Physical Address:

Gauley River National Recreation Area

104 Main Street

Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

Mailing Address:

Gauley River National Recreation Area

P.O. Box 246

Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

contact-details

  • Phone Number: 304-465-0508 Voice

  • Phone Number: 304-465-0591 Fax

  • Email Address: neri_interpretation@nps.gov

  • Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes

The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.

park designation:National Recreation Area

Directions:

Plane The largest airport is at Charleston, about 65 miles from Summersville. There are also small airports at Summersville and Beckley. Car The main entrance to Gauley River National Recreation Area is located off US Route 19 south of Summersville and north of Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. Take the second left after you cross over the dam and follow the signs to Gauley River.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Gauley River National Recreation Area

The area is open year round. The official Gauley boating season is from early September through mid October. Boating is occasionally possible at other times, depending on water releases from Summersville Dam. There is no visitor center for Gauley River National Recreation Area. Please visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for information.

Weather Information:

Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.

Activities
Boating
Boating

Camping
Camping

Car or Front Country Camping
Car or Front Country Camping

RV Camping
RV Camping

Fishing
Fishing

Freshwater Fishing
Freshwater Fishing

Paddling
Paddling

Kayaking
Kayaking

Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting

Junior Ranger Program
Junior Ranger Program