Late April to mid-October is the active season — rafting outfitters are running, climbing is in good condition, and most of the restaurants and outfitters are open daily. Summer (June–August) is warm and humid; the river is at its busy peak.
Late September and early October is arguably the best window: the Gauley River is releasing for whitewater season, the hardwoods on the gorge walls turn orange and red, the crowds thin, and the air is crisp.
Bridge Day, the third Saturday in October, is the year's headline event — BASE jumping, rappelling, food trucks, and the only day all year pedestrians can walk on the bridge deck. Hotels for 50 miles fill months in advance.
Winter is quiet. Climbing is possible on warm days, the gorge is starkly beautiful with bare trees, and the prices on the few open lodgings drop sharply.