Lehigh River
Carbon / Northampton Co. · 109 mi · Class II–IV
35.2CFS/ 2.29 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 800–3500 CFS · USGS #01452500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Lehigh Gorge State Park · Francis E. Walter Dam Recreation Releases
Pennsylvania's best whitewater east of the Yough — the Lehigh Gorge delivers 26 miles of Class II–IV rapids through a dramatic 1,000-foot-deep gorge in Lehigh Gorge State Park. A 26-mile rail-trail parallels the river the entire length, creating Pennsylvania's finest paddle-and-bike combination. Best on dam releases from Francis E. Walter Reservoir.
Trip sections
White Haven to Jim Thorpe — 26 mi, Lehigh Gorge, Class II–IV, the classic
Above White Haven — Class I–II, upper approach
Below Jim Thorpe — Class I–II, widening valley to Allentown
Outfitters
Jim Thorpe River Adventures
Lehigh Gorge guided trips and rentals
Pocono Whitewater
Lehigh Gorge rafting since 1980
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.