High Water Season: April through June
2019 Spring/Summer/Fall Dam Release Schedule: May 11, 18, 25-26 June 8-9, 22-23 July 6-7, 20-21, 27-28 August 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31, September 1, October 12-13
Fall Foliage Season: Daily - September through October
From $70 Per Person
NOTES:
This is the most exciting white water rafting trip in the Poconos. Approximately 3-4 hours on the water. Great for beginners or experienced rafters looking for an outdoor adventure. Raft Class II & III rapids in spring and fall or pick from one of many dam release dates throughout the summer. It’s a spectacular day out on one of Pennsylvania’s premier, wild and scenic rivers!
In addition to dam release weekends you can also raft the Lehigh River at its highest natural flows each day from the beginning of April until mid-June and from mid-September until mid-October.
For an extra boost of water from the dam – and a fun summer time rafting experience with Class II & III rapids – choose a Lehigh River dam release rafting trip on one of the dam release dates listed above.
The Lehigh River is a wilderness gem. Flowing through a strikingly scenic river gorge, the Lehigh offers an enormous range of whitewater rafting challenges, for everyone from young beginners to high water adventure seekers. Also, the Lehigh is ideally situated just a few hours from most of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and much of the mid-Atlantic region. It offers the perfect whitewater day-trip or weekend get-away.
Full-service camping right at our Rafting Center makes us unique among all whitewater outfitters at the Lehigh River. Join us overnight, and you'll awaken just a few minutes' stroll from our rafting check-in area, food service, store, recreation field, and other Adventure Center facilities and activities.
Camping areas include both wooded and open sites for tenting or small pop-ups. Water stations are spotted at several locations around the grounds. Our sand volleyball court, basketball court and recreation field are available usually in the evenings, and at no charge to our guests. Free hot showers and restrooms are also available. (Showers are open and available from about mid-April through early October, depending on temperatures.) Sites are open to our guests each Friday and Saturday night (and Memorial Sunday) from April 13 through October 6. Other evenings are available, on request, for groups of 20 or more. To assure a restful night's sleep for all campers and a safely sober day on the river, we have found it necessary to insist that there be NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and NO PETS in our camping areas. If you prefer a campground that permits alcohol, we will gladly provide a list of alternatives.
Charcoal grills and camp stoves are welcome and each campsite has its own fire ring. Firewood is available at the camp store. For special events and larger groups, a group campfire area is available. Pets, firearms, fire crackers, ATV's, rowdiness and excessive noise are strictly prohibited. Quiet hours are 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Entrance gate closes at 10:00 PM. Overnight guests at the Center will sign a "Statement of Camper's Responsibility" acknowledging their understanding of our special standards and requirements.
Click to open a Printable Directions Page w/ Map
From Interstate 80 in PA, Exit 273 White Haven (old Exit 40), make a left off of exit 273 onto Rt. 940 West. Go 1/2 mile and turn left onto Lehigh Gorge Drive towards Weatherly. Go 4.8 miles to the Driftwood Greenhose, and turn right onto Buck Mountain Road. Go 1 mile to the first intersection. Turn right onto Stagecoach Road. Go 300 yards to our entrance on the right.
From NYC and North Jersey, take Interstate 80 West into PA to Exit 273 (old Exit 40) and then follow directions above.
From Philadelphia and South Jersey, take the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike (Route 476) to Exit 95 (old Exit 35). Go West on Interstate 80 to exit 273 (old exit 40) and then follow directions above.
From Central Jersey take Interstate 78 West to Phillipsburg Exit (last exit in NJ), to Route 22 West to PA. Take 22 West to Route 33 North. Take Route 33 North to Interstate 80 West to Exit 273 (old Exit 40) and then follow directions above.
From Harrisburg or Binghamton, take Interstate 81 to Interstate 80 East to Exit 273 (old Exit 40), then follow directions above.
Old sneakers, bathing suit or shorts, change of clothes/shoes, eyeglass straps, suntan lotion or sun screen, cap or visor, wool hat, sweater, socks, gloves, light wind breaker (no hoods), drivers license for wet suit rental, light snacks. Wet suits may be required due to weather, they will be available on the day of your trip, and you will need cash and a driver's license for rental. Under your wet suit you should try to wear polypropylene long under wear or synthetic tights. Do not wear COTTON under your wet suit this includes socks or long under wear. Be sure to eat a good breakfast prior to your trip. Bring some spending money for last minute items, t-shirts, photo of trip and for the Outfitter Shop.
Alcohol/drugs, ice chest, rain suits/ponchos, bare feet, and sandals or flip flops, expensive camera or jewelry, your wallet or valuables. And you won't need money on the river, there are no drive through McDonalds where we're going! HAVE FUN! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call.
RAFTING: The reservation will be under Banchi Outdoor &., check in at the reservation center, then get your lunches. Your check in time is TBA, don't be late. Your check in time may change based upon the total number in your group. You may need wet suits, so allow a few minutes to get them.
IMPORTANT: Raft Trips must launch according to strictly enforced State Park Schedules. We cannot wait or be responsible for getting our guests on the river if they arrive late. Please allow adequate leeway to assure arrival and changing time before you scheduled check in time.
On these whitewater weekends, extra water will be released from the Francis Walter Dam to make a great rafting trip even better!
Class 1: Easy-Moving water with small riffles and waves. Course Easy to find.
Class 2: Medium-Generally unobstructed rapids and waves up to 2 feet and wide channels. Some Maneuvering may be necessary.
Class 3: Difficult-Rapids with high irregular waves. The course is not easy to recognize. May require complex maneuvering.
Class 4: Very Difficult- Long extended rapids through very turbulent water. The course requires precise maneuvering through constricted passages. Scouting from shore is frequently necessary.
Class 5: Exceedingly Difficult-Long rocky rapids through very violent water. Routes are highly congested and must be scouted from the shore.
Class 6: Limit of Navigability-Nearly impossible and cannot be attempted without risk. For teams of experts only.
If you had the pleasure of a stay at the Ledge Rock at Whiteface you will understand why our hearts are heavy with the passing of our dear friend Dave Baker, owner of the Ledge Rock motel. Our love and support goes to his dear wife Jean and their children as they remember the life they shared...
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