There is no shortage of adventure at Lehigh Gorge State Park.

At Lehigh Gorge State Park, the ambitious outdoor enthusiast might hike from Whitehaven to Jim Thorpe, taking in the scenery along the pristine, whitewater of the Lehigh River. If you want to make that trip a little quicker, hop into a kayak or raft and brave the rapids all the way down from the Frances E. Walter Reservoir to the steep, rocky terrain of the former Glen Onoko Falls Trailhead. Please note, effective May 1, 2019, the Glen Onoko Falls Trail is permanently closed to hikers.

The park follows the Lehigh River as it winds its way through Luzerne and Carbon counties. The river’s choppy waters make it a popular whitewater rafting destination. Commercial outfitters host guided trips, complete with safety equipment and shuttle services.

The flat and scenic Lehigh Gorge Trail, which follows an old railroad bed for 26 miles, is perfect for a day of hiking or biking. Many local outfitters rent bikes and offer shuttle services. In the winter, snowmobiles race up and down the trail.

The trail offers breathtaking views of the gorge as it passes stunning waterfalls and historical remnants of the region’s coal industry, like the Lehigh Canal, which was once used to transport coal to the east coast.

During fishing season, anglers can be seen all along the Lehigh River as it proves to be some of the best trout water in NEPA. The river and many of the nearby streams are stocked with trout every spring.

For the willing, there is no shortage of adventure at Lehigh Gorge State Park.

 

Drone Video

Drone Video By: Robert Mericle, Villanova University, DiscoverNEPA Intern