Just make sure you run the "Canyon" (which is the more challenging part of the Cheat). As a work outing one time we took a group of novices there. We were going to run the Canyon, but it had been raining quite a lot and the river was up. The outfitter wanted us to be cautious. This other portion (called Cheat Narrows, at least by our outfitter) that we ran is pretty tame. Had only a couple of good rapids, and that was because of the rain.
Spring is supposed to be the proper Cheat season. I'm sure it won't be like the Gauley (I've rafted the New but not the Gauley, so nothing firsthand), but the key Gauley season is in the fall when they release watter from Summersville Dam. So if you want to go somewhere soon that's nearby and better than the tame Shenandoah (which is even closer to DC) this could be a good trip.
Despite (in my opinion, at least, as one looking for wilder water) them steering our group wrong, I would recommend Cheat River Outfitters.
http://www.cheatriveroutfitters.com/ They seem to have good location near the put-in points, and did a good job with everything. Not the greatest web site, but there's some info there. Ask them if Crazy Frank is still a guide. Most guides are high-school or college kids doing summer jobs; this guy is a real river rat, been guiding for 20 years or something ridiculous like that. The ride could be somewhat more "interesting" (might be read "terrifying" by some, but hey, you're looking for whitewater action here) with him as the guide.
Let us know what you decide, etc. Sounds like fun.
Edit: Should've read the other threads first! Didn't realize they were all you. Anyway, since you've done the Gauley, well, I don't know. It's certainly a notch down, but that doesn't mean it won't be fun. I would still recommend it as a good trip that's close to home. Save the Gauley for fall. You know, if you haven't done a leisurely whole-day New River trip, that's an option as well. Not as action-packed (the rapids are spaced far apart), but the scenery is cool.
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--Greg
[This message has been edited by CrazyOne (edited 03-20-2002).]