Gauley River, West Virginia: World's best whitewater rafting?

It's Gauley Season in West Virginia, USA, where some of the world's toughest whitewater rafting draws adventurous types from far and wide.

See also: Whitewater rafting in Snowdonia

For around six weeks, the Gauley River, which stretches for 105 miles, is at its fullest, and the Army Corps of Engineers provides a series of controlled releases for downriver recreation.

This gives travellers the chance to get in on the action, taking on rollercoaster waves and class five rapids.

One of the most famous parts of the whitewater rafting experience on the Gauley is the terrifying Pillow Rock. It certainly looks like if you hit the Gualey, you're in for the ride of your life. The reporter in this video describes it as one of the craziest natural roller coasters on the planet.