Upper Gauley

Iron Curtain

INFORMATION

RAPID NAME: Iron Curtain

RAPID RATING: Class III

RIVER SECTION: Upper Gauley

This rapid was named after the adjacent right cliff face, which has a red pigment due to the iron content in the rock. This rapid is commonly taken right down the middle.

The thing that will require most of your attention regarding this drop is just downstream of the rapid. The tail waters push directly towards a round boulder with seemingly magnetic qualities. It is easy to avoid to both the left and the right, but indecision will most likely lead to a highside and flip. The large slanted boulder immediately below and to the left is undercut. It resembles a Sperm Whale coming out of the water.

View Aerial Images of Iron Curtain Rapid

Iron Curtain Rapid at 2800 cfs

Filmed from just downstream of the rapid, this video describes the features present in Iron Curtain Rapid and includes footage of kayaking and whitewater rafting through the rapid.