The New River typifies big West Virginia style whitewater. Within the park it has two very different characters. It is a big powerful river, but very beautiful, always runnable, and providing excellent fishing and camping. There are a number of different river access points, and trips can run from several hours to several days. The rapids are imposing and forceful, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics.
Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks.
Few rivers live up to their reputation, the Gauley does. The river alters the perspective of every paddler venturesome enough to challenge it. These rapids frequently require precise maneuvering in powerful current. The sheer number of difficult rapids is mind numbing. Flow is dictated by releases from Summersville Dam.