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National Recreation Area

Gauley River National Recreation Area

Summersville · PO Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846

Gauley River National Recreation Area
Free· No rental fee
Available · Permit required to film
Location fee$0 · Free

Free to use · Apply for permit using contact info below

At a glance

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

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.

Color Palette

Where you'll be

Permit Information

✓ Verified
RequiredYes
TypeNPS Commercial Film Permit
FeeVaries – NPS location fee + cost recovery

Managed in conjunction with New River Gorge National Park. Primary season is fall (September–October dam releases).

Apply for Permit →

Contact

👤Gauley River NRA – New River Gorge NP Permit Office
📞304-465-0508
📍 Open in Google Maps

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