OutsideAug 24, 2026
Experience One of the World’s Best Rafting Trips
West Virginia boasts guaranteed whitewater and one of the country’s newest national parks
10 things in this story
- Gauley SeasonFestivalSeven weekends from Labor Day to mid-October
- Gauley RiverTrailRaces through 25 miles of Appalachian mountain terrain
- Upper GauleyTrailOffers endless thrills with nearly nonstop Class III-V rapids
- Sweet's FallsSightA 14-foot waterfall marking the end of the Upper Gauley
- Lower GauleyTrailMore balance between awe and adrenaline with gentler currents
- Elsewhere
- Ace Adventure ResortTheme parkOak Hill, United StatesLower New River Gorge whitewater rafting trips are a guest favorite at ACE Adventure Resort in the New River Gorge…
- Adventures on the GorgePlaceOak Hill, United StatesDiscover world-class whitewater rafting, ziplining, and outdoor adventures at the premier adventure outfitter in West…
- New RiverNature reserveFayetteville, United StatesCelebrate the New River Gorge the right way with some interesting facts about the 63rd national park!
- New River Gorge BridgeSightFayetteville, United StatesIconic bridge where pedestrians walk on Bridge Day
- Bridge DayFestivalFayetteville, United StatesThird Saturday in October, BASE jumpers and rappellers perform