The Gauley is recommended for those looking for challenge and for those who have rafted the New and are looking for a different type of river. The Gauley River is a dam-released river. The water is released from Summersville Lake in early September and runs through the third weekend of October. This release is scheduled by the Army Corp of Engineers to bring Summersville Lake to its winter pool level. The whitewater rafting industry depends on the river for its income.
Environmental policies are strict among companies.
One uses recycled products and has an extensive recycling program. Many of the companies participate in National River Cleanup Week held in May each year. There are nineteen whitewater rafting outfitters in southern West Virginia.