Gauley Tailwaters River Access

Gauley Tailwaters River Access is a hand launch for canoes and kayaks within Gauley River National Recreation Area in West Virginia, managed by the National Park Service. The nearest town is Summersville, about 5 miles away. As a hand launch, it's set up for carrying boats to the water rather than backing in a trailer. For the most comfortable conditions, aim for late spring through early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Summersville Lake weather station run from highs around 72°F in May to the low 80s in July, with lows near 50°F in May and around 60°F in midsummer. Camping is close at hand, with Summersville Lake Shelters about a quarter mile away and Battle Run about a mile off. Climbers can head to Gauley Crag, roughly a mile away, and anglers will find the Gauley River fishing area about 2 miles from the launch.