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.
Adventure brief
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.
Summer Rafting on the Lehigh River is an 8-mile float that starts in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, near the historic train station, and takes out in Bowmanstown. This family-friendly trip threads through the Lehigh Gorge, moving over a dozen small rapids - including the playful Bear Trap and the sweeping Great Gorge - where warm summer water invites paddling, splashing, and short swims. The river cuts between steep banks of Pennsylvanian sandstone and shale, and summer days bring low, clear water that reveals boulders, eddies, and riffles ideal for first-timers and kids as young as four.
Guided by a local outfitter, the trip runs most days from April through October and takes about three to four hours on the river (four to five hours total from check-in to takeout). It's deliberately accessible: Class I–II rapids keep the adrenaline friendly while offering enough current and playful waves to feel like a real whitewater day. Bring sturdy footwear that attaches to your foot, non-aerosol sunscreen, a lunch, and water; the trip stops for a break and Red Rock Café pre-orders are an option. No drugs or alcohol are permitted before or during the run. Life jacket sizes are strictly enforced for safety: adult, child, and youth options cover a wide range of chest sizes and weights.
What makes this excursion special is how it pairs a relaxed family float with a wild, sculpted river corridor. Cliffs and ledges along the banks show the folded geology of the Pocono Plateau while riverside hemlock, birch, and mountain laurel shade quieter pools. You may hear the whistle of a passing tourist train in Jim Thorpe, a reminder that this stretch of river is as much a recreational hub as it is a piece of industrial-era transportation history.
Whether you're introducing a young child to river travel, escaping a heatwave, or mixing a mellow adventure into a regional getaway, this trip is an efficient outdoor day with authentic local flavor. Meeting information lists Whitewater Rafting Adventurestttt as the rendezvous point; exact logistics and recommended gear are provided at booking. Reservations are recommended in summer, especially weekends, and the operator's referral link makes booking straightforward. On a sunlit day the Lehigh's riffles and calm eddies add up to a memorable, picture-ready float that's equal parts play and riverside scenery.
For families and mixed-ability groups the combination of short rapids, safe eddies, guided instruction, and easy put-in and takeout logistics makes this a low-stress way to experience the Lehigh's canyon scenery. Pack a dry bag, sunglasses with retention, and a camera; river light plays across rock faces and makes for vivid photos at mid-morning and late afternoon. Book early, bring a sense of curiosity, and you'll leave with plans.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
Key points along the 8‑mile route highlight launch, notable rapids and the takeout.
Jim Thorpe (Launch)
Trip starts in Jim Thorpe by the town’s historical train station where rafts put in for the downstream float.
Bear Trap & Great Gorge (Mid‑Run Rapids)
Mid‑river you’ll encounter a dozen small rapids, with named features such as Bear Trap and Great Gorge providing the run’s liveliest moments.
Bowmanstown (Takeout)
The float concludes at the Bowmanstown takeout after approximately eight miles on the river.
This is a family‑oriented run suitable for young children (minimum age 4) on mostly Class 1–2 water; operators may alter logistics or route based on conditions.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-28T04:08:23.491Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.