The West Virginia Tourism Office today announced the official countdown to West Virginia’s famous Gauley Season. Only 10 days remain until whitewater rafting enthusiasts from around the world travel to the mountains of West Virginia to experience some of the best Class V+ rapids along the East Coast.
“West Virginia’s whitewater is truly almost heaven. And this Gauley Season, I invite everyone to come see and experience it for yourself. Whether you’re looking to take your family on a fall float trip down the New River or are looking for that thrilling adventure offered only by the Gauley, there’s a whitewater experience for everyone in West Virginia,” said Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ scheduled releases of water from the Summersville Dam into the Upper Gauley River will start on Sept. 7, marking the first official day of Gauley Season 2018. Twenty-three releases are scheduled this season, with an extra hour of release scheduled for Sept. 15-17.
Many area rafting companies will be offering specials and exclusive deals in honor of Gauley Season.
“Our rafting outfitters are ready to welcome visitors from near and far this Gauley Season. Many of them are offering incredible deals, discounts and packages, and I encourage everyone to take advantage and book while you still can.”
2018 marks the official 50th anniversary of West Virginia’s whitewater rafting industry. The first commercial rafting business was founded in 1968. Five decades later, rafting in West Virginia has grown into a multi-million-dollar tourism industry providing hundreds of good-paying jobs to hardworking West Virginians.
“I can’t wait to see where rafting will take us in another 50 years, and I’m excited to kick-start another successful Gauley Season in just 10 short days.”
To discover 50 facts about whitewater rafting in West Virginia, click here.
2018 Fall Gauley River Release Dates:
September 7,8,9,10; 14,15,16,17; 21,22,23,24; 28,29,30 | October 1; 5,6,7; 13,14; 20,21
