The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.
Photo: NPS Photo
Gauley River National Recreation Area
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.
- LocationGlen Jean, WV
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now81°F Light rain shower
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Battlefields
- Birds
- Civil War
- Deciduous Forests
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Military
1 more topics
- Wars and Conflicts
Things to Do
10 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Facility
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the closest visitor center to Gauley River National Recreation Area. The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor…
162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the closest visitor center to Gauley River National Recreation Area. The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor contact station for area information and for interpretation of the natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values of the New River Gorge. With an estimated 300,000 visitors each year, the center provides the park with a nationally recognized facility, revealing the beauty of New River Gorge National River to the nation and the world. -
Gauley Tailwaters
Facility
The National Park Service offers primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters, located just below Summersville Dam. From Route 19 at Mt. Nebo, take Route 129 west across the…
Details
The National Park Service offers primitive camping at Gauley Tailwaters, located just below Summersville Dam. From Route 19 at Mt. Nebo, take Route 129 west across the dam, then turn left at the river access sign. Bear right through the parking lot to the campsites. There are 18 drive-in sites for tents and RVs. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Gauley River National Recreation Area
Hours details
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Gauley River National Recreation AreaOpen 24 hours, daily
The area is open year round. The official Gauley boating season is from early September through mid October. Boating is occasionally possible at other times, depending on water releases from Summersville Dam. There is no visitor center for Gauley River National Recreation Area. Please visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for information.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Gauley River National Recreation Area, 104 Main StreetGlen Jean, WV 25846-0246
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
81°F
Light rain shower · feels like 84°
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Today
82° 59°
Overcast82% rain -
Tomorrow
62° 53°
Patchy rain nearby85% rain -
Sunday
63° 58°
Light rain shower89% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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A popular spot to watch the boats on the Gauley River - Sweets Falls — NPS Photo -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: Gauley River National Recreation Area, Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246
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