Gauley River National Recreation Area

Things To Do Near Gauley River National Recreation Area

From hiking to sightseeing to whitewater rafting, you will never get bored at the Gauley River National Recreation area. Visiting this area by RV is a great way to explore everything the area has to offer while bringing the comforts of home with you. When you are ready to explore the surrounding areas and visit local shops, restaurants, and museums, simply load up your RV and head to your next destination. 

Hiking Trails

• Hawks Nest Rail Trail

  The Hawks Nest Rail Trailis a 3.6-mile in-and-out hiking trail at Hawks Nest State Park. This gravel-lined trail once served as a railway for coal cars coming from the local mine. Today, visitors can see the remains of an old coal mine and picturesque waterfalls as they hike along the trail. 

  Location

  49 Hawks Nest Park Rd, Ansted, WV 25812 

  Length

  3.6 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Narrow Gauge Trail

  The Narrow Gauge Trail is an in-and-out trail at Babcock State Park. The trail follows the path of the Manns Creek Railway. Although the railroad closed in 1956, visitors can still see remnants of the railway along the trail. 

  Location

  486 Babcock Rd. Clifftop, West Virginia

  Length

  5 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

  The Carnifex Ferry Battlefield is located at the top of the Gauley River Canyon near Summersville, WV. Part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, the battlefield marks the site of an important Civil War battle. In September of 1861, Union forces led by Brigadier General William Rosecrans forced the Confederate forces to retreat to the southern side of the Gauley River. The Battle of Carnifex Ferry was considered a major Union victory. It marked the beginning of the Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia and cleared the path for West Virginia's bid for statehood. 

  Location: 1194 Carnifex Ferry Crossing, Summersville, WV 26651

  Location

  1194 Carnifex Ferry Crossing, Summersville, WV 26651

• Summersville Lake

  Built by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1966, Summersville Lake was formed by building a dam on the Gauley River to control flooding in the area. The largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville Lake encompasses over 2,700 acres of water with over 60 miles of shoreline. The lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming. If you're feeling adventurous, there are even opportunities to test your rock-climbing skills. 

  Location

  2981 Summersville Lake Road, Summersville, WV 26651

• Babcock State Park

  Built on the site of two 1930s era Civilian Conservation Corps camps, Babcock State Park covers 4,127 acres. The park offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy loops to more challenging treks through the park. Babcock State Park is perhaps best known for the fully functioning Glade Creek Grist Mill. The Mill is an exact replica of the original Cooper's Mill that once stood on park grounds. If you're lucky enough to visit on a grinding day, you might even be able to take home some freshly ground cornmeal. 

  Location

  486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, WV 25831

Museums

• African American Heritage Family Tree Museum

  Founded in 1991, The African American Heritage Family Tree Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African Americans in West Virginia.

  Location

  HC 67 Box 58A, Ansted, WV 25812

• Contentment Museum

  Built around 1830, the Contentment Museum is also known as the Colonel George Imboden House. The home was named after the former Confederate colonel who purchased it in 1872. Colonel Imboden was also the first mayor of Ansted. While you're there, don't forget to stop and check out the Pioneer Museum and one-room schoolhouse located on the grounds. 

  Location

  19295 Midland Trail, Ansted, WV 25812

• North House Museum

  The North House was built in 1820 as a home for John and Charlotte North. Today the home serves as a museum exploring the history and lives of the people who lived in the Greenbrier Valley. Guests can take a guided tour. Exhibits feature Civil War artifacts, an antique covered wagon, and items from the home's original inhabitants. 

  Location

  814 Washington St, Lewisburg, WV 24901

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Maloney's Pub and Grill 

  A family-friendly spot, Maloney's Pub and Grill serves traditional pub fare. Catch the big game on one of the 14 HD televisions, or enjoy some live music with your dinner out on the patio. 

  Location

  605 Church St, Summersville, WV 26651

• Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery

  The Country Store at Kirkwood Winery doesn't just offer a wide selection of fine wines. Visitors will also find a wide selection of handcrafted jams, jellies, baskets, and other country decor products. While you're there, make sure to taste test the only bourbon made and produced in West Virginia. 

  Location

  45 Winery Lane, Summersville, WV 26651

• Shoney’s

  If you're looking for American-style comfort food in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, Shoney's is the place to go. They offer a wide variety of foods on their menu as well as a full buffet. There's sure to be something to tempt everyone. 

  Location

  901 N Industrial Dr, Summersville, WV 26651

How To Get To Gauley River National Recreation Area

The main entrance is located on US Route 19 between Summersville and Fayetteville. Turn off US Route 19 onto WV Route 129 toward Summersville Dam. After crossing the dam, take the second left and follow the signs for the Gauley River. 

There are three other public entrances to the Gauley River, all located on the river right: 

• Mason's Branch – Take WV Route 129 toward the Summersville Dam. Continue for 9.9 miles and take a left onto Panther Mountain Road in Poe. Continue for 3.7 miles and turn left. The parking and boat launch areas are about a mile from the turn. 

• Wood's Ferry – Wood's Ferry public access is located on Panther Mountain Road, roughly 2.1 miles past Mason's Branch. 

• Upper Swiss – Take WV Route 129 West to Drennen. Turn left onto Route 39 in Drennen. Continue on Route 39 for 10 miles. Turn left onto South Swiss Road. Continue for approximately one mile until the road forks. Take the right branch that crosses the railroad tracks. Caution is advised as these roads are narrow and have sharp turns and poor visibility. 

The Gauley River National Recreation Area is open all day every day year-round. The official boating season is from early September through mid-October. Boating and whitewater rafting may be possible at other times throughout the year, depending on water releases from the Summersville Dam. 

Address

36 Fayette Station Rd, Victor, WV 25938

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

Located near the New River Gorge and the Bluestone River, The Gauley River National Recreation Area is a perfect stop on your RV tour through this scenic part of southern West Virginia. The Gauley River itself provides opportunities for watching nature, fishing, and white water rafting through over 100 thrilling rapids. Whether you're looking to relax and enjoy nature, take in a little history and culture, or get your adrenaline pumping on the river, the Gauley River National Recreation Area is the place to do it all.