A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park.
In Luzerne and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania, the park follows the Lehigh River from the outlet of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Francis E. Walter Dam at the northern end, to the town of Jim Thorpe at the southern end of the park.
Whitewater boating and biking are popular activities.
The 6,107 acres of park land follow the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south.
The Lehigh Gorge Trail follows more than 20 miles of abandoned railroad grade along the river, providing opportunities for hiking, bicycling, sightseeing, and photography. The trail is closed to motor vehicles.
Parking areas are provided in White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Onoko. Very limited parking is available at Lehigh Tannery but boat launching is prohibited.
Hiking at Lehigh Gorge State Park
33 miles of trails
The 26 miles of the Lehigh Gorge Trail offers easy hiking along the scenic Lehigh River. Highlights are:
Several waterfalls
Historic remnants of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal
Opportunities to see wildlife
Potable water is available seasonally at the Rockport Access Area.
The Bald Mountain property is open to hunting and hiking only. The seven miles of hiking trails are not marked or signed -- pending the completion of the environmental review and long-term planning.
Only experienced hikers should hike this area and should carry a topographic map and a compass or GPS unit, and know how to use them.
The gorge is a natural area that possesses natural hazards like steep and treacherous terrain and fast-moving water. You are responsible for your safety and that of your family.
Wear proper hiking shoes and use caution when hiking in the gorge.
Wildlife Watching at Lehigh Gorge State Park
River corridors are natural transportation routes and so the gorge has a great diversity of plants and animals. Great blue herons, mergansers, kingfishers, and beavers are common river residents.
During summer, the Lehigh Gorge Trail is a great place to see:
Snakes
Fence lizards
Warblers, especially black-and-white and magnolia warblers
Whitewater Boating at Lehigh Gorge State Park
Whitewater boating is a major attraction of Lehigh Gorge State Park. This popular section of the Lehigh River contains class II to III whitewater rapids. The river winds through a deep, steep-walled gorge with thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls.
Fishing at Lehigh Gorge State Park
Fishing in the river and streams is permitted during seasons established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The northern section of the Lehigh River is stocked with trout and is the most popular with anglers. Approved trout waters stretch from the Francis E. Walter Dam to Sandy Run.
Whitewater boating north of White Haven is discouraged to promote this section for fishing activities.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.
Hunting at Lehigh Gorge State Park
During established seasons, most of the park is open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:
Deer
Turkey
Bear
Small game
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
Biking at Lehigh Gorge State Park
26 miles of trail
The Lehigh Gorge Trail is open for biking. Wide tires are recommended. Bicycle rentals and shuttle service are available throughout the area.
Remember:
The trail is shared by hikers, bikers, and other users
Keep right except to pass
Announce passing to other users -- pass with caution.
Move off the trail when stopped
Please yield to law enforcement, maintenance, and emergency vehicles
Cross-Country Skiing at Lehigh Gorge State Park
The Lehigh Gorge Trail on the west side of the river from White Haven to Glen Onoko is open to cross-country skiing.
Snowmobiling at Lehigh Gorge State Park
The 15-mile section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail from White Haven to Penn Haven Junction is open to snowmobiles.
Parking for snowmobiling is at the White Haven and Rockport access areas.
