It’s that time of year again in West Virginia — Gauley Season.
Each Fall, the Army Corps of Engineers lowers Summersville Lake in Nicholas County by 77 feet. The drawdown water engorges the Gauley River, creating whitewater rapids that tempt thrill-seekers from all over the world.
Gauley season begins this year on Sept. 11 and lasts for six weekends, according to Dave Arnold, Class VI-Mountain River managing partner.
The 2009 whitewater schedule of releases is available on the Corps’ site at www.lrhusace. army.mil under the water control page.
“We are really excited about the season because we’re offering more packages and more additional outdoor activities than we have in the past,” said Arnold.
Adventure West Virginia Resort partners Class VI-Mountain River and Rivermen are offering whitewater trips on the New and Gauley rivers, including one-day trips on the upper and lower Gauley, “early bird” and sunset trips and two-day plans.
A “triple play package” is available for guests who want to whitewater raft three days in a row.
“We still have plenty of packages, trips and lodging for those who haven’t yet reserved their space,” said Brian Campbell, managing partner for Rivermen.
He added that mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling and paintball activities are available.
The TreeTops Canopy Tour is also offered.
More information is available online at www.class-vi.com, www.rivermen.com or at 1-800-252-7784.
— Jessica Farrish
