Gauley River National Recreation Area in October
October at Gauley River National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 41°F, with about 3.3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 2.3× the park's average month, which makes October a very busy month here.
- Average low
- 41°F
- Average high
- 65°F
Range across the year: 21°F to 81°F
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 19% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 30,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993 to 2025.
That makes October the 2nd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the September peak (3.6×) and the January low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score October rates 45/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 53°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 26% of annual visitors, choosing October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 11 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.4-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 213,596 recreation visits, down 21.7% from 272,898 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 79.1%, so a October visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 76°F / 53°F | 3.6× Very busy | 43 Poor |
| October | 65°F / 41°F | 2.3× Very busy | 45 Fair |
| November | 54°F / 32°F | 0.4× Very quiet | 54 Fair |
All twelve months at Gauley River, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 65°F and an overnight low around 41°F at Gauley River National Recreation Area, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 6.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is very busy at Gauley River National Recreation Area (about 2.3× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 45/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is September and the quietest is January. October sits at about 2.3× the park's average, or 19% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 30,000 recreation visits at Gauley River National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1993–2025.
Where to stay near Gauley River in October
Booking a October trip to Gauley River National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gauley River
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1993–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.