Lower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Overview

Quite possibly one of the best river trips in the country, the Lower Gauley offers some of the single biggest waves, gigantic holes and steep drops runnable by raft. The Lower Gauley serves up 55 rapids rated from class I-V, with most of them III or higher. With the help of a professional guide, you and your crew will tackle this whitewater fanatic’s favorite. It’s no wonder that guests flock from around the world to catch one of these 22 release dates. Delicious hot lunch included.

City: West Virginia

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $139.75

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $139.75

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Lunch included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Personal flotation device, helmet and paddle

Beverages

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years

What To Expect

Adventures on the Gorge

Meet your rafting trip leader at the departure point. You will listen to a brief orientation and get your gear (personal flotation device, helmet and paddle). Then, you will have a 45-minute ride on a school bus down to the river put-in. Your guide will go over additional instructions once you get in the raft. A return shuttle with complimentary beverages brings you back to the resort.

Gauley River

The trip begins with a few smaller class I-III rapids as you ease into paddling and working as a team. Then, you hit some bigger rapids rated class IV-V. About half-way through the trip, you will pull over and eat a grilled hot riverside lunch on the shore. After lunch, you will continue downstream into some more booming whitewater. Here you’ll go through several rapids rated class III-V, like Koontz’s Flume and PSH. Between rapids, there is time for a swimmer’s rapid and maybe (based on water levels) jumping off of rocks. A return shuttle with complimentary beverages brings you back to the resort.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (23)

Lannette G

Sep 2022

What fun, the Gauley white water rafting was exciting, the best rafting trip we have ever been on! Josh S. taught our crew how to paddle (with your core, not your arms) explained all the rapids and gave us all the ride of a lifetime!

Response from Host

Sep 2022

Thank you, Lannette!

Kdaileyy

Jun 2022

This was one of the best tours I have ever been on. Let me start off by saying that I have this weird irrational fear of river water... I know, why would I go white water rafting on the Gauley River? Well, I love to do anything and everything adventurous and I live in Richmond, Virginia, which is undoubtedly where my fear of river water comes from. I decided that if I was ever going to attempt white water rafting I would do it in a cleaner river than the one in my city. I booked a last-minute trip to visit New River Gorge National Park over Memorial Day weekend and decided to just book a rafting trip. I did some research and decided that Adventures on the Gorge was the best option for me to go with. I booked a lower New River full-day rafting tour and was ready to go! I have some friends who have done the Gauley and wanted us to go with them but I figured I should start on the New River, plus that's the only bookable option this time of the year. The day finally arrives and we pull into the amazing Adventures on the Gorge resort and get checked in and hear the scariest thing we've ever heard... that the New River was too high and dangerous so we were going on the Lower Gauley. I was a little nervous, knowing that the Gauley is more intense than the New River. However, the staff was absolutely phenomenal. Ray-Ray gave us the BEST training session ahead of time and it really eased my nerves. We boarded the bus and made it down to the drop-off site and got ready to go. There were photographers taking pictures which was nice since we didn't have our phones with us. We got assigned to our boat and went for it. Once we were on the water, we got to know the others on our boat and our guide. It was such an easy start to get comfortable rafting. We finally made it to our first big rapid and our guide gave us the most military-like directions. I think it kicked us all into gear for how serious it was, but also showed us how fun it was. From then on out, it was the best day ever. We got to know everyone and adventure the river. I was terrified of falling out, but luckily that didn't happen to me... it did happen to someone else though and they were fine! There is really nothing to worry about! I loved it so much that the day just flew by. I couldn't believe how much I was enjoying it and I knew that I wanted to come back and do the Upper Gauley during the fall. Our guide, Steve, was truly the greatest. I trust him with my life and will do the Upper Gauley with him in a heartbeat! the water is cold this time of the year, but it's not terrible. I wore a bathing suit, with a long sleeve swim/surf top on to block the sun and water, and then spandex biker shorts with my Chacos. It was the best outfit to wear! Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen. I'd honestly bring some with you as well to reapply and just stuff it somewhere so you don't lose it. I lathered up before but my thighs are burnt to a crisp from sitting in the sun after the water washed away my sunscreen on my thighs. The photographers took our pictures along the way and I had no idea, but I was absolutely beaming in every single photo. I seriously was having the time of my life! W also had Barney in a kayak taking videos of us and it was amazing! The lunch was so good (sandwich style) and was a nice break in our trip. Once we were done, we boarded the bus again and had unlimited alcoholic and soda options. We had such a fun time riding back to the resort with everyone reliving the day. We learned so much and just loved the adventure. Once we were back at the resort, we took advantage of the showers and washed off and changed - which was much needed because we were SOAKED. Once we were cleaned up, we headed up to the pub to watch the video Barney made for us. It was so nice to see everyone from the day again and eat and drink at the bar and relive the day. We went in not planning to buy the video and left knowing that we absolutely had to - it's SO worth it. We also bought the pictures and shared them with our new friends we made on the raft. Overall, it was the best day. I can't wait to do it all again. I'd love to stay at the resort next time since it was amazing and so lively.

Response from Host

Jun 2022

WOW! Thank you so much, K! We're so glad you faced your fears down—that's nails tough!

jessicak756

Jun 2022

This is a large operation that is very organized and efficient. The staff are helpful and safety conscious. Although rafting can be a dangerous activity, I felt that my safety and the safety of all involved was their highest priority. The equipment was clean and newer. I’ve been on other rafting trips where the equipment is rundown, so this is a big deal. These rafting trips are not for people who can’t swim, and that was reiterated before the trip even began. There’s shower facilities available, and everything was immaculate. Bring your own towels and shampoo. Our guide, Mike, was funny and competent, at all times made us feel safe so that we could enjoy the trip with just the right mix of adrenaline. We did a half day trip, which amounted to about 2 hours on the water, perfect for us. Make sure you wear water shoes, sunscreen and water clothing (I wore a bathing suit, board shorts and a skin, as the water was 68 degrees - you will get very wet).

Response from Host

Jun 2022

Thank you, Jessica! Just to clarify, we do have rafting trips that are a bit more mild, and perfect for people who can't swim!