Adventures on the Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia, offers a combination of whitewater rafting and glamping along the Gauley River during the fall season.
The resort’s Deluxe Gauley River Overnight package, available in September and October, provides two days of rafting, gourmet dining, and upscale camping at the Canyon Doors Campground. This experience appeals to both seasoned rafters and newcomers looking for an adventurous getaway.
According to a press release, during Gauley Season, water released from the Summersville Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers transforms the Gauley River into a rafting destination. The controlled release creates about 100 rapids over a 25-mile stretch, including several Class V rapids. Adventures on the Gorge’s Deluxe package includes two days of rafting on this stretch, followed by riverside camping in luxury tents equipped with hot tubs, showers, and bathrooms.
“This combination of rafting and camping is always a big hit and a grand adventure for repeat rafters and first-time adventurers alike,” Roger Wilson, CEO of Adventures on the Gorge, explained. “Gourmet food and riverside camping just feel right in between two great rafting runs.”
The Gauley River’s Upper section, which begins just below the Summersville Dam, is known for its intensity, dropping more than 335 feet in less than 13 miles. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has coordinated water releases on Fridays through Mondays throughout the season to ensure rafters can plan extended weekend trips.
For participants in the Deluxe Gauley River Overnight package, the adventure doesn’t end when the rafting stops. After a day on the river, guests return to the Canyon Doors Campground, where they can relax in wood-fired hot tubs, enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a chef, and spend the evening on a sandy beach. The experience provides a balance of outdoor adventure and comfortable amenities, making it a choice for thrill-seekers who appreciate luxury touches.
Gauley Season runs through mid-October, with release dates scheduled from September 6-9, 12-16, 20-23, 27-30, and into October on the 4-6, 12-13, and 19-20. The minimum age for the Deluxe package is 16, and prices start at $439 per person.
The season concludes with Bridge Day, a major local event on the third Saturday of October, when the New River Gorge Bridge closes to traffic and becomes a stage for BASE jumping and rappelling.
For glamping enthusiasts who prefer to stay off the river, Adventures on the Gorge offers various accommodation options. These include glamping tents, RV sites, tent platforms, and a range of cabins.
The resort’s multi-bedroom cabins feature kitchens, living areas, and private hot tubs, while the bunkhouse-style Sportsman Cabins and hotel-style Sunnysides cater to families and groups looking for more traditional lodging.
Located on 350 acres along the rim of the New River Gorge, Adventures on the Gorge is situated in a region that includes three national parks, including the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Beyond rafting, the resort offers activities such as zip lines, the Bridgewalk over the New River Gorge Bridge, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. The combination of adventure and luxury makes the resort a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both thrills and relaxation.
For more information about Adventures on the Gorge, visit adventuresonthegorge.com.
Featured image by Adventures on the Gorge
