Annual whitewater pilgrimage for extreme adventure begins Sept. 7

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The wait is nearly over for adrenaline junkies as the greatly anticipated Gauley Season is set to begin Friday, Sept. 7, and continue for 23 select days through Sunday, Oct. 21. During this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draws down Summersville Lake to create a whitewater rafting experience on the Gauley River that attracts extreme-sport seekers from nearby towns and around the world.

“This event brings thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the Gauley River National Recreation Area for whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing,” says Eric Pories, executive director of the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters.

The ruggedly carved Gauley River canyon includes two distinct sections – the Upper Gauley and Lower Gauley. Between the two, every raft must make its way through more than 100 rapids, 56 of them rated Class III through Class V. Many licensed outfitters in the area offer whitewater rafting packages with some of them including lodging and activities. Gauley Season dates for 2007 are Friday through Monday: Sept. 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, Oct. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 21. For those wanting less of a challenge, sections of the New River offer an alternate whitewater option.

While the Gauley River experience is the number one reason to visit southern West Virginia during this time of year, there are plenty of other activities in the region to give visitors other reasons to stay. The Gauley

River National Recreation Area is well known for activities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, mountain climbing and mountain biking.

Nearby is the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Bridge Day – West Virginia’s largest annual one-day festival – is Oct. 20. This is a chance to watch BASE jumpers leap from the bridge to the river more than 800 feet below.

For more information on licensed outfitters, special events and other attractions, visit www.callwva.com or www.wvriversports.com or contact the West Virginia Division of Tourism at 1-800-CALL WVA.

As you head out on vacation, don’t forget to capture it on video and submit it to the West Virginia “Answer the Call” contest for a chance to win a new Camry Hybrid. The deadline for submission is Oct. 31, 2007. Contest details, including video requirements, judging criteria, prizes and travel ideas are available by visiting www.wviscalling.com.

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