Whitewater to Return to West Virginia
Last weekend of Gauley Season to coincide with Bridge Day
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In just a few weeks, the New River Gorge National Park will once again transform into a world-renowned whitewater rafting destination, offering some of the most intense whitewater runs in the country. Every fall, more than 60,000 visitors from around the globe flock to West Virginia to experience the exhilarating five-week period known as Gauley Season.
The season will officially kick off on Friday, September 11, with the first controlled release from the Summersville Dam. Scheduled releases will continue for five weeks, sending more than 44 million gallons of water into the Gauley River at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour. These forceful flows create premier rafting conditions, releasing enough volume to fill one Olympic-sized pool every 10 seconds!
This year, visitors can experience two of West Virginia’s most iconic adventures in one weekend as 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.
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.
Head to Summersville from September 17-20, 2026, to attend Gauley Fest, the largest paddling festival in the world. Held each September at Veterans Memorial park, this energetic event draws over 5,000 paddlers worldwide for a weekend packed with live entertainment, gear vendors, camping, and endless whitewater action.
Many local outfitters offer exclusive deals in celebration of Gauley Season. To start planning your adrenaline-pumping trip to Almost Heaven today, click here.
