West Virginia whitewater - Gauley River, Nicholas/ Fayette County
Nicholas/ Fayette
county,
Summersville Dam to Mason Branch section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS IV-V 9.8 miles
To view Summersville Lake level and the out flow from the Summersville Dam, view: http://www.class-vi.com/summersville-lake.cfm Says Jeff Proctor
This section of Gauley River in Nicholas/ Fayette County is 9.8 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class IV-V section of whitewater. The wonderful Nicholas/ Fayette County scenery and the cool fresh water attract people from near and far. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in West Virginia is often easier than elsewhere, so if you're not from around here don't forget that rivers here
are not as hard as elsewhere. The starting location is a short drive from Oak Hill, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. This river system is full of great paddling stretches, the Summersville Dam to Mason Branch stretch is just one of them. There are
campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way in this general area you'll find lots of paddling spots. Getting some good exercise and spending some quality time in nature have a lot of people coming here. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, suitable for an afternoon trip.
Briefly about the general area: Hiking along the Carnifex Trail is wonderful fun, and Pillow Rock Rapids is always fun to check out. The high level of rainfall makes Gauley River
a pretty wet site; throughout July this area sees the most rain, and February is the month with the least moisture. Throughout the months of summer at Gauley River highs are typically in the 80's. For the duration of the moonlight hours it's frequently in the 60's. The winter comes
with highs in the 40's with temperatures at Gauley River dipping down into the 20's during winter nights. Have a fine hiking adventure along the Way Back Trail; a short spree to Lost Paddle Rapids is always worthwhile. This is such a great river.
8 miles away
Come experience friendly customer service and convenient access to many local attractions such as Summersville Lake, Good Evening Ranch and the New River Gorge Bridge while staying at this Summersvill...
8 miles away
Country Inn & Suites Summersville offers a variety of 106 guest rooms and suites with 8 King Suites featuring a living room with a sofabed and a two person whirlpool. Hotel has sprinklers and smoke de...
9 miles away
Country Inn & Suites offers a variety of 90 guest rooms and Suites with 10 King Suites featuring a living room with a sofabed and 2 person whirlpool. Hotel has sprinklers and smoke detectors in all ar...
All West Virginia Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in West Virginia.Books about whitewater paddling on Gauley River, West Virginia List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Gauley River, West Virginia.Find a whitewater outfitter in West VirginiaWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near Oak Hill, West Virginia Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Oak Hill, West Virginia, the metro area neareast to Gauley River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Gauley River.