West Virginia whitewater, Gauley River Nicholas Fayette county, Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III+(IV)     5.5 miles   The scenic beauty of Nicholas/Fayette County and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. If you're coming from Oak Hill it's not a long drive at all to the put-in location, as you can see on the road map further down. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in West Virginia is often easier than elsewhere, so you'd better keep in mind that many of the sections in this state are safe for beginners.     The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. The Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch section of Gauley River in West Virginia is 5.5 miles long and it is classified as a class III+(IV) section by American Whitewater. Great exercise and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. This is a pretty decent length section, it's perfect for a one day trip. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, around here you'll find a large number of good places. Briefly   about the general area: You unquestionably ought to stop at Hawks Nest State Park while you're here at Gauley River; you simply ought to stop at Koontz Bend since you're here at Gauley River. Take a hike on the Carnifex Trail, and during your spree here you'll meet some people from Drennen for sure. This river is so wonderful. Why not take a refreshing hike along the Way Back Trail, and do put some time aside to spend at Koontz Flume Rapids while you're here at Gauley River. Gauley River is close to Babcock State Park which is a wonderful site. At Gauley River through the summertime highs are in the 80's. Gauley River, Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Gauley River.   Whitewater Near Gauley River: Gauley River, Nicholas/Fayette County, 1 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 5.5 miles long (Mason Branch to Bucklick Branch) Gauley River, Nicholas/Fayette County, 1 miles away       Class III-IV(V) - 11 miles long (Bucklick Branch to Swiss) Peters Creek, Nicholas County, 3 miles away       Class II-III+(V+) - 2.5 miles long (County 22 bridge to mouth) Meadow River, Fayette/ Nicholas County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 5 miles long (Route 19 to confluence with Gauley River) Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2 miles long (Ansted to confluence of New River) Gauley River, Nicholas/ Fayette County, 8 miles away       Class IV-V - 9.8 miles long (Summersville Dam to Mason Branch) Glade Creek - Meadow River Tributary, Fayette County, 8 miles away       Class III-V - 2 miles long (County 60/12 bridge to Meadow River confluence) Mill Creek - New River Tributary, Fayette County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 5 miles long (Hopewell Road bridge to Ansted) Whitewater Outfitter - Wildwater Expeditions, Fayette County, 9 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Class VI - Mountain River, Fayette County, 9 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Ski Areas Near Gauley River: Winterplace, West Virginia , 35 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs Snowshoe, West Virginia , 72 miles away, 1500 foot drop, 14 lifts, 57 runs The Homestead, Virginia , 80 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs   Marinas Near Gauley River: Summersville Lake Marina, Summersville , 11 miles away   Hotels Near Gauley River: The Morris Harvey House, Fayetteville , 11 miles away Econo Lodge Summersville, Summersville , 12 miles away Quality Inn New River Gorge, Fayetteville , 12 miles away La Quinta Inn & Suites Summersville, Summersville , 13 miles away Super 8 Summersville, Summersville , 13 miles away   Campgrounds Near Gauley River: Tawney Farm, Summersville, 0 miles away Madd Jack's Campground, Ramsey, 2 miles away North American River Runners, Hico, 6 miles away   Trails Near Gauley River: Way Back Trail, Nicholas , 4 miles away Carnifex Trail, Nicholas , 5 miles away   Public Lands Near Gauley River: Bluestone National Scenic River, Glen Jean - WV , 20 miles away Gauley River National Recreation Area, Glen Jean - WV , 20 miles away Hawks Nest State Park, West Virginia , 9 miles away Babcock State Park, West Virginia , 13 miles away Little Beaver State Park, West Virginia , 26 miles away   Golf Courses Near Gauley River: Bridge Haven Golf Club, Fayetteville , 11 miles away Hawks Nest Golf Course, Gauley Bridge , 13 miles away   Lakes Near Gauley River Summersville Lake, Nicholas , 8 miles away