Riding the Whitewater on the Lehigh River

Destination: Lehigh Gorge State Park, Pa.

Who Went: The Boy Scouts of , Caldwell, and , West Caldwell

What There Was To Do: Located in Carbon County, Pa., there are three state parks, making outdoor activities a must. Whitewater rafting, family rafting trips, exciting whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking through the around on the Lehigh River can make for an exciting day, weekend, or weeklong trip.

Whitewater rafting makes for a fun-filled, yet exhausting day, and on dam-release days, the Class I to II trips become Class II to III. Class I rapids are easy, fast moving water with riffles and small waves. There are few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. The Class II rapids are for novice rafters and are also straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels. The difference is that with Class II, occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed. Class III rapids have moderate, irregular waves, and require more complex maneuvers in a faster current and good boat control in tight passages.

For the family or group looking for a quieter ride, calmer raft trips are readily available and typically good for children more than four years old. Rafters can take breaks along the river, enjoy the scenery and even picnic or swim along the way.

The hills and mountains throughout Carbon County, Pa. are well known for mountain biking. With a multitude of public trails, the area is great for everyone from beginner to expert.

Why Here? Looking for a quick overnight trip not far from home, the scouts zoned in on whitewater rafting as a great one-day adventure. Less than a full tank of gas for the round trip, the two-hour excursion left plenty of time to enjoy the sights and tackle the river.

Scheduling the trip for both the first weekend of summer vacation and a dam-release weekend, the Scouts were ready for outdoor adventure. The area, chosen as one of the top ten mountain towns in the cover story in the September 2007 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine, was voted as one of the 50 Best Places to Live and Play.

Highlight of the Trip: One of only a few combined trips taken by the Troops, this was the first time that the Scouts tackled whitewater rafting together. The weather cooperated and nearly 50 scouts and family members enjoyed the trip.

“The trip was great,” said one Scout. “I hope that we make this an annual trip.”

The Travel Brochures Say: Carbon County marks the northern border of the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and is considered part of the state’s coal region, although the eastern and northeastern section is considered part of the Pocono Mountains region. The Lehigh River originates with a series of glacial bogs and marshes in the area of Pocono Peak Lake (elevation 2,100 feet above sea level) near the town of Gouldsboro. During the course of its 103-mile journey to the Delaware River in Easton, the elevation drops nearly 1,900 feet.

Whether you want kayaking lessons, Lehigh River rafting trips, or rail-trail bike rides, look no further - you've found a great place to play close to home! Come on out and change your life a little with a river adventure of your choice!

Interested in a family adventure but have small children? Enjoy a family rafting trip! The easy action starts immediately, and you'll love the moments of excitement separated by quiet, serene pools perfect for swimming alongside your raft, coolin' out in the sun, or mixing it up in water fights. This trip is a hoot for the whole family - imagine everyone having a great time in the same boat!

Considered a mecca for mountain biking, the area of Carbon County, Pa., has lots of public land with flat, hilly and downhill trails. You name it and you can ride your bike on it right from town. So, whether a one-time rider or a regular trail junkie, you can set off with a bike and a map and be on your way with a self-guided two-wheeled adventure.

Hoping for some wildlife sightings? Osprey, great blue heron, beaver, muskrat, killdeer, turkey, whitetail deer, hawks and even the occasional bald eagle have been sighted in the Lehigh Mountain reach of the Lehigh River between Allentown and Bethlehem.