Mid-Atlantic Region
Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia

Lehigh River, PA
 
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    Jim Thorpe River Adventures 800-424-7238  
    Pocono Whitewater Adventures 800-944-8392  
    Whitewater Challengers 800-443-7238  

 

 

 
Sections:  Upper Gorge (I), Lower Gorge (II)
Location:  Carbon County, Pocono Mountains between White Haven and Jim Thorpe, northeastern Pennsylvania.
Driving Time:  Philadelphia-2 hours; New York City-2.5 hours
Difficulty:  Class I - III on both sections
Trip Length:  8 miles (13 km) Upper Gorge (I); 12 miles (19 km) Lower Gorge (II)
Trip Options:  Paddle raft and inflatable kayak; one day
Season:  April-June, plus special water releases from dam

     The Lehigh River offers more than 20 miles (32 km) of fast-moving whitewater through the beautiful Lehigh River Gorge State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania's world renowned Pocono Mountains.
     The 8-mile (13 km) Upper Gorge, or Section I trip features numerous Class II-III rapids such as Triple Drop, Z, No Way, Tannery Falls, Popcorn, Second Chance, Wilhoyt's and Scott's Hole. Depending upon water levels, this is an excellent trip for first-time as well as experienced rafters.
     The longer and slightly more demanding Lower Gorge, or Section II, trip gives rafters plenty of whitewater thrills. This very popular 12-mile (19 km) whitewater run from Rockport to Jim Thorpe features many continuous Class III rapids such as Pinball, Needle's Eye, and Mile-Long.
     Rafters will find the best whitewater on the Lehigh during April and May. Spring rafting, which begins with the late March runoff, provides adventurous wet suit rafters excellent Class III+ whitewater.
     During June and again in the fall, there are several scheduled moderate-level weekend water releases from the Francis E. Walter Dam. Interested rafters should call the outfitters for the dates of these releases and make reservations well in advance.

Family Raft Trips on the Lehigh River
     During the late spring and summer when water levels are too low for rafting on Sections I and II of the Lehigh River, outfitters offer slow-paced introductory raft trips for families and seniors on the mild waters of Lehigh's Section III, beginning at the town of Jim Thorpe. This 8-mile (13 km) trip, with equally beautiful mountain scenery, and easy Class I-II rapids, provides time for swimming, splashing, and relaxing. Outfitters normally allow families with children as young as five years to raft this section.