Enjoy Nearly 75 Miles of Activity and Unmatched Scenery Through 5 NEPA Counties
All told, the Lehigh River flows for roughly 109 miles. It rises from a small lake in Wayne County and thunders for 74 miles through Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Carbon Counties. As it leaves NEPA, it cuts through the Lehigh Gap in Blue Mountain and passes through Lehigh and Northampton Counties before meeting the Delaware River in Easton.
The Lehigh River in NEPA is largely known for trout fishing and whitewater rafting
It’s also considered one of the most scenic rivers in the region as it cuts into deep, rocky gorges and dense Appalachian forests. The river was also one of the most important corridors for the transport of anthracite coal and timber throughout the northeast in the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, the entire river was owned by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company until 1966. At the time, it was the only privately-owned river in the U.S.
A mostly mountainous landscape
The Lehigh River winds in a snakelike course through Northeastern Pennsylvania – a quality that lends to its reputation as a top spot for whitewater rafting. About halfway through its run in NEPA, it flows into the Francis E. Walter Dam in White Haven. The river generally avoids direct contact with major cities and towns as it runs through long stretches of state forest game lands and a few state parks. Most notably, it curves its way through White Haven, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Palmerton.
A Purely Recreational River
Limited access means combining hiking with fishing
Accessing the Lehigh River for fishing north of the Frances E. Walter Dam in White Haven is mostly relegated to PA State Game Lands and Pinchot State Forest. South of the dam, the river flows through Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park. In this section of the river, access can be found at several public boat launches and access areas. The D&L Trail also runs along the river for over 50 miles from Mountain Top to Palmerton with plenty of access via a little bit of hiking.
Throughout NEPA, the Lehigh River is one of the most popular stops for trout fishermen
Whether they’re throwing flies, live bait or spinners, the cool, fast mountain water creates the ideal environment for big brown, rainbow and even brook trout. The PA Fish and Boat Commission stocks the Lehigh River with trout year-round. It’s also a highly active smallmouth bass fishery in the warmer months. Other available species include catfish, eel, pickerel, panfish and the occasional muskie.
Outfitters & Guides along the Lehigh River
Recreation On and Off the Water
From whitewater rafting to hiking & biking
For about 26 miles, through Lehigh Gorge State Park, the river offers fast-moving water and sharp bends. You’ll find rapids ranging from easy to novice to intermediate. Many of the access areas allow parking and hand portage of inflatable rafts, kayaks and canoes. The river is also home to a number of professional whitewater guides. And many rafting trips are planned to coincide with controlled water releases from the Francis E. Walter Dam just north of the Lehigh Gorge.
Enjoy stunning river views from the trail
You’ll find several parks and trails close to the Lehigh River throughout NEPA. Most notably, Lehigh Gorge State Park offers the best riverside views and plenty of access to the river. The famous Lehigh Gorge Trail runs relatively flat along the river for 26 miles as it courses through the steep, rocky gorge from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. The southwestern portion of Hickory Run State Park butts up to the Lehigh River offering unmatched views from the 2.4-mile Fireline Trail. You’ll also find hiking and biking opportunities along the D&L Trail in White Haven and Lehighton.
Parks & Trails Along the Lehigh River
Ready to Explore?
From its headwaters in Wayne County along the edges of Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe Counties and into the southern Pocono Mountains of Carbon County, the Lehigh River offers plenty of opportunity for rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and more. Read on to find out how you can discover, explore and enjoy the Lehigh River in your area!
Carbon County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
Most of the Lehigh River’s length runs directly through Carbon County. The river trails along the county’s northern border with Luzerne County for roughly 17 miles. As it passes through Hickory Run State Park, it cuts directly south, splitting through the middle of the county for another 40 miles. Here, the river makes a name for itself as a premier whitewater rafting destination. The river also runs through Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton and Weissport as it passes through Carbon County.
Parks & Trails
Lehigh Canal Park & Weissport Trailhead
Hickory Run State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Lehigh Gorge Trail
The D&L Trail
Riverview Park
Public Access/ Boat, Kayak & Canoe Launches
Rockport Boat Access
Rockport Rd.
Weatherly, PA 18255
Glen Onoko Access Area
Located in Lehigh Gorge State Park
Jim Thorpe, PA
Luzerne County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
In Luzerne County, the Lehigh River carries along the southeast corner for about 23 miles. It runs through Buck Twp., Bear Creek Twp.and White Haven. The river’s route through Luzerne County offers a mix of private and public land. Sections of the Lehigh Gorge Trail and the D&L Trail can be accessed near White Haven. The Francis E. Walter Dam also offers opportunities for fishing, boating and hiking.
Parks & Trails
Bear Creek Preserve
Francis E. Walter Dam
Lehigh Gorge Trail
D&L Trail Lehighton
Public Access/ Boat, Kayak & Canoe Launches
White Haven Boat Ramp
233 S. River St.
White Haven, PA 18661
Lehigh River White Haven Gage Boat Launch
St Fish and Game Commission Rd.
White Haven, PA 18661
Lackawanna County
The Lehigh River flows for nearly 15 miles along the southern border of Lackawanna County. It courses southwest from Clifton Twp. through Thornhurst Twp. before turning to the south as it enters Luzerne County. Much of the land on this stretch of the Lehigh River is largely made up of PA State Game Lands and State Forest.
Parks & Trails
Hammonds-Keeley Preserve
Pinchot State Forest
Public Access/ Boat, Kayak & Canoe Launches
DCNR – Thornhurst Lehigh River Access
576 Old River Rd.
Thornhurst Twp., PA 18424
Monroe County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
The Lehigh River runs for nearly 15 miles along the northwest corner of Monroe County where it meets Lackawanna, Luzerne and Carbon Counties. This stretch of the river carries along the edges of Blakeslee and Tobyhanna and Coolbaugh Townships. Most of the public access to the Lehigh River in Monroe County occurs in PA State Game Lands.
Wayne County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
The Lehigh River rises in Wayne County and carries for roughly 3 miles to the southwest where it enters southern Lackawanna County. Access to the river in Wayne County is limited to PA State Game Lands.
Taking Care of NEPA’s Rivers
Our rivers in Northeastern Pennsylvania provide countless opportunities for recreation, sightseeing and wildlife watching. They are the heart of the region’s bountiful ecosystem, sustaining life for humans and animals alike. And it’s important for all of us to take reasonable measures to protect them. Always practice the leave no trace principle and carry out what you carry in.
Lehigh River — FAQ
- The Lehigh River rises in Wayne County, PA at an elevation of almost 2,200 feet above sea level.
- It flows for 109 miles through 7 Pennsylvania Counties – Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton.
- It drains into the Delaware River at Easton, PA.
- Hiking, biking, fishing, rafting and sightseeing are among the most popular recreational activities along the Lehigh River.
- The 6,107-acre Lehigh Gorge State Park stretches from the Francis E. Walter Dam in White haven to Jim Thorpe following along the Lehigh River the whole way.
