With our wide-selection of boats and access points on the Gauley River, Rivermen is one of the few outfitters offering rafting on the Gauley River during the Spring and Summer seasons. Our staff at Rivermen loves these Gauley River rafting trips in the Spring and Summer because of their ever-changing spontaneous nature. We never really know, until the morning of our rafting trip, what water level is in store for us that day based on the extent of dam releases by the Army Corps of Engineers. The level could be almost anything, but there are some typical trends during these seasons.
We will always choose the most fun combination of boat sizes and river section to give you a unique Gauley rafting experience. All you need to do is come with an open-mind, a sense of adventure, and the desire to try something new.
GAULEY RAFTING : SPRING SEASON
In the spring, the Gauley River often runs at water levels that are much higher than they are during the standard fall releases for the Gauley River. When this happens, we typically run Gauley River rafting trips on the Middle and Lower sections of the Gauley River. Imagine Canyon Doors, Heaven’s Gates and Hell Hole at 3 times the regular water flow!
You may also be lucky and catch the Gauley River at flows near standard fall release, getting an extra chance to do the Upper Gauley River this season. You’ll be able to challenge Lost Paddle and drop Sweet’s Falls TWICE this year if you come back again this fall.
The Gauley River in the spring can also be much like the typical summer Gauley River white water rafting trips in duckies. Each trip is different, but they are all feats that only the brave and experienced should attempt. They also make a great second day to any Spring Lower New River rafting trip.
GAULEY RAFTING: SUMMER SEASON
Summer time levels change the appearance of the Gauley River to make the flow narrower and the runs steeper. You’ll run the same rapids that have made the Gauley River famous, but in smaller 6 or 4 person rafts or inflatable duckies. This trip is a challenge and may take you out of your river rafting comfort zone, but it promises to give you an exciting close-up view of some booming whitewater.
You get to see Gauley River Whitewater at different levels.
2.
You're rafting the Gauley River, duh.
3.
The water is cool & refreshing.
4.
Eddie Skaggs and Chad Smith will be there too on your premier Guided rafting trips.
5.
New experiences in duckies or small boats rafting on the Gauley River that you would otherwise never be able to experience.
We were surfing on the Lower New, and i had one of those "Out of Raft Experiences". Being sucked under between a big rock and the raft was a terrifying experience, but thanks to the safety talks i've heard for the past two days, i knew what to do. Thanks for a very COOL experience!
With our wide-selection of boats and access points on the Gauley River, Rivermen is one of the few outfitters offering rafting on the Gauley River during the Spring and Summer seasons. Our staff at Rivermen loves these Gauley River rafting trips in the Spring and Summer because of their ever-changing spontaneous nature. We never really know, until the morning of our rafting trip, what water level is in store for us that day based on the extent of dam releases by the Army Corps of Engineers. The level could be almost anything, but there are some typical trends during these seasons. 
You may also be lucky and catch the Gauley River at flows near standard fall release, getting an extra chance to do the Upper Gauley River this season. You’ll be able to challenge Lost Paddle and drop Sweet’s Falls TWICE this year if you come back again this fall. 
Summer time levels change the appearance of the Gauley River to make the flow narrower and the runs steeper. You’ll run the same rapids that have made the Gauley River famous, but in smaller 6 or 4 person rafts or inflatable duckies. This trip is a challenge and may take you out of your river rafting comfort zone, but it promises to give you an exciting close-up view of some booming whitewater.
