Here at Fifty50, we are always on the lookout for that extra dose of adrenaline. What can be more fun and thrilling than navigating through the wildest parts of a river and enjoying the mesmerizing beauty all around you? The United States has a long list of outstanding destinations for rafting enthusiasts; we have picked three.
Gauley River, West Virginia
If you are looking for a super challenging whitewater rafting adventure, Gauley should top your list. Steep gradient, a massive amount of water, and huge waves are some of the most attractive features of this whitewater run. The Gauley River draws more than 60,000 rafters each season. The Upper Gauley features six Class V rapids and thirteen Class IV rapids; some of its biggest rapids are Pillow Rock, Iron Ring, Lost Paddle, and Insignificant. The Lower Gauley provides a slightly moderate experience with numerous rapids ranging between Class III and IV.
The rafting season in Gauley starts Friday after Labor Day and continues for six weekends.
Lochsa River, Idaho
Lochsa is an undammed, free-flowing river that is navigable only during high-water. It has two Class V, 25 Class IV, and 37 Class III rapids. Some of the famous rapids of Lochsa are Grim Reaper, Lochsa Fall, Pipeline, Termination, and Bloody Mary. Rafting in Lochsa is a fun-filled action-packed experience. The water comes from the melted snow, and thus it is chilling cold. The rapids are continuous and back-to-back.
The rafting season in Lochsa starts mid-May and typically runs through the end of June or early July. Later into the season, as the water flow reduces, the rapids become more technical.
Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania
Youghiogheny, or locally known as Yough River, is one of the most popular rafting destinations on the East coast. People with different skill levels and experiences can enjoy whitewater rafting on this river. The Upper Yough is notorious for its crazy twists and turns and continuous challenging rapids. On average, the river drops 120 feet per mile and thus requires skilled maneuvering. The Upper Yough has around 20 Class V rapids within a distance of 5 miles.
The Middle Yough is for laid-back rafters who are looking for some easy fun. The 11-mile stretch of the river has 10 Class I-II rapids.
The lower section of the river is the most popular among the rafters with various levels of skills. It has some thrilling Class II-IV rapids and is surrounded by stunning scenic beauty and wildlife.
The rafting season in the Yough Rivers starts in March and runs through October. However, the season for the Upper Yough begins mid-April and continues only through mid-September. Check out the days of water release before you plan your trip.
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