NESQUEHONING RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Lehigh River Summer Raft: An 8‑Mile, Family‑Friendly Float from Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown
An 8-mile, largely gentle raft down the Lehigh River with a dozen small rapids — this guide explains the route, who it suits, and what to expect on the water.
Lehigh River Summer Raft: An 8‑Mile, Family‑Friendly Float from Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown.
Float down the Lehigh River on a fun-filled 8-mile raft trip that threads a dozen small rapids, including Bear Trap and Great Gorge, making for a sunny, family-friendly day of paddling, swimming and splashing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Jim Thorpe launch to Bowmanstown takeout
The run begins in historic Jim Thorpe — by the town’s train station — and ends in Bowmanstown, covering roughly eight miles of river punctuated by a dozen small, playful rapids.
Laid‑back paddling with room to play
This trip is designed for relaxed, sunny days on the water: paddle, pause, swim and splash — an outing built for families and groups looking for easy fun rather than adrenaline.
A dozen small rapids, including Bear Trap and Great Gorge
Expect mostly Class 1 and 2 water with multiple short, punchy sections — named features on the run include Bear Trap and Great Gorge — ideal for first‑time rafters and children.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
The Summer Rafting outing is a sunlit float down the Lehigh, a mix of easy paddling and intermittent rapids that invite swimming and splashing — a social, family‑oriented day on the water rather than a technical whitewater challenge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Summer Rafting trip is available most days April through October.
Expect about 3–4 hours on the river and 4–5 hours total for the outing.
Meet at Whitewater Rafting Adventures for trip check‑in and launch from Jim Thorpe.
No specific gear requirements are listed in the source material.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rafting trip?
On‑river time is about 3–4 hours; plan 4–5 hours total for the outing.
Where do we meet for the trip?
Meet at Whitewater Rafting Adventures for check‑in and launch in Jim Thorpe.
How long is the river section and what features will we see?
The float covers roughly eight miles and includes a dozen small rapids, with named features like Bear Trap and Great Gorge.
What is the minimum age for participants?
Children as young as 4 years old can participate.
When is this trip offered during the year?
The Summer Rafting trip runs most days from April through October.
How challenging are the rapids?
The run features mostly Class 1 and 2 rapids — short, manageable sections suitable for families and newer rafters.