The Lehigh River runs through Lehigh Gorge State Park between White Haven and Jim Thorpe, and it's the Poconos' whitewater river. On dam-release days the outfitters run Class II–III trips through the gorge; on other days they run gentler family trips.
If you'd rather float than paddle hard, the Delaware River through the Delaware Water Gap is mostly calm with a few riffles. Outfitters there rent tubes, canoes and rafts in summer.
How the Lehigh works
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Francis E. Walter Dam for whitewater and fishing from spring through fall. Dam-release dates are set each year by the Army Corps and posted by the outfitters, and releases happen only when enough water is stored, so check your outfitter's release calendar before you book. On other days, trips run on the river's natural flow, which is usually gentler and can change.
State park rules: everyone must wear a USCG-approved life jacket, and boats launch and take out only at White Haven, Rockport and Glen Onoko. White Haven to Rockport is 8.7 miles, and Rockport to Glen Onoko is 12.2 miles. For river levels, DCNR points paddlers to USGS flow data or the Hickory Run State Park office, 272-808-6192.
Lehigh River outfitters
- Pocono Whitewater, Jim Thorpe (1-800-944-8392): the dam-release trip is 12 miles and 4 to 5 hours of Class II–III water, ages 8 and up, $79.99 (lunch not included). Family Style Whitewater covers 8 miles of Class I–II water for ages 4 and up, midweek $49.99 for children 4 to 12 and $59.99 for adults. Prices as of 2026.
- Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Nesquehoning (570-669-9127): a Class III, 13-mile Lehigh Gorge trip for ages 8 and up, from $78.95; EZ Whitewater, 11 miles from Glen Onoko, Class I–II, ages 6 and up, from $72.95; and Summer Rafting, 8 miles from Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown, ages 4 and up, from $60.95, April to October. Prices as of 2026.
- Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Lehighton: EasyWater trips for families, a 10-mile Intro to Whitewater and BigTime Whitewater, its longest and hardest trip. Its website posts the dam release schedule. Ask about minimum ages when you book.
- Whitewater Challengers, Weatherly: Lehigh rafting, inflatable kayaking and Marathon Rafting days of 6 to 8 hours. Ask about ages and dates when you book.
Delaware River tubing, canoeing and rafting
The National Park Service authorizes these liveries in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The river here is mostly calm with riffles, not whitewater, and the liveries mostly run May to September.
- Adventure Sports, East Stroudsburg (800-487-2628): canoes, kayaks and a 6-mile raft trip (four paddlers required).
- Chamberlain Canoes, Minisink Hills (800-422-6631): canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes.
- Edge of the Woods Outfitters, Delaware Water Gap (570-421-6681): canoes, kayaks, rafts and bicycles.
- Shawnee River Trips, Shawnee on Delaware (570-424-4000 x1464): canoes, kayaks, rafts and guided pontoon tours.
- Kittatinny, Milford (800-356-2852): canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. In 2026 its river trips ran from mid-May to late September.
