Lehigh River Gorge

Class II–III rafting through a deep, green gorge.

The Lehigh runs through a steep, wooded gorge from White Haven to Jim Thorpe, with Class II–III rapids that are fun in a raft and a real test in a kayak or open canoe. Scheduled releases from the F.E. Walter Dam on set weekends from May to October bring the biggest water; on other days outfitters run gentler family trips. Boats may launch only at White Haven, Rockport or Glen Onoko, and the rail trail alongside makes a good second day.

At a glance

Rapids

Class II–III

Park

6,107 acres, F.E. Walter Dam to Jim Thorpe

Access

White Haven, Rockport and Glen Onoko only

Best flows

250–1,000 cfs for most boaters

Full run

White Haven to Glen Onoko, 10–12 hr by raft at low water

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Whitewater
• Guided tours

Rentals, guides and shops

• Jim Thorpe River Adventures

  Guided raft trips seven days a week from April, from easy family runs to big dam-release days.

• Pocono Whitewater

  Licensed Lehigh River outfitter running guided raft trips through the gorge.

• Whitewater Challengers

  Licensed Lehigh River outfitter running guided raft trips through the gorge.

• Whitewater Rafting Adventures

  Licensed Lehigh River outfitter running guided raft trips through the gorge.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• EventFri Oct 9 and Sat Oct 10Past

  Fall dam release

  Scheduled whitewater releases from the F.E. Walter Dam, the last big-water days of the 2026 season.

Where to stay

• innThe Inn at Jim Thorpe

  Built in 1849 in the middle of Jim Thorpe’s historic district, steps from restaurants and shops.

  20 min drive
• b&bThe Harry Packer Mansion Inn

  Victorian mansion inn above Jim Thorpe, with antique-filled rooms.

  20 min drive

Nearby

• Lehigh Gorge Trail · At the put-in

  More than 20 miles of rail trail along the river through the state park, good for biking.

• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway · 20 min drive

  Train rides from Jim Thorpe along the Lehigh River.

• Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub · 20 min drive

  Pub food and pints on Jim Thorpe’s main square.

Getting there

• Lehigh Valley International (ABE) · about 45 min drive
• Philadelphia · about 1.75 hr
• New York City · about 2.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps