SEASONAL PURSUITS AUTUMN RAFTING

Fall is an ideal season for whitewater rafting, when river currents are gentle and temperatures remain pleasant enough to enjoy even the occasional spill. Here are three of our favorite spots:

Now that the scorching desert heat has passed, take a rollicking ride along the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This 300-mile waterway passes through ancient rock canyons, Native American sites, and habitats of local wildlife: watch for bighorn sheep, ring-tailed wild cats, and coyotes.  Fall season is shorter in Maine,  In West Virginia-speak, its Gauley River is the biggest, gnarliest, most fun ride a rafter can have. Adrenaline junkies arrive for Gauley Season, the six-week period spanning September and October when water released from Summerville Lake generates rushes and waves of epic proportions. Families may prefer the slower, scenic glide along the upper New River, ironically one of the oldest rivers on the continent.