The Gauley River National Recreation Area begins at Summersville Dam and runs through a steep, hard-to-reach canyon. For most travellers the practical access point is around the dam, where the controlled releases that feed the famous whitewater season start.
The Gauley is not a casual float. It is known for serious rapids, especially during autumn release weekends, and most visitors experience it with a licensed rafting outfitter. If you are not rafting, the dam area still gives a good look at the river dropping from lake country into gorge country.