Gauley River National Recreation Area
Protected park · WV, USA
Gauley River National Recreation Area in WV, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
Usual hours
- Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00
About
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.
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.
At the park
- Camping
- Hunting
- Wildlife & bird watching
- Boating
- Fishing
- Whitewater rafting
Before you go
- Getting there
- 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.
- Weather & when to go
- 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.
- Visitor center
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center — 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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National… — Gauley River National Recreation Area does not have any visitor center, the closest one is Canyon Rim Visitor Center at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The visitor center is 18 miles south of Gauley River Tailwaters and is located on U.S. Route 19, just north of Fayetteville, WV. U.S. Route 19 is easily reached from Interstates I-64 and I-79, as well as U.S. Route 60.
Facilities on the park map
1 visitor information.