For 6 weekends a year, water is let out of the Summersville Dam and into the Gauley River, opening up the best whitewater rafting in North America. People come from all over the world to participate in this adrenaline-filled activity.
Located near the incredible New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, the Upper Gauley is world-famous whitewater rafting. “The Beast in the East” as it is called by whitewater enthusiasts, is not something that should be missed.
With famous rapids such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Iron Ring, the names speak for themselves as to how crazy the water can get. The peak of the trip is Sweet’s Falls, a 14-foot waterfall and the last of the five class V rapids on the river.
Because the water is let out of the dam after the summer is over, Upper Gauley season is only 6 weekends in September and into October. Although the temperatures are already getting colder then, it is worth it to brave the cold water for one of the 5 best whitewater rafting trips in the world!
