|
| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Central West Virginia
West Virginia Bureau of Commerce and Tourism
2101 Washington Street East, Charleston
West Virginia 25305-0317
+1 304 558 2200
800 225 5982
+1 304 558 2279 (fax)
Length of trip
Upper section 10 miles in 6-8 hours; middle section 6 miles in 6-8 hours; lower section 10 miles in 6-8 hours
Season
March through October. Dam releases in spring and summer fluctuate on a daily basis, creating opportunities for both white-water rafting and kayaking. As many as 5,000 people a day run the Gauley during the autumn season, which is limited to 22 days of guaranteed water from dam releases (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from the first weekend after Labor Day for five weeks, then Saturday and Sunday only for the sixth week)
Weather
Temperatures in early spring can drop as low as the 30s or 40s (F). Daytime highs average in the 70s in late spring and the high 80s in summer, then cool off in autumn. Although it can be steamy in August, the cool water creates the effect of an air-conditioned room. Springtime tends to be rainy, while summer and fall are dry.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Location: about 55 miles
east of Charleston; about
160 miles south of
Pittsburgh; about 210 miles
west of Washington, D.C.
Rapids: More than a hundred
rapids in 26 miles. The
upper section features the
steepest gradient and the
most challenging rapids:
Class V+, including a half
mile of continuous Class V
water. Though the rapids are
a bit tamer in the middle
section, there are two Class
IV+ rapids. The lower
section has many Class IV+
rapids and occasionally some
Class V rapids. When the
water level is high, all
three sections are solid
Class V, with some Class VI
rapids. Cool, clear water
(high 50s to low 60s in
summer)
Boats: Kayaks, oar boats,
paddle rafts
Lodging: Campgrounds, hotels, and
B&Bs in Beckley, Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Summersville |
|
|
|
|
attractions
|
|
|
|
Special features:
Appalachian hardwood forest in an uninhabited, sheer-walled gorge
Short side hikes
Spring wildflowers
Rhododendrons bloom around Memorial Day and again around July Fourth
Swimming in summer, when the water level drops
Glorious autumn colors
Good fishing (smallmouth bass, muskie)
White-tailed deer, hawks, American woodcocks, songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers
Wilderness solitude in spring and summer, but crowded in autumn
Suitable for experienced rafters.
Nearby excursions:
New River Gorge
Gauley River National Recreation Area
Summersville Dam, the largest earthen dam east of the Mississippi
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, site of a Civil War battle on September 10, 1861
|
|
|
|
|
This site (C) Citysky Wallpapers Download 2000-2008.
Unauthorised copying or redistribution prohibited. By using
this Website, you are indicating your acceptance of our Usage
Agreement.
Please read our Privacy
Statement.
|
|
|
Subscribe to
our newsletter! We'll email you when we add new wallpapers to the site. 
