Tucked away in southern West Virginia, you can find the premier whitewater river of the East, the Gauley. The Gauley River cuts a gorge up to 500 feet deep into the rock of the Allegheny Plateau and its narrow canyon features steep and rocky whitewater runs for rafters and kayakers. The Gauley River National Recreation Area includes 25 miles of the Gauley and about 5 miles of the Meadow River.

Over the 25 miles in the national recreation area the Gauley drops about 700 feet and has over 100 rapids to ride. The rapids range from class III to V+ and the technical runs are considered among the best in the country. With these remarkable natural features, the river offers great rafting and kayaking, as well as fishing. 

—Caroline Griffith

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