Free Topo Maps of Gauley River National Recreation Area

Download free topo maps of Gauley River National Recreation Area. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the West Virginia maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Bentree, WV
  2. North Topo Map: Lockwood, WV
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Gilboa, WV
  4. West Topo Map: Gauley Bridge, WV
  5. Topo Map: Ansted, WV
  6. East Topo Map: Summersville Dam, WV
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Beckwith, WV
  8. South Topo Map: Fayetteville, WV
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Winona, WV
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Gauley River National Recreation Area

Gauley River National Recreation Area in West Virginia is an experience in white water rafting. The huge waves and more than 100 rapids known for their steep gradients all combine to make this one of the most desirable white water rafting rivers in the world. The Recreation Area was established to protect and preserve the Gauley River and the Meadow River which is a tributary of the Gauley. The area near the Gauley River was traditionally an unpopulated area that had some evidence of human habitation, some 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. However for the most part, indigenous people did not reside along the rapid waters of the Gauley. It remained for 20th century expert white water rafters to successfully run these rapids. During the 20th century the river, which was subject to pollution by industrial waste, was cleaned and part of the management of the Recreation Area is a water maintenance plan; as the pristine state of the waters enhances the natural magnificence of the area. In addition to maintaining the waters, the Park protects the scenic and geological resources of the area, as well as the wildlife that makes their habitat here. A 17-mile nature trail in the Meadow River valley with a trailhead near Russellville, situated on an abandoned rail line, will also lie within the Gauley River National Recreation boundary when completed. Since this region has three units, albeit separate from one another, the National Park Service has a centralized headquarters in Glen Jean. In addition to managing the New River Gorge National River and Gauley River Recreation Area, the Bluestone National Scenic River is also included. All information can be obtained with a number of brochures covering the extent of trails, activities and services available from the National Park Service.