Lehigh

Location: Eastern Pennsylvania (about 70 miles north of Philadelphia; about 100 miles west of New York City).

Length of trips: 11 miles in 4 hours (Upper Lehigh Gorge); 12 miles in 4.5 hours (Lower Lehigh Gorge); 8 miles in 3 hours (Section 3).

Season: White-water rafting (ages ten and older) March through June and mid-September through mid-October (Upper Lehigh Gorge and Lower Lehigh Gorge); fast-water float (ages eight and older) May, June, and mid-September through late October (Section 3). The water flow usually peaks in April and May.

Weather: The temperature (30°-50°F) and water (35°-45°) are chilly in March and April, so outfitters require that rafters wear wet suits. Wet-suit weather turns to sunscreen weather in May (65°-75°). Summer temperatures are pleasant (75°-85°) and dry, with the occasional hot spell. Autumn days tend to be cool (60°-70°), crisp, and dry.

Lodging: From primitive campgrounds to luxurious resorts within a 40-minute drive.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and III (Upper Lehigh Gorge and Lower Lehigh Gorge), Class I and II (Section 3). Long, continuous rapids with some flat-water paddling. Cool, clear water.

Special features:

  • Deep, remote river gorge.
  • Remnants from coal and canal days have mostly been reclaimed by beautiful conifer and hardwood forests.
  • Lovely spring wildflowers.
  • Rhododendrons and mountain laurels bloom from mid-June to early July.
  • White-tailed deer, beavers, black bears, warblers and other songbirds, migrating raptors (hawks, ospreys, eagles).
  • Excellent hiking in and around the gorge. Be sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and copperheads.
  • Great trout fishing.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Section 3 provides a good introduction to white-water rafting.

Nearby excursions:

  • Appalachian Trail.
  • Historic town of Jim Thorpe.
  • Hickory Run State Park.
  • Pennsylvania Dutch country.
  • Pocono Mountains.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Lehigh Gorge State Park, c/o Hickory Run State Park, RD 1, Box 81, White Haven, Pennsylvania 18661; +1 717 443 0400, fax +1 717 443 0512. Try to book two to six weeks in advance.

For more information:

  • Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, Office of Travel and Tourism, Room 453, Forum Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120; +1 717 787 5453 or 800 847 4872, fax +1 717 234 4560.

 
 
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