Located in southern West Virginia, this unit of the National Park System encompasses over 11,000 acres of land, and is located between the towns of Summersville and Fayetteville. A rugged, white water river, the Gauley River provides a variety of opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Whitewater is one of many popular recreational pursuits enjoyed by visitors to the park.
The park and the surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, and provide visitors with an incredible diversity of resources. Located in southern West Virginia between the towns of Summersville and Fayetteville, Gauley River National Recreation Area includes 25 miles of the Gauley River, and five miles of the Meadow River. These swift, winding rivers and their narrow canyons are protected by the National Park Service. Approximately 20 outfitters offer guided whitewater raft trips. Do no attempt to do the Gauley unless you possess advanced river skills and are with others who know the river.