Lower Gauley

Rocky Top

INFORMATION

RAPID NAME: Rocky Top

RAPID RATING: Class III

RIVER SECTION: Lower Gauley

Once through Heaven Help You Rapid, a small section of flat water will lead you into Rocky Top. It’s entrance and top section are marked by a jumble of boulders that create numerous options for navigation. The widest entrance is on the right. Kayakers will find that there are considerably more options presented to them than rafters, but be careful because some slots are far cleaner than others.

Once through the top section, the rapid opens up considerably. And you can line up for a great wave hit off of a ledge on the right bank. Above 3500 cfs, beware of the nasty keeper hydraulic that forms right of center at the very bottom of the rapid. It is best avoided on the left.

View Aerial Images of Rocky Top Rapid

Rocky Top Rapid at 2800 cfs

Filmed from the right bank, this video describes the features present in Rocky Top Rapid and includes footage of whitewater rafting and kayaking through the rapid..