Is this activity suitable for beginners?

Yes, guided tours are designed to accommodate first-timers with safety instructions and support from experienced guides.

What should I wear during the trip?

Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing and bring a waterproof layer if needed. A swimsuit underneath is also recommended if wearing a wetsuit.

Are meals or snacks provided?

Most trips include light snacks and water, but check with the operator for specific details and options.

How physically demanding is the Full Gauley Marathon?

It requires a good level of fitness as you'll be paddling through challenging rapids, but no technical skills are necessary.

What is the best time of year to do this trip?

Spring and fall usually offer the most exciting water conditions, but summer is also popular for warmer weather.

Are there age restrictions?

Participants generally need to be at least 12 years old; children should be accompanied by an adult.

Full Gauley Marathon | Rafting in Russellville, West Virginia

Adventure Brief

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day tackling some of West Virginia’s most challenging rapids on the Full Gauley Marathon. Perfect for adventure seekers, this trip combines natural beauty with heart-pumping fun. Discover more about this thrilling rafting experience below!

4–6 hours

challenging

From $225.00

Experience the thrill of the Full Gauley Marathon with New & Gauley River Adventures, an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the famous Gauley River in West Virginia. This adventure is perfect for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts looking to conquer Class III to V rapids in a single day. As you navigate through breathtaking canyon scenery, you'll witness powerful rapids like Old Testament and Pillow Rock, making every moment on the river an adrenaline-packed memory. The trip offers a combination of challenging rapids and scenic beauty, showcasing West Virginia’s rugged landscape from an exciting perspective. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, guides provide safety and expert tips to enhance your experience. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for a day full of splashes, teamwork, and natural beauty. The Full Gauley Marathon is not just about the rapids—it’s a chance to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create stories to tell for years to come. Book your trip with New & Gauley River Adventures for an unforgettable day on some of the best whitewater in the USA, framed by stunning Appalachian scenery.

About New & Gauley River Adventures

New & Gauley River Adventures is a full-service outdoor outfitter based in southern West Virginia that organizes whitewater rafting, horseback trail rides, overnight lodging, and primitive camping along the Gauley and New rivers. The operator runs a wide range of trips—from family-friendly Upper New River floats and half‑day Lower New River runs to adrenaline-fueled Upper Gauley Class V excursions including Double Upper options and the Full Gauley Marathon. Multi-day options include two‑day Upper Gauley expeditions and New River full canyon overnight trips. Lodging choices at base camp range from cozy Base Camp Cabins and Riverside Cottage in historic Thurmond to wilderness cabin and fire tower overnight stays, plus campsite reservations at Meadow River. Additional seasonal offerings include sleigh and carriage rides and guided trail rides for riders of all skill levels. Safety and local river knowledge are central: the outfitter operates on scheduled dam‑released Lower Gauley flows and runs established Class I–V routes on the New and Gauley rivers. Equipment and trip formats are tailored to skill level and group composition, with day and half‑day options for families, youth groups, and seasoned rafters. The business’s long presence in the region, varied trip roster, and combination of lodging and river-based adventures make it an efficient one-stop experience for visitors seeking convenience, reliability, and authentic Appalachian river trips. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the operation emphasizes memorable, professionally run river and trail experiences. Repeat guests praise attentive communication, customizable itineraries, and a local commitment to safety, conservation, and guest comfort every season.