HICO RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls
An all-day, 9-hour raft trip tackling Class III–V whitewater on the Gauley River with a catered lunch and extended Lower Gauley section—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls.
This is an all-day, high-adrenaline rafting expedition on the Gauley River: a 26-mile run that starts amid an active dam release and takes paddlers through Class IV/V whitewater—most notably the drop over Sweets Falls—before continuing into the long, scenic Lower Gauley and finishing in rolling countryside.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Class IV/V Whitewater and Sweets Falls
The trip runs during active dam releases and confronts paddlers with a sequence of high-consequence rapids, including the notorious drop over Sweets Falls—an immediate, adrenaline-soaked start to the day.
A True 26-Mile Rafting Marathon
This extended outing covers 26 miles and blends the high-octane upper Gauley with the lengthy and varied Lower Gauley, making for an endurance-style day on the water that includes a catered lunch break with prime views of other rafts at the Falls.
Seasonal, Expert-Guided Runs
Offered seasonally, this all-day hero trip includes an expert guide in your raft, equipment outfitting, and a hearty buffet lunch—making it a focused, guided whitewater experience for ready paddlers.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
You check in at BaseCamp in the morning, get outfitted with a paddle, PFD and helmet, then board a bus for a safety briefing and the short ride to the river. The trip launches immediately into the Gauley during an active release—no slow start—so you find yourself paddling intense, boulder-strewn whitewater from the outset. Lunch is typically taken just after Sweets Falls with a view of other rafts, then the day continues through the long, historic Lower Gauley before returning by bus to BaseCamp in the evening.
THE RAPIDS
Class IV/V Whitewater and Sweets Falls
The trip runs during active dam releases and confronts paddlers with a sequence of high-consequence rapids, including the notorious drop over Sweets Falls—an immediate, adrenaline-soaked start to the day.
THE DISTANCE
A True 26-Mile Rafting Marathon
This extended outing covers 26 miles and blends the high-octane upper Gauley with the lengthy and varied Lower Gauley, making for an endurance-style day on the water that includes a catered lunch break with prime views of other rafts at the Falls.
THE SEASON
Seasonal, Expert-Guided Runs
Offered seasonally, this all-day hero trip includes an expert guide in your raft, equipment outfitting, and a hearty buffet lunch—making it a focused, guided whitewater experience for ready paddlers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a seasonal, all-day trip with a typical meet time at 9 AM and a return around 6 PM; runs are offered during the Gauley season in which releases occur.
Participants are outfitted with a paddle, PFD (lifejacket), and helmet; wetsuits are available for rent when appropriate. A catered lunch is included.
Guests should be physically fit and have paddling experience; the trip is for ages 16 and older.
Rates are tiered by group size with discounts for larger groups and a 50% discount for First Responders; consult operator for exact pricing by group size.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Gauley Marathon?
The trip is a 9-hour, 26-mile all-day rafting experience.
What ages are allowed on this trip?
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
What are the group rates?
Rates are tiered by group size: $225 per person for groups of 4–12, $180 per person for groups of 13–24, and $157.50 per person for groups of 25 or more.
Is lunch provided and can dietary needs be accommodated?
A catered, hearty buffet lunch is included; special dietary needs can be accommodated if noted at the time of reservation.
Are wetsuits and safety gear provided?
Participants are outfitted with a paddle, PFD and helmet; wetsuits are available for rent when appropriate.
Are there discounts available?
First Responders receive 50% off the trip price.