Along the Lehigh River corridor that threads past Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and into the Pocono foothills, the water offers a spectrum of days on the river: relaxed family floats, playful easywater runs, and longer scenic stretches that feel remote despite being a short drive from town.
This guide gathers bookable, operator-led raft trips suitable for travelers who want comfort, dependable safety practices, and a strong dose of scenic riverine experience. Each selection is geared toward different travelers — families looking for a gentle splash, groups after a social half-day, and travelers wanting the full Lehigh or Delaware river views.
Practical details (age limits, paddle time, and suggested fit) are pulled from operator descriptions so you can match the itinerary to the story you want: a relaxed picnic-and-swim afternoon, an adrenaline-free family day, or a scenic paddle through the Pocono valley. All experiences below include direct links to the operator booking page.
The six experiences at a glance
| Experience | Format | Duration | Strongest fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group RaftingFamily-friendly 6-mile run near Pipersville | Family group raft | About 4 hours (6 miles) | Families seeking a stable, social float with children |
| EasyWater Rafting8-mile Jim Thorpe run with swimming spots | Guided family-friendly rafting | 3 hours on the water (total ~5+ hours) | Beginner rafters and families wanting a lively but gentle trip |
| Summer Rafting8 miles from Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown | Classic Lehigh River raft | 3–4 hours on river (4–5 hours total) | Visitors after a traditional Lehigh River day with small rapids |
| Smithfield - Portland10-mile Delaware River run through the Poconos | Group raft (4–8 people) | 4.5 hours paddle time | Groups seeking a longer scenic paddle in the Pocono Mountains |
| Kittatinny - PortlandShort Delaware River stretch, scenic and quick | Group raft (4–8 people) | 1.5 hours paddle time | Families or travelers wanting a brief scenic float |
| Smithfield - KittatinnyMid-length Pocono river run, 6 miles | Group raft (4–8 people) | 2 hours paddle time | Groups looking for a two-hour river escape with Poconos scenery |
01 · Family float
Group Rafting — stable, social rafting for families
This Pipersville-based Group Rafting offering is built around comfortable, modern rafts and a family-first approach. The run covers about six miles and roughly four hours on the water — long enough to feel like a real river day but paced for kids and mixed-ability groups. Operator notes emphasize raft stability (800-pound rating) and clear age minimums, so parents can plan with confidence.
Booking rules require at least three people per raft and two adult navigators or one adult and a teen assistant, which makes the trip ideal for multi-generational family outings. The operator lists weekday and weekend rate distinctions and underscores life-jacket requirements and other safety policies. For travelers prioritizing an easygoing, social float where everyone can share the experience in a single craft, this run is a dependable pick.
View the full experience details02 · EasyWater classic
EasyWater Rafting — Jim Thorpe’s balanced eight-mile run
The EasyWater Rafting trip out of Lehighton and Jim Thorpe delivers a lively but non-intimidating river experience: eight miles including Jim Thorpe Rapid and stretches of quiet pools ideal for swimming and waterside breaks. At about three hours on the water and a total outing of roughly five-plus hours including check-in and shuttle logistics, it’s an excellent choice for visitors who want a solid river day without technical whitewater.
Operators emphasize the family-friendly nature of the run — children as young as four can participate — and practical conveniences like wetsuit rentals, on-site gear, and boxed-lunch options ordered in advance. Expect a mix of playful rapids and extended calm sections that make this trip both social and relaxing. If your party includes nervous first-timers, this itinerary builds confidence while still delivering memorable river moments.
View the full experience details03 · Classic Lehigh run
Summer Rafting — Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown, a traditional Lehigh day
The Summer Rafting trip is a straight-ahead Lehigh River itinerary that starts near Jim Thorpe and finishes in Bowmanstown. Over eight miles you’ll encounter a procession of small rapids — named features like Bear Trap and Great Gorge — interspersed with warm, swim-friendly pools. The operator positions this as a quintessential family river day: long enough to feel adventurous, but with manageable Class 1–2 whitewater that’s accessible to children from age four upward.
Practically, plan for several hours total including shuttle time and a lunch stop. The operator recommends sturdy footwear, non-aerosol sunscreen, and bringing food or pre-ordering from a local café. For travelers who want a classic regional rafting experience rooted in local river geography — with a mix of paddling, floating, and swimming — this run balances scenery and accessible excitement.
