SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. – Rafters enjoyed one last plunge down the Gauley River as this year’s whitewater season came to a close on October 18 and 19. Their sights were set south of the Summersville Dam, where the Gauley’s world-class rapids were scheduled to recede after a final dam release.
“For only 23 days out of the year, we have this release of a specific amount of water, specifically for whitewater usage,” explained Susan Mitchell, a raft guide with ACE Adventure Resort.
She’s referring to Gauley Season, the six-week stretch that kicks off in West Virginia every Labor Day weekend. It’s the first federally mandated whitewater season in the world. Established under the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, Gauley Season was born when whitewater recreation was added by Congress as a designated purpose of the Summersville Dam.
During its six weeks, about 70 vertical feet of water are gradually released from Summersville Lake, creating intense rapids along the 25-mile stretch of the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
“You could mountain bike down this thing,” raft guide Nick Parsons says of the times of year when the water is low.
That all changes on Labor Day, though. The dam’s first release creates a surge in water, sculpting massive drops and powerful rapids within the riverbed. These features make the Gauley one of the most sought-after runs in the world.
“It’s the perfect amount,” Parsons said. “Third bowl of porridge. Perfect amount.”
According to the New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Gauley River descends about 668 feet from the base of Summersville Dam to its merger with the New River, an average of 70 feet per mile. It’s earned itself the nickname “the Beast of the East.”
The Gauley’s intense waters draw thrill-seekers from across the globe and bring a welcome boost to local businesses each fall.
Now that the last release has concluded, Summersville Lake will naturally begin to refill with winter and spring rains. By next fall, Gauley Season will return to challenge a new wave of adventurers.
This article was adapted from a television news story using AI. All reporting, facts and quotes from sources are original. AI was only used to assist with formatting and style for a digital platform.