White Water Rafting in Jim Thorpe

Know Before You Go: Different Types of Whitewater Rafting near Jim Thorpe

The Lehigh River traces its source to Pocono Peak Lake in Wayne County in northeastern Pennsylvania. The waterway arcs through Monroe, Carbon, and Lehigh counties before joining the Delaware River at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border. The Lehigh's class I to III rapids are concentrated in Carbon County along the 15-mile stretch of river beginning at the Francis E. Walter Dam and running through Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park alongside the D&L Trail past the town of Jim Thorpe.

Experienced local outfitters offer guided Lehigh River rafting tours tailored to different skill levels, complete with safety briefings, rafting instruction, all the necessary rafting equipment and life jackets, and shuttle transportation to and from the river. These guides are familiar with the different ins and outs, rapids and moods of the Lehigh, and many have been part of the local community for decades. Join Pocono Television Network to get to know the family behind Pocono Whitewater, which has been in business for over 40 years.

Note that only experienced whitewater paddlers should plan their own outings on the Lehigh River and should reference Pennsylvania Whitewater Guidelines. For most visitors, Lehigh River guided rafting trips are the way to go. While exact offerings vary based on the outfitter and river conditions, there are a few different basic types of Jim Thorpe whitewater day trips.

Family Rafting in Jim Thorpe

If you’re just getting started or want to bring the kids along, book a family whitewater rafting trip along the easy portion of the Lehigh River. These trips are typically open to guests four years old and up and can include opportunities to get out and swim alongside your raft or have a waterfight with your raftmates - don't forget the water guns! See what a Jim Thorpe whitewater trip looks like through a kid's eyes in the Pocono Television Network segment below.

Lehigh River Dam Release Trips

Every year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces a whitewater dam release schedule for May through October for the Francis E. Walter Dam. Dam release days provide an extra boost to the river, with flow rates rising up to 800 cubic feet per second. This is the Lehigh's most intense and physically demanding whitewater and is usually open to ages eight and up: about 12 miles, over 15 rapids, and over four hours on the water. Check out what whitewater rafters at Jim Thorpe River Adventures love about the Lehigh in the PTN segment below.

Inflatable Kayaking

The rapids of the Lehigh are typically too intense for traditional kayaks, but if you want to go solo, inflatable kayak trips are available! Travel along with a river guide who will provide instruction and guidance as you navigate the rocks and eddies. You're sure to get in a good workout!

Where to Book a Jim Thorpe Whitewater Trip

Whether you're going by yourself, planning a trip with friends and family, or organizing a Jim Thorpe group rafting trip or team building outing, there are four licensed, commercial outfitters which offer Jim Thorpe white water trips to get you out on the rapids of the Lehigh River.

Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers

Situated midway between Jim Thorpe and White Haven, Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers has a wooded campground at their property in Weatherly, so you can stay overnight in tents or bunkhouses before or after your white water trip. Don't miss summer fun, food trucks, and live music during the Lehigh Riverfest at Whitewater Challengers event happening Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Jim Thorpe River Adventures

Head to the Lehighton Outdoor Center in Lehighton to let the experts at Jim Thorpe River Adventures guide you through your Poconos white water experience. Choose from EasyWater, Intro to Whitewater, or BigTime Whitewater, with inflatable kayaking and biking rentals and shuttles also available.

Pocono Whitewater Adventures

Located along Route 903 on the opposite side of the river from Jim Thorpe's historic district, Pocono Whitewater Adventures is known for exciting offerings like after-dark Moonlight Rafting, The Expedition inflatable kayaking, and the Big Day Out, a marathon-like challenge combining rafting, biking, and hiking. You can also book a multisport trip to with add-on adventures through their sister business Pocono Biking and nearby Skirmish Paintball, the largest paintball facility in the world.

Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Want to spend the day in the water and up in the air? Whitewater Rafting Adventures is based in Nesquehoning between Lansford and Jim Thorpe and has packages that include rafting and zip lining, not to mention paintball, biking, and kayaking clinics. Be sure to check out their group discounts and military and first responder discounts.

When to Go & What to Bring: Lehigh River Whitewater Rafting

Most Jim Thorpe whitewater trips run between May and October. Summer is a great time of year to tackle the Lehigh River when the splash of the rapids will be a refreshing break from the heat. You'll also be able to check out fun whitewater events like the Luau Party at Pocono Whitewater in July and the Lehigh RiverFest at Whitewater Challengers in August. The temperatures dip in the autumn, but the colorful fall foliage is a stunning sight to float beneath during a river trip.

When preparing for your whitewater trip, wear water shoes or shoes that will stay securely attached to your feet. Flip flops, slides, and bare feet are not permitted. You will get wet, and you should be prepared to climb back into the raft if you fall into the water, so wear lightweight, fast-drying clothing or a swimsuit in the summer. Consider a wetsuit for trips on cold or rainy days in the spring and fall. Many outfitters offer wetsuit rentals, and wetsuits are required for April whitewater trips. Plan to leave valuables behind in a secure spot on the shore and bring a towel and change of clothes for later in the day. Your most important apparel item for the day, your life jacket, will be provided!

Ready to book your whitewater rafting trip in Jim Thorpe? Find a place to stay and give yourself some extra time to explore the area and historic Carbon County towns like Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, and Lansford. Discover even more fun things to do, refuel at delicious local dining spots, and browse special offers to save on your trip. See you in the Poconos!