WEATHERLY RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Lehigh Gorge in Whitewater: Premier Rapids Through Weatherly’s Forested Canyon
A full-day rafting run led by Whitewater Challengers through Lehigh Gorge State Park that navigates named rapids and miles of wilderness; this guide distills what to expect, where to meet, and the dam-release schedule that governs the season.
Lehigh Gorge in Whitewater: Premier Rapids Through Weatherly’s Forested Canyon.
The Premier Whitewater Rafting trip by Whitewater Challengers threads the Lehigh Gorge in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, into a single, adrenaline-forward outing — miles of forested canyon, dozens of named rapids (Initiation, Staircase, Triple Drop, Mile-Long, Tannery, Swimmer's and Z-Rapids), and expert guides in kayaks showing the best lines through the river.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A string of named rapids — nonstop action
The Premier run features dozens of identified rapids, including Initiation, Staircase, Triple Drop, Mile-Long, Tannery, Swimmer's and Z-Rapids, delivering sustained whitewater through the Lehigh Gorge.
Lehigh Gorge State Park scenery
Rafts move through miles of spectacular wilderness scenery inside Lehigh Gorge State Park, the backdrop for the Premier Whitewater experience.
Expert-led lines with kayakers setting the route
Guides, positioned in kayaks, lead the run and show participants the best routes through the rapids, combining safety and local river knowledge.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a full-day excursion that balances wilderness travel with repeated whitewater thrills: a drive or meet-up followed by hours on the river, guided navigation of a succession of rapids, and continuous canyon scenery that frames each drop and eddy.
THE RIVER
A string of named rapids — nonstop action
The Premier run features dozens of identified rapids, including Initiation, Staircase, Triple Drop, Mile-Long, Tannery, Swimmer's and Z-Rapids, delivering sustained whitewater through the Lehigh Gorge.
THE SETTING
Lehigh Gorge State Park scenery
Rafts move through miles of spectacular wilderness scenery inside Lehigh Gorge State Park, the backdrop for the Premier Whitewater experience.
THE GUIDES
Expert-led lines with kayakers setting the route
Guides, positioned in kayaks, lead the run and show participants the best routes through the rapids, combining safety and local river knowledge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Premier runs occur on dam-release schedules; planned 2026 release dates include May 9, 16, 23–24; June 6–7, 20–21; July 11–12, 25–26; August 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30; September 5–6; October 9–10.
The full outing is listed as 5 to 6 hours total with approximately 3 to 4 hours spent on the river; actual durations vary with weather, river flow and group pace.
Meet at 288 N Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255-4218 for check-in and pre-trip briefing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lehigh/Premier Whitewater Rafting trip?
The outing totals about 5 to 6 hours, with roughly 3 to 4 hours on the river; actual time varies with conditions.
Where do I meet for the trip?
The meeting location is 288 N Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255-4218.
Who operates the Premier Whitewater Rafting trips?
Whitewater Challengers operates the Lehigh/Premier Whitewater Rafting trip in the Lehigh Gorge.
What rapids will we run on the Premier trip?
The run includes dozens of named rapids, such as Initiation, Staircase, Triple Drop, Mile-Long, Tannery, Swimmer's and Z-Rapids.
When are the dam-release dates for the 2026 season?
Dam-release dates for 2026 include May 9, 16, 23–24; June 6–7, 20–21; July 11–12, 25–26; August 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30; September 5–6; and October 9–10.