Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid WV

Mason Branch Access

Gauley - 7 Summersville Dam to Woods Ferry (WV)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Gauley River below Summersville DAM, WV Upstream Primary
Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Mason Branch Access
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

For many years, this has been the standard take-out just downstream of Sweets Falls, the final major rapids, and remains popular for river exit. It also serves as the put-in for the Middle Gauley section. Formerly private, the site was acquired by the National Park Service in 2008 with support from American Whitewater, ensuring public boater access to the Gauley River. Now managed by the Park Service, it features a parking area for 30 cars (tight parking is necessary) and restroom facilities. During peak Gauley season, the lot fills daily, prompting traffic control and limited access until spaces become available. Boaters can still drive down to load/unload. American Whitewater leases Legg field for overflow parking, requiring a steep, slippery quarter-mile hike with boats. Alternatively, boaters arriving late or avoiding the hike can continue downstream to Woods Ferry.

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class N/A
Mile Marker
9.2 mi
Directions
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View Full Run
7 Summersville Dam to Woods Ferry
Gauley
IV-V 12.0 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater