Wild Wonderful Whitewater Extreme in West Virginia
Kayaking the Gauley River at New River Gorge in West Virginia is easily one of the most wild, wonderful, extreme whitewater trips available. The Gauley River offers 26.3 miles of the best river rapids in the country surrounded by breathe taking cliffs. The more than 40 rapids of the Gauley River are sure to leave your heart racing and adrenaline pumping.
For those seeking an extreme ride, the Upper Gauley portion of the river boasts 5 major Class V rapids. The first rapid you come upon is inappropriately named the Insignificant. There is definitely nothing insignificant with this rapid. Pillow Rock, the second rapid in your trek, is an extremely powerful, often menacing maze of water churning rock which is not for the faint of heart. Next, you will tumble into the Lost Paddle, a long, treacherous section of the river which consists of four sub-rapids: First Drop, Second Drop, Third Drop and Tumblehome. The final 2 rapids of the Upper Gauley, The Iron Ring and The Devil’s Backbone, do not fail in keeping the blood churning with their dramatic water sprays ending in a 14 ft drop at Sweet Falls. The Lower and Middle Gauley which are still significant although still intense, offers a series of Class III and IV rapids along with Pure Screaming Hell which is a Class V rapid. Pure Screaming Hell features pourovers, and undercut sieve and Purgatory and Hell Holes which definitely can not be dismissed lightly.
The river offers year round access, however most extreme rapids are found Labor Day through July when the Army Corps of Engineers releases damn waters. No matter when you choose to come, the Gauley River will be an accomplishment which will leave you yearning for more. The Gauley River is located in South Eastern West Virginia at New River Gorge.
