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Some of the best whitewater in the country is coming to West Virginia in a few short weeks.
Friday, September 11 marks the start of the 2026 Gauley Season with the first controlled release from the Summersville Dam. Each release from the dam sends more than 44 million gallons of water into the Gauley River at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour, creating premier rafting conditions.
Every fall, more than 60,000 visitors from around the globe flock to West Virginia to experience the five-week season that lasts until mid-October.
Gauley season aligns with Gauley Fest September 17-20, the largest paddling festival in the world according to the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
Known for the legendary “Big Five Rapids,” the Upper Gauley challenges even the most experienced rafters with its series of challenging Class IV and V rapids, the final being a jaw-dropping 14-foot waterfall. This section is steep, fast, and technical, earning the nickname “Beast of the East.” Adventurers seeking swifter speeds without such daunting drops are encouraged to raft the Lower Gauley, which offers a less intense float.
The final weekend of Gauley Season coincides with Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest single-day festival. Guests can witness BASE jumpers taking the daring plunge from the New River Gorge Bridge from a one-of-a-kind vantage point while navigating these limited-time rapids.