The Lehigh River cuts through the heart of the Lehigh Valley and provides rafters with miles of river to enjoy. The Lehigh River is located in beautiful eastern Pennsylvania and is a tributary to the Delaware River. Along the rivers winding course there are access points mapped out for rafters to enter the river.
Some notable access points to enter the river are:
Jim Thorpe- This access point is at the southern edge of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. This access point is located between the Glen Onoko access point and the Parryville access point. Along this stretch of river rafters will find some class 1 and class 2 rapids for whitewater enthusiast.
Parryville- This access point below is the next one below Jim Thorpe and is near the village of Parryville. This piece of the river has class 2 rapids and is home to the Old Bear Trap Lock. As rafters travel down the Lehigh, the Old Bear Trap Lock is something of interest that rafters may want to take the time to look at.
Lehigh Gap- This access point lies between West Bowmans and Walnut Port and is a relatively mild stretch of river with the exception of some class 3 rapids.
Some things that rafters should look for going down the Lehigh are Beartrap Rapid, a class 2 rapid that is just south of Jim Thorpe, and Dunbar’s surfing wave located at Lehighton. These are just a two of the whitewater runs that rafters will find on the Lehigh, there are more to be experienced. In addition to the whitewater runs, there are nature trails and biking trails to be enjoyed along the Lehigh River. These trails can be enjoyed along with the river to provide visitors to the Lehigh Valley a well-rounded, nature experience.
Unrivaled in its beauty, Pennsylvania is brimming with rivers yet to be tamed. Filled with laughter, heart stopping action and soaking summer fun rafting Pennsylvania’s rivers are among the best in the U.S.
The Youghiogheny River, also referred to as the Yough, is perfect for multiple level experience rafters. The Middle Yough is calm with Class I and II rapids, this trip is calm enough for the young and young at heart. This trip is approximately 6 hours long, a perfect day trip for those looking for a one time adventure. The perfect family trip as the recommended age is 4 and over. The Lower Yough brags of Class III and IV rapids and will fit the novice and experienced, the recommended age limit is 12 and older as these rapids are less calm but enough of a challenge to enjoy. This trip along the beautiful Yough also takes about 6 hours. The Upper Yough is the ultimate challenge as the rapids are Class IV-V. Recommended for ages 16 and older this trip will be like no other, taking approximately 6 hours to complete.
The Holtwood section of Susquehanna River is approximately 2 miles long and is a Class III+, so it would be perfect for the novice with a need for speed to the more experienced rafters. Susquehanna Tributary is 5 miles long and is a Class II-III along with Broad Creek Class I-II - 4.5 miles long, both are very beginner friendly.
Lehigh River is rafting at its best, spectacular scenery and exciting rapids. The entire length is 26 miles and can be done in whole or in part. Rapids range in intensity throughout the river, with some sections being perfect for families and other sections for more advanced rafters. Hotels are within easy access to the river and in season many book big name entertainers.
With so many rapids to choose from along the break-taking scenery of Pennsylvania’s river ways you’d better get moving the water is not waiting for you.
An outfitter based in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania takes a group of visitors on a guided whitewater rafting trip down the Class V rapids of the Upper Yough (Youghiogheny River) in Western Maryland. This video was primarily filmed using the Oregon Scientific ATC3K Waterproof Action Cam.