Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River

Welcome to the world-famous Lehigh River Gorge in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains - home to one of the most popular whitewater rafting trips in the country, a perfect combination of dam release whitewater and family-style fun.

Here you'll discover a close-to-home adventure that feels a world away. Awesome wilderness scenery and exciting, fun-filled rapids combine for a picture-perfect outdoor day.

You'll laugh. You'll scream. And you'll soak yourself silly!

Absolutely no experience needed. Perfect for families and youngsters down to age 7. Fun-filled rapids and terrific swimming opportunities make this the perfect day out for your family and friends.

Real whitewater...real adventure...real fun!

2012 Tour Schedule

May: 12, 26, 27
June: 9, 10, 23, 24
July: 7, 8, 21, 22, 28, 29
August: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
September: 1, 2

Rapids:

Class I, II, III

Class I rapids are the easiest and Class V are the most challenging. So, this trip has easy to moderate rapids.

Liability Waiver:

All participants ages 18+ are required to read and sign a Release of Liability form at check-in. Parent or legal guardian must sign for any children under the age of 18.

Your guides cannot assume responsibility for personal injury, medical payments or property damage/loss.

Important:

If you are more than moderately overweight, it may be impossible to accommodate you with appropriate equipment and safety gear.

If you suffer from heart or other serious medical conditions, consult your doctor for his/her advice before booking a rafting tour.

If anyone in your party has handicap accessibility issues, please call us at 800-315-1493 at least 7 days in advance of your planned trip date to discuss them.

Tours operate rain or shine.

Driving Distances to Weatherly, Pennsylvania

Atlantic City, NJ - 3 Hours
Baltimore, MD - 3 Hours
Central NJ - 2.5 Hours
Harrisburg, PA - 2 Hours
Hartford, CT - 4 Hours
Metro New York - 2 Hours
Newark, NJ - 2 Hours
Philadelphia, PA - 2 Hours
Washington, DC - 4 Hours
Wilmington, DE - 2.5 Hours

Included:

• Guides
• Equipment
• Roundtrip Shuttle from check-in to river
• Use of changing rooms, hot showers

What to Bring

• Light Lunch (weaterproof container will be provided)
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage (no glass containers or ice chests)
• Sunscreen
• Required Medications
• If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, eyeglass straps are essential

Do NOT Bring:
(These items should be left locked in your car)

• Towels
• Dry Clothes
• Valuables
• Non-Waterproof Cameras

STRICTLY PROHIBITED:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Illegal Drugs

The guides may refuse participation without refund to anyone who, in their judgment, may pose a hazard to himself or others.

Safety First!

Your river guides are trained to standards that exceed state requirements. In addition to an experienced guide crew boasting a combined total of more than 500 years of whitewater paddling experience, these trips on the Lehigh River are also supported by State Park patrols throughout the 25 mile length of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. This uniquely convenient and nearly continuous vehicular access to the river provides a measure of safety and support not found in most wilderness areas.

Also, each river trip includes careful pre-trip guest instruction. Your trip leader will review paddling and safety tips, such as how to sit in your raft (on the perimeter tube with both legs inside), how to hold your paddle, how to steer, the importance of avoiding rowdy behavior (the leading contributor to river injuries), keeping your life jacket on and buckled at all times except lunch stop, how to self rescue in rapids, leaning towards big rocks, but away from little ones, never splashing with your paddles, remaining seated and paddling as a team when entering rapids, never standing up in fast moving water, and so on.

And finally, every trip is accompanied by first aid supplies and emergency rescue equipment. Your guides are proud and excited about the safety record they've compiled over more than 35 years, and welcome the opportunity to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many people go in a raft?
Usually there are 6 or 7 to a raft (fewer at lower water levels). Smaller groups may be combined. Raft groupings sometimes change based on weather or water conditions.

What should we wear?
In warmer weather, a swim suit or shorts and T-shirt are best. Old sneakers or shoes that lace-up offer the best foot protection. Flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, "crocs" and bare feet are not permitted. Snug fitting sandals (like Tevas) that attach firmly at the toe and heel are acceptable, but don't offer the same foot protection against sharp rocks as old sneakers do. Wet suit booties are available in the rental shop at check-in. In cooler conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal. In cool or cold conditions avoid wearing cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or windbreaker. Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer. Wet suits and waterproof paddling gear can be rented at the rental shop. (Rental fee is $20 for full wet suit package; or $6 for jacket; $6 for pants; $5 for booties and $3 for mittens.)

How do we get back at the end of the day?
Your vehicle will remain at the rafting center and a free shuttle bus will take you to and from the river.

How deep is the water?
River depths vary. Slow, calmer stretches of water tend to be those that are deeper. Faster, choppy water tends to be shallow, often 4 feet deep or less. Regardless of the depth, however, if you should find yourself overboard (this is rare, indeed) in fast-moving water, the proper procedure is to float on your back, feet pointed downstream. Don't attempt to stand until the water is less than 18 inches deep. When you reach calmer water, swim toward a guide or nearby raft, or swim to shore.

Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required. But, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider a of land-based adventure instead. Rafting - by its nature - places you on, in or around water most of the day. On all river trips, a PFD (personal flotation device) must be worn at all times. Safety equipment will not fit all shapes and sizes, so please consider this in planning your reservations. Also, please remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part. The larger the rapids, the better your physical conditioning should be.

How big are the rapids?
Rapids are rated from Class I (easiest) to Class V (most challenging). Class VI is considered to be not navigable without unreasonable risk of injury. At the Lehigh River, it's not uncommon to see Class III whitewater.

Can we tip our guide?
Your guides strive to deliver top quality service. If your guide has met or exceeeded your expectations, feel free to show your appreciation!

72 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. This tour does NOT include transportation to the check-in location in Weatherly, Pennsylvania. Minimum age allowed is 7; must be at least 40 inches tall to participate. Rates include $2.00 per person insurance fee. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-315-1493.