For six consecutive weekends every fall in West Virginia, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases an incredible volume of water out of the Summersville Dam on the Gauley River. These timed releases turn the Gauley River, located in the scenic Gauley National Recreation Area, into one of the premier whitewater rivers for kayaking and rafting in the country. The river's 28 mile course through the rugged mountains during these releases features more than 100 rapids and falls ranging from class...
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For six consecutive weekends every fall in West Virginia, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases an incredible volume of water out of the Summersville Dam on the Gauley River. These timed releases turn the Gauley River, located in the scenic Gauley National Recreation Area, into one of the premier whitewater rivers for kayaking and rafting in the country. The river's 28 mile course through the rugged mountains during these releases features more than 100 rapids and falls ranging from class III to V+. Favorite features bear names like Pillow Rock and Sweets Falls.

Gauley Season begins the first weekend after Labor Day. Gauley Fest is an American Whitewater's fundraising event that is held on the third weekend of September. It has been described as one of the largest river festivals in the world with whitewater vendors, food, swap meet, and silent auction -- along with the world-class boating on the river.
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