About Gauley River National Recreation Area
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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The area is open year round. The official Gauley boating season is from early September through mid October. Boating is occasionally possible at other times, depending on water releases from Summersville Dam. There is no visitor center for Gauley River National Recreation Area. Please visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for information.
Activities
Getting There
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.
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Topics & Themes
Visitor Centers
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the closest visitor center to Gauley River National Recreation Area. The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to…
Hours: The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor contact station for area information and for interpretation of the natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Open year-round:from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
Campgrounds
Gauley Tailwaters
The National Park Service offers primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters, located just below Summersville Dam. From Route 19 at Mt. Nebo, take Route 129 west…
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