immersion in the culture, so always seek local home rental as part of the adventure. In this case, I selected help from the folks at http://www.bucketleap.com and were not disappointed. Our house was nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains amid a former Civil War outposting (http://www.dogwoodcabins.net). Even the locals tried to discourage us from taking this trek (healthy respect for the strength of the Gauley). As first-timers, we chose the Lower Gauley 1-day option (the Upper Gauley is not for beginners) for approx. $80/person. Songer Whitewater guides made the adventure do-able and quite exhiliarating. Costs were so reasonable - $250/person for a 3-day trip, not including food and gas (we used the kitchen to its full extent and made the 7-hour drive on our own). Advice - wear water-ski gloves, waterproof sandals, warm wool socks, rent the wetsuits that are offered ($20), and sleep well the night before. Purchase the video of your group navigating the level 5's, but do not watch a video before embarking on the river - if you do, you will not set foot in the raft. Take a deep breath of the clean mountain air and plunge in!
Written January 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldmusician
Brownsburg, IN271 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
I had heard talk of the Gauley River during Gauley season (the handful of weekends each fall that the Summerville Dam is opened flooding the Gauley River) for several years, and kept saying that I needed to find my way out there. I headed there over Columbus Day weekend with my brother, his best friend, and his wife to run the Gauley marathon-26 miles of whitewater river. What an amazing trip! I have rafted in the Yosemite Valley and the Arkansas River in Colorado among other places, and the Gauley holds its own (and exceeds it in many spots) against these notable examples of US whitewater. I am by no means a veteran of whitewater, but the quality of this river is without question. It is not just the size of the rapids through the Upper Gauley that make it notable, but the constant onslaught of them. For the first twelve miles or so, there is almost no down time-just enough time to gain your breath, talk through the next rapid, and set up for it. If you are a whitewater enthusiast, this is river you need to hit.
A word of warning, straight from our trip leader from Class VI Whitewater. This is not a river to fool with. If you haven't done real whitewater before, don't start here. If you can't swim, don't hop in a boat here. There were three different companies that we saw while going down the river. Our trip was the only which didn't dump anyone throughout the day, and there is a critical need to take control of your own rescue on this river. It was a blast, but it is also one of the more lethal rivers in the US. Have fun, but beware!
A word of warning, straight from our trip leader from Class VI Whitewater. This is not a river to fool with. If you haven't done real whitewater before, don't start here. If you can't swim, don't hop in a boat here. There were three different companies that we saw while going down the river. Our trip was the only which didn't dump anyone throughout the day, and there is a critical need to take control of your own rescue on this river. It was a blast, but it is also one of the more lethal rivers in the US. Have fun, but beware!
Written October 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eugene22
Shallotte49 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
We would divide this experience into two components; the actual rafting and everything else. We would note that we used discount vouchers found on the "net" for a substantial discount off the list price.
The actual rafting was just great; we enjoyed it all. The staff at the outfit we used seemed just a trifle tired of dealing with faint-hearted customers like ourselves, there was an ambience of the "this is the way it is, take it or don't let the doorknob hit you in the rear on your way out" sort that while perhaps perfectly true did not lend itself to my notion of first rate customer service. We also found that the bathhouse facility needed cleaning and plumbing repair as part of the facility was not usable. All in all, we liked the rafting and the near-by small towns of Oak Hill and especially Fayettevile, W.V., but might not put this provider at the top of our list.
The actual rafting was just great; we enjoyed it all. The staff at the outfit we used seemed just a trifle tired of dealing with faint-hearted customers like ourselves, there was an ambience of the "this is the way it is, take it or don't let the doorknob hit you in the rear on your way out" sort that while perhaps perfectly true did not lend itself to my notion of first rate customer service. We also found that the bathhouse facility needed cleaning and plumbing repair as part of the facility was not usable. All in all, we liked the rafting and the near-by small towns of Oak Hill and especially Fayettevile, W.V., but might not put this provider at the top of our list.
Written September 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracie E
Raleigh, NC4 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
While the tour guides at New and Gauley River Adventures were absoultey awesome, the administrative staff were unorganized, incompetent, and extremely rude. I booked our reservation several weeks in advance of the trip - I was given 2 seperate departure times on the electronic confirmation, with a note that said they would let me know the actual departure time closer to the trip date....no problem. They never called me, but when I called them they were incredibly rude, couldn't find my reservation, and when they finally did they relunctantly gave me a revised departure time. When we showed up the day of the trip, our actual departure time was neither of the times on my electronic confirmation and was an hour after we showed up - never once did we get an "I'm sorry, how can we make this better"....they were completely unprofessional and rude, making it seem as if I had confused the reservation and that it was my fault that we were early. Also - they gave me the wrong departure address on the electronic confirmation!! The river was beautiful and I can't wait to go rafting there again, but never again will I use New and Gauley River Adventures!
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey! You mentioned the last day in October? It rafting closed for the season? This is definitely on our list!! Looks awesome.
Written October 15, 2018
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