Gauley River National Recreation Area Overview

The 25 miles of Gauley River and six miles of Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural features. Dropping more than 668 feet through 28 miles of rugged terrain, the Gauley is famous for its outstanding whitewater and is one of the most technical rivers in the nation. The Meadow River gradient averages 88 feet per mile.

It is believed that the first recreational use of the Gauley River began in the early 1900s in the community of Swiss. Here city dwellers were invited to enjoy a country retreat along the river. Local residents remember childhood adventures of riding railroad ties when flood waters created huge curling waves.