Warning: These Adventures May Lead to the Most Awesome Adrenaline Rush Ever

NEPA’s wide-open skies, rolling mountains and mighty rivers are enough to bring out anyone’s adventurous side. It’s time to check off some bucket list plans, from rafting down a roaring river to soaring above the forests on a zipline. Hop in a kayak, hit the trail or wage an all-out paintball war. No matter what you choose, you’ll be glad that you seized the day.

You don’t need to be an expert or have tons of gear to get your fair share of thrills. NEPA offers outfitters, rental services, tours and attractions that will help you make your wildest dreams come true.

Live a little this summer. We’ve put together the ultimate guide of outdoor adventures for the entire family.

Ride the Rapids

Churning water and rolling waves are Mother Nature’s own roller coaster.

A whitewater rafting trip will take you on a wild ride down the river. Be prepared to paddle like crazy, get soaked and maybe even break out into a water war with the other rafters.

The Lehigh River is a whitewater destination, especially on dam release weekends when the waters are really roaring. Class I and II rapids are mild enough for beginners to hold their own, while the class III sections will really get your heart pounding.

NEPA’s whitewater outfitters provide the rafts, paddles, life vests and shuttles. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Pick Up a Paddle

Explore NEPA’s rivers and lakes (and get a killer arm workout while you’re at it).

Try your hand at kayaking or canoeing, whether you take a trip on one of NEPA’s rivers or paddle your way around a peaceful lake.

Local parks offer convenient launch points, not to mention amazing views of the mountains and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles!

No boat? No problem. Local outfitters can provide you with boats, gear and shuttle services.

Hit the Bike Trail

Live to ride on NEPA’s scenic bike paths.

Take a break from everyday life and just enjoy the crunch of gravel beneath your tires. From family-friendly trails to extreme downhill mountain biking, NEPA has rides for all ages.

Bike rental services can provide all the gear and shuttles to popular trails. Check out the Lehigh Gorge Trail, which is a favorite for its gentle downgrade and Pocono scenery. You can even take the scenic Bike Train to the trailhead. Or go the long haul on the McDade Recreational Trail, which leads about 30 miles through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Soar Through the Sky

Take your excitement to new heights with an aerial adventure.

Ziplining courses are high-flying fun above the forest. Zoom down the mountain and score breathtaking views. You can also test your skills on a ropes course. These treetop courses will challenge you to make your way across tightropes, swinging bridges and log steps. Climb, balance and jump your way to the end!

Join an Epic Battle

Unplug from the video games and gear up for a paintball war.

Sneak through the forest and storm the castles at NEPA’s paintball parks. They have tons of cool obstacles, barricades and playing fields.

Our area is even home to the world’s largest paintball scenario game: Skirmish’s annual Invasion of Normandy. This three-day event draws over 4,000 players each July.

Forge Your Own Path

Who needs trails when you can make your own?

Kick your adventure into high gear at one of NEPA’s offroading parks. Jeeps, ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes can tear across the terrain, from forest trails to the open fields. Get some full throttle action on the rock crawling trails and splash through the steams. The more mud, the better.

Take the Leap of a Lifetime

Because there’s nothing more exhilarating than jumping out of a perfectly good plane.

If you live for the rush, skydiving is the adrenaline high you’ve been waiting for. Take your sense of adventure to new heights as you freefall thousands of feet above NEPA. When the parachute unfurls, you’ll have a perfect view of the sprawling mountains, farmland and rivers below.

NEPA’s skydiving centers have years of experience. You’ll be in good hands as you take a tandem jump with one of their professionals.

Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 8/7/2019.