The Gauley River in West Virginia is considered as a world-class white water rafting river. Indeed, it is sometimes called The Beast of the East because of its challenging and exciting rapids. It rises in Gauley Mountain in Pocahontas County and flows west southwest until it joins New River to become the Kanawha River.

The river has three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gauley. Of these the Upper Gauley is most challenging with its Class IV and V rapids along its 16 kilometer route. The Lower Gauley is a little gentler but longer. It runs 18 kilometers and features Class III and IV rapids. When water is released from the Summersville dam, you can expect a few Class V waters. The Middle Gauley is often ran together with either the Upper or Lower. It is most mild of the three and is sometimes used by beginners to get a feel of white water rafting. It has Class III and a few Class IV rapids.

In a 42 kilometer stretch the river drops over 200 meters creating 120 rapids, a good number of which are at least Class III. In the Upper Gauley alone, there are 35 Class IIIs or IVs, and five Class Vs that are sure to keep your adrenal glands pumping as they present a formidable challenge to your paddling skills. These are known as the Big Five. The first is the incongruously named Insignificant for there is nothing insignificant about it. This is followed by Pillow Rock, another powerful rapid. Lost Paddle is where you could lose your paddles in the three treacherous drops. Iron Ring is so called because there used to be an iron ring anchored in a rock in the area. Finally, there is also Sweet’s Falls. With a 12-feet fall, it is by no means sweet. It was named after John Sweet, a pioneer in the Gauley.

The Middle and Lower Gauley each have fewer rapids that are also less powerful and intimidating. They are spread out over longer intervals giving rafters time to catch their breaths before taking on another. These are mostly Class IIIs but there are also Class IVs with names like Wood’s Ferry, Koontz’s Flume, Heaven’s Gate, and Upper and Lower Staircase. There is also a Class V with the appropriate name of Pure Screaming Hell where you have to negotiate two large holes. These holes each have a name. Purgatory and Hell Hole.

The Upper Gauley is usually limited to experienced and more daring rafters. Most outfitters in the area do not allow children below 16 years old in these waters. Experience and a good physical condition are often required. The Middle and Lower Gauley, on the other hand, is open to beginners as long as they are accompanied by trained rafters. Children as young as 12 can be taken on this trip, making it perfect for families with teenagers. After a few trips on the Lower and Middle Gauley, you can try your hand at the Upper.