Gauley River National Recreation Area
Designation: National Recreation Area
Location: West Virginia
📘 Park Overview
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
🌤 Weather Information
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
🚗 Directions
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.
Images
Gauley River is a popular whitewater river in the fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Gauley Season on the Gauley River is popular.
Credit: NPS Photo
Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River
Credit: NPS Photo
A popular spot to watch the boats on the Gauley River - Sweets Falls
Credit: NPS Photo
A popular place on the Gauley River - Pillow Rock
Credit: NPS Photo
Watching the kayaks come through Pillow Rock rapid
Credit: NPS Photo
Tapping the Pillow Rock is a ritual on the Gauley River
Credit: NPS Photo
Whitewater rafting is popular during Gauley Season
Credit: NPS Photo
Enjoying the rapids on the Gauley River
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Aug 16
Sunny
High: 95.7°F | Low: 66.3°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 10.3 mph
Rain Chance: 66%
UV Index: 9.2
Sunrise: 06:39 AM
Sunset: 08:16 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (18%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 73.3°F
Cloud Cover: 66%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Aug 17
Sunny
High: 87.2°F | Low: 64.1°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 9.8 mph
Rain Chance: 78%
UV Index: 5.5
Sunrise: 06:40 AM
Sunset: 08:15 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (27%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 70.2°F
Cloud Cover: 78%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Aug 18
Sunny
High: 84°F | Low: 58.8°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 5.8 mph
Rain Chance: 8%
UV Index: 7
Sunrise: 06:41 AM
Sunset: 08:14 PM
Moon: First Quarter (37%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 65.1°F
Cloud Cover: 8%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Gauley River National Recreation Area
104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
🏤 Mailing Address:
Gauley River National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
📞 Voice Phone: 304-465-0508
📞 Fax Phone: 304-465-0591
✉️ Email: neri_interpretation@nps.gov