Gauley River National Recreation Area
Summersville · PO Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846
Location Details
Type
National Recreation Area
Setting
Exterior
Parking
Limited – river access points at Summersville Dam and take-outs
Power
No
Permit
Required
Visual Character
“The Gauley River — one of North America's premier whitewater rivers — slicing through forested canyon in West Virginia. Powerful rapids, dense Appalachian forest, and raw river canyon aesthetics.”
About this location
Gauley River National Recreation Area in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia protects one of the most powerful and challenging whitewater rivers in eastern North America. Below Summersville Dam, the Gauley River drops 668 feet over 26 miles through a dense Appalachian forest canyon — creating Class IV and V rapids amid spectacular river gorge scenery. Above the dam, Summersville Lake's surprisingly turquoise water surrounded by sandstone cliffs is a distinct and visually stunning contrast. The NRA is managed in coordination with New River Gorge National Park nearby. Commercial filming permits required through the New River Gorge permit office at 304-465-0508. Scheduled dam releases in September and October create the highest water flows — prime rafting season and most dramatic water cinematography windows. For productions needing authentic Appalachian river canyon aesthetics — rugged, wooded, raw — the Gauley is one of the East's finest locations.
Where you'll be
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