September 2, 2025
Dear Boaters,
On behalf of the Rangers and staff of Gauley River National Recreation Area, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025 boating season. Our National Park Service (NPS) team has been hard at work preparing put-ins, take-outs, access roads, and public use areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
This year, Gauley Season runs from September 5 through October 18. As you make plans to enjoy the river, please take note of the following important updates and reminders:
- Safe Boating & Conduct: We ask that all boaters refrain from unsafe or disorderly behavior, especially at Pillow Rock and Postage Due at Sweet’s Falls. In recent years, Rangers have received reports of individuals jumping into or onto other people’s watercraft without permission. This behavior will not be tolerated. Law Enforcement will issue citations or make arrests as needed to protect the safety of all river users.
- Tailwaters Parking: To reduce traffic congestion near Summersville Dam, the Tailwaters Campground will be temporarily closed for camping during the first three weeks of Gauley Season and repurposed for private boater parking. This will improve traffic flow and provide more access to the river. For camping, Battle Run Campground (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and other private facilities will remain open. USACE has also agreed to keep additional loops at Battle Run available through the first three weeks of the season.
- Put-ins and Take-outs: Operations at put-ins and take-outs will remain the same as in previous years. However, if the parking lot at Summersville Dam reaches capacity, Rangers may temporarily hold incoming traffic on the access road.
- Unloading Area: A short-term, 15-minute unloading zone is available near the bathrooms by the boat blower. This area is for unloading only—please do not block parking spaces to save spots or inflate rafts.
- Mason’s Branch: Parking is limited and typically reaches daily capacity. When full, the access road will be closed. Additional parking for private boaters is available at Legg Field, leased by American Whitewater. The walking trail between the field and the river has been cleared for use. Each afternoon, once commercial bus traffic subsides (around 1:00 p.m.), Rangers will reopen Mason’s Branch for unrestricted travel.
- Wood’s Ferry: Parking will be managed as in past seasons. Boaters are asked to park close together in an organized manner. Vehicles blocking traffic or left unattended in restricted areas will be towed.
- Public Takeout: The Upper Swiss takeout is the only public takeout on the lower Gauley within the NRA. Please note: camping is not permitted at this location.
- Road Safety: Drive carefully, especially along Panther Mountain Road, where curves are sharp and the roadway is narrow. Allow yourself extra time and be mindful of commercial buses and local residents.
- Shuttle Service: A permitted commercial shuttle service, Hills to Hills Tour and Shuttle, will again operate this season on both the New and Gauley Rivers. Details are available at hillstohills.com or by calling 304-640-8122. Please note: any other shuttle service charging a fee without a permit is operating illegally and without required insurance.
- River Patrols: NPS Rangers will provide river patrols with a focus on EMS and search-and-rescue readiness. We also coordinate with state, federal, and private partners to support boater safety.
- Flow Control: In rare emergencies, NPS may request reduced flows from Summersville Dam. To help alert boaters, Rangers will continue to use signs and signal flags along the river. Updates will also be posted on the Gauley River NRA website and shared with partners such as American Whitewater.
- Private Property: Please respect private lands along the river. Gated roads, posted areas, and private property are not for public access. Trespassing may result in citations or arrests.
For updates, visit www.nps.gov/gari or follow our social media pages. We also work with partners such as American Whitewater to share timely information with the boating community.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping make the Gauley boating season safe, exciting, and memorable for all. We look forward to seeing you on the river.
Sincerely,
Eric G. LaPrice
Acting Superintendent
