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A group of whitewater rafters paddel through the aggressive waters.
A group of whitewater rafters paddel through the aggressive waters.
CHARLESTON – Gov. Jim Justice announced Gauley Season has officially begun. America’s newest national park will begin offering whitewater rafters from around the globe an opportunity to take on some of the world’s top whitewater runs in a picturesque fall backdrop that is practically heaven-sent. Each fall, more than 40,000 people flock to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to experience this once-in-a-lifetime thrill during the six-week period also known as Gauley Season.
“West Virginia’s whitewater is truly something special,” said Gov. Justice. “With Gauley Season quickly approaching, I want to personally invite everyone to come see and experience it for themselves. It’s a once in a lifetime West Virginia adventure you just can’t miss out on.”
Each year, controlled releases from the Summersville Dam releases 44 million gallons of water into the Gauley River at a rate of 50+ mph, creating premier whitewater rafting conditions. That volume is enough to fill one Olympic-size pool every 10 seconds. This year’s releases begin the weekend of September 9th and are scheduled to run until the weekend of October 15th.
Whitewater rafting in West Virginia has become a strong tradition for thousands living across the country. Randy Ebersole, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania began his whitewater rafting hobby in 1978 and took his first trip down the Upper Gauley River in 1989 when one of his rafting guides recommended it. From then on, he started organizing large groups of friends, with 30-45 people to join in on the excitement.
“After my first Gauley Season, I thought to myself, okay, that was fun, I’ve done it. I can check it off the list,” Ebersole said. “But that quickly turned into planning another trip for the following year. 34 years later, we’re still coming back. Each time the group looks a little different, we return with some of the same folks, and bring newbies along too.”
Gauley Season is welcoming to all walks of life. One trip Ebersole organized had a 26 year old and 72 year old present. He’s had friends join from all over the country, from states such as Florida, Washington, Texas and New Jersey, to name a few.
“One of the craziest things about Gauley Season is the controlled unpredictability of it all,” Ebersole stated. “It’s ‘controlled’ because of the seasoned guides. But even those guides will admit that they don’t always know what will happen on the river. It’s what keeps me coming back. And I’m looking forward to returning to my home away from home, West Virginia, in September.”
The Upper, Middle and Lower Gauley River make approximately 25 miles of world-class whitewater. The Upper Gauley is best for those looking for more of an intense, pulse pumping adventure. Here you will find legendary Big 5 Rapids–– Insignificant, Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring and Sweets Falls. This section is steep, fast and technical, rightfully earning its nickname: the Beast of the East.
The Middle Gauley provides a nice, calm reprieve between the Upper and Lower sections and is a great litmus test to decide if you are ready for the Lower. While not as steep and challenging as the Upper, the Lower Gauley holds its own as a high-quality section of whitewater.
The Lower Gauley really shines with its scenic cliff lines at Canyon Doors and Junkyard. Rapids like Upper Mash and Lower Mash will get your blood pumping.
Gauley Season 2022 will include 22 scheduled water releases, with an extra hour of release scheduled for Sept. 17th-19th. Many rafting companies are offering exclusive deals in honor of Gauley Season. Plan your rafting excursion today at WVtourism.com.
Saturday, 2 p.m., memorial service at the Cumberland Heights Baptist Church in Bluefield.
Saturday, 2 p.m., graveside services at the Murphy Cemetery in Princeton.
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