Fayetteville sits at the crossroads of two great rivers. The New River offers something for everyone — gentle Class I–II floats through the upper gorge for families, and serious Class III–IV whitewater in the Lower New, where the river crashes down a series of named rapids beneath the bridge.
The Gauley River, 30 minutes north, is the harder, more famous run — Class IV–V whitewater that opens only for six weekends each autumn when the Summersville Dam releases water. Outfitters in town (ACE Adventure, Adventures on the Gorge, New & Gauley) run trips from a half-day to multi-day camping packages. April to October is the main season.