View the full experience details04 · Pocono passage
Smithfield–Portland (Raft) — a longer Delaware River stretch
This Smithfield–Portland run on the Delaware River is the choice for groups wanting a sustained scenic paddle. With roughly 10 miles and about 4.5 hours of paddle time, the trip threads river valleys framed by Pocono ridgelines and offers a sense of distance and remoteness while remaining operator-supported. The minimum and maximum party sizes (4–8 people) make it well-suited to small groups who want to socialize on the water.
Operators require participants to be able to swim and note practical restrictions such as river exit schedules; rentals must be off the river by certain times depending on season. Bring basic river kit — water, secure footwear, sun protection, and a small cooler for snacks — and expect a long, scenic day that favors travelers who prioritize uninterrupted river time over frequent stops.
View the full experience details05 · Quick scenic float
Kittatinny–Portland (Raft) — a short, accessible Pocono run
For travelers short on time or looking for a concise taste of the Delaware River, the Kittatinny–Portland trip covers about four miles in 1.5 hours of paddle time. Minimum and maximum group sizes (4–8 people) and the low age barrier make it particularly convenient for families staying in the Poconos or Bethlehem who want a quick river outing without committing a whole day.
Operator guidance mirrors the longer trips: participants should be able to swim, avoid glass containers, and wear secure footwear. This is a practical pick for pairing with other local activities — a morning on the river followed by an afternoon exploring Jim Thorpe or returning to Bethlehem for a relaxed evening — and for groups who want scenic water time without a long logistics commitment.
View the full experience details06 · Mid-length Pocono run
Smithfield–Kittatinny (Raft) — a focused two-hour paddle
This two-hour Smithfield–Kittatinny run is a compact alternative to the longer Delaware River options. Covering roughly six miles, it balances scenic paddling with a manageable time commitment, making it appealing to groups who want a dedicated river experience without the logistics of a half-day outing. The operator’s guidance about swim ability and group sizes keeps the trip straightforward and accessible.
Practical advice mirrors the other Delaware runs: bring water, secure footwear, sunscreen, and avoid glass containers. The trip is particularly useful for itineraries that combine outdoor time with overnight stays in nearby lodgings or for groups that want a solid river experience as part of a wider Pocono escape while remaining within easy reach of Bethlehem.
View the full experience detailsHow to choose
Match the trip to the story you want from the destination
Pick a run based on time, group composition, and the tone you want: relaxed and social, confidence-building for first-timers, or a longer scenic paddle through Pocono valleys.
Before you go
Four practical planning checks
Operators list age minimums (several runs allow children from age 3–4) and require participants to be able to swim on certain Delaware trips. Confirm before booking.
Trips show variable availability; book ahead for weekends and holiday periods. Group minimums can affect smaller parties.
Bring sneakers or water shoes, non-aerosol sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Operators commonly prohibit glass.
Some runs require transportation between put-in and take-out; allow extra time for check-in, safety briefings, and shuttles.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a luxury experience
How long is the drive from Bethlehem to the Lehigh River put-ins?+
Most Lehigh and Pocono put-ins are within a 20–50 minute drive from Bethlehem depending on route and traffic.
Can non-swimmers join these rafting trips?+
Some operators require participants to be able to swim, especially on Delaware River runs; check the specific trip requirements before booking.
What should kids bring for a day on the river?+
Bring a hat, secure water shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a spare change of clothes; many operators provide life jackets for children.
How this guide was prepared
Listings and trip details were extracted from operator-provided descriptions and booking pages supplied for curated runs near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Selection prioritized family-friendly options, clear safety policies, accessible durations, and scenic value along the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. Rates, age limits, and availability reflect operator information present at the time of publication; confirm specifics with the operator when booking.
Bethlehem sits within easy reach of several distinct river narratives: the Lehigh’s traditional family runs and the Delaware’s broad, scenic paddles through the Pocono foothills. Choose the itinerary that matches your group’s tempo — whether that’s a relaxed, shared family raft or a longer scenic stretch with a small group.
Whichever trip you choose, prioritize operators’ safety requirements, book early for peak dates, and plan your day so you can enjoy both the water and the riverside communities that make this region special.