West Virginia whitewater - Gauley River, Nicholas/Fayette County

Nicholas/Fayette county, Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS III+(IV)     5.5 miles
  The put-in is not too far from Oak Hill, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so don't forget that rivers here are less demanding. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. A good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. This is a pretty decent length
    section, suitable for an afternoon trip. The Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. This section of Gauley River in West Virginia is 5.5 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class III+(IV) section of whitewater.
You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way in this general area you'll find lots of paddling places.

Briefly about the general area:
The high level of rainfall makes Gauley River a rather wet place; July is the month that gets the most rain, and February meanwhile is the driest month. This river has it all.
Through the long summer days, highs regularly are in the 80's at Gauley River. Once the sun is down it plunges down to the 60's. The cold days of
 
the winter come with highs in the 40's, and after the sun is down during the winter temperatures at Gauley River fall into the 20's. You need to stop at Koontz Bend since you're here at Gauley River; if the weather is tremendous, you can go for a hike along the Carnifex Trail. Don't leave Gauley River without first paying a visit to Koontz Flume Rapids, and going for a hike along the Way Back Trail will let you absorb the natural beauty of this neighborhood.

Gauley River, Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: III+(IV)
Length: 5.5 miles
Average Gradient: 26 fpm
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 38.22213
Longitude: -80.99072

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 38.22682
Longitude: -81.03062

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Current weather conditions at Gauley River, West Virginia
WXPort

Local climate location: CORTON 10 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.

Best Western Summersville Lake Motor Lodge, Summersville
12 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...

Quality Inn New River, Fayetteville
12 miles away
Free Internet in all rooms. Deluxe Continental Breakfast. Pet Friendly. Just minutes from the famous New River Gorge Bridge whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Beautiful scenery and many state park...

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Summersville, Wv, Summersville
12 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...



OTHER_INFO
  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 Virginia

Whitewater 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.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Gauley River.
 Whitewater Near Gauley River:
Peters Creek, Nicholas County , 2 miles away, Class II-III+(V+) - 2.5 miles long (County 22 bridge to mouth)
Gauley River, Nicholas/ Fayette County , 4 miles away, Class IV-V - 9.8 miles long (Summersville Dam to Mason Branch)
Gauley River, Nicholas/Fayette County , 5 miles away, Class III-IV(V) - 11 miles long (Bucklick Branch to Swiss)
Meadow River, Fayette/ Nicholas County , 6 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 5 miles long (Route 19 to confluence with Gauley River)
Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County , 8 miles away, Class II-III - 5 miles long (Hopewell Road bridge to Ansted)
Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County , 8 miles away, Class IV-V+ - 2 miles long (Ansted to confluence of New River)
Glade Creek - Meadow River Tributary, Fayette County , 9 miles away, Class III-V - 2 miles long (County 60/12 bridge to Meadow River confluence)
Meadow River, Nicholas/Fayette County , 9 miles away, Class III-IV - 5 miles long (Nallen to Route 19 Bridge)
Keeney's Creek, Fayette County , 10 miles away, Class V+ - 0.75 miles long (to New River)
Laurel Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County , 11 miles away, Class IV-V(V+) - 1.5 miles long (Beckwith to Cotton Hill)
 Ski Areas Near Gauley River:
Winterplace, West Virginia , 35 miles away, 603 vertical feet
Snowshoe, West Virginia , 72 miles away, 1500 vertical feet
The Homestead, Virginia , 80 miles away, 700 vertical feet
Canaan Valley, West Virginia , 117 miles away, 850 vertical feet
Timberline, West Virginia , 120 miles away, 1000 vertical feet
Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 120 miles away, 365 vertical feet
Ski Beech, North Carolina , 126 miles away, 830 vertical feet
Hawksnest, North Carolina , 126 miles away, 619 vertical feet
Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 128 miles away, 1200 vertical feet
Wisp, Maryland , 135 miles away, 610 vertical feet
 Hotels Near Gauley River:
Best Western Summersville Lake Motor Lodge, Summersville , 12 miles away
Quality Inn New River, Fayetteville , 12 miles away
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Summersville, Wv, Summersville , 12 miles away
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Charleston North (Elkview), Elkview , 13 miles away
Summersville Super 8 Motel, Summersville , 13 miles away
 Camp Grounds Near Gauley River:
Madd Jack's Campground, Ramsey, 3 miles away
North American River Runners, Hico, 6 miles away
River Retreat, Hico, 7 miles away
 Trails Near Gauley River:
Way Back Trail, Nicholas County , 4 miles away
Carnifex Trail, Nicholas County , 5 miles away
 National Parks Near Gauley River:
Bluestone National Scenic River, Glen Jean - WV , 20 miles away
Gauley River National Recreation Area, Glen Jean - WV , 20 miles away

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater