With most of the New River's flow diverted through a tunnel to a power plant near Gauley Bridge at Hawks Nest Dam, the 5.5-mile section of stream below the dam is known as the "Dries."

With scheduled releases from Hawks Nest Dam, half-day raft trips could take place on rapids suitable for paddlers with intermediate whitewater skills on this section of the New River above Gauley Bridge.

With scheduled releases from Hawks Nest Dam, half-day raft trips could take place on rapids suitable for paddlers with intermediate whitewater skills on this section of the New River above Gauley Bridge.

Whitewater outfitters seek scheduled releases from Hawks Nest Dam to open the 5.5 mile stretch of river below the dam to commercial rafting.