Lehigh River Sojourn

There’s FAMILY FUN Out Here

Wildlands Conservancy along with partners welcomes you to the 29th annual Lehigh River Sojourn, June 7 – 10, 2025, a guided paddling trip on the Lehigh River. We invite YOU and your family on an adventure of whitewater rafting through the Lehigh Gorge in the Poconos, along with a canoeing or kayaking experience through the metro-wilderness reaches of the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Valley.

Sojourners are treated to scenic views, visits from resident wildlife, and a shared appreciation for the lifeblood of our region — our mighty and beloved Lehigh River!

Group Whitewater Rafting

Join us for 1, 2, 3, or all 4 days!

Enjoy dam-release whitewater THRILLS to peaceful FLOATS!

The adventure starts with the Lehigh River’s most exciting Class III rapids in the north near the headwaters. It’s the nature of the river that each day, the water slows and becomes calmer as sojourners near the Lehigh Valley.

Bring your sense of adventure.

We’ll take care of the rest.

  • Catered breakfasts and lunches.
  • All equipment provided.
  • Bring your own canoe/kayak permitted. We’ll shuttle it for you!
  • Dedicated safety team and paddling instruction.
  • Shuttle transportation provided.
  • Educational presentations.
  • Overnight camping for days 1, 2, and 3.

Paddle Into Summer!

Each day boasts a different get-outdoors adventure on the water with unique views and experiences. Sojourn this year includes educational programming from our neighbors in conservation and environmental education, camping at various parks, and special events.


Learn more and register below!

Meet at Pocono Whitewater (1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229) at 8:00 A.M.

Enjoy whitewater rafting through the Lehigh Gorge State Park from Drakes Creek to Glen Onoko. A light breakfast will be provided with the option to purchase additional concessions at the snack bar. Halfway through the day, we’ll stop at a scenic spot along the river to enjoy a catered lunch and take a group picture. After lunch, we’ll paddle back through some of the best Class III rapids in the exciting Lehigh River Gorge.

  • This section is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
  • Shuttle and all equipment are provided.
  • Minimum age for whitewater rafting is 8-years-old
  • Sojourners must carry paddle and gear about half a mile to the river put-in.
  • Opt to camp overnight Fri. into Sat. at Hickory Run State Park for $5 per person.
  • Opt to camp overnight Sat. into Sun. at Walnutport Canal Association for $5 per person.
  • Sojourners will be treated to a catered lunch and light breakfast.
REGISTER TO RAFT REGISTER TO CAMP
  • Group Whitewater Rafting

Meet at Walnutport Canal Association parking lot (309 Lehigh Street, Walnutport, PA 18088) promptly at 7:30 am for registration.

From Walnutport, the shuttle bus will take us to the put-in at Jim Thorpe Outfitter Beach. We will shuttle your boat as well if you have one. This 14-mile paddle takes participants from Jim Thorpe Borough to Walnutport Borough, offering a mix of scenic river views, gentle flatwater, and exciting rapids.

We’ll begin our canoe trip in the historic Jim Thorpe and paddle through Little Bear and exciting Class II rapids, backdropped by steep mountains and D&L Trail, for approximately 8 miles. We’ll stop for a catered lunch and group picture followed by another 5 miles through easy S-Turns with gentle waves, passing the Kittatinny Ridge, Appalachian Trail, and Lehigh Gap Nature Center on the way to Walnutport.

  • This section is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
  • If you are bringing your own boat, be sure to select “I would like bring my own boat” option during registration.
  • Canoes seat two. Exceptions can be made to accommodate families with small children.
  • Opt to camp overnight Sat. into Sun. and Sun. into Mon. at Walnutport Canal Association for $5 per person per night.
  • Sojourners will be treated to a catered lunch and dinner as well as breakfast provided by Walnutport Canal Association.
REGISTER TO CANOE REGISTER TO CAMP

Meet at Wayne A. Grube County Park (1200 Willowbrook Rd, Northampton, PA 18067) promptly at 7:30 A.M. for registration.

From Wayne A. Grube, the shuttle bus will take us to the put-in in Walnutport. This 9-mile day takes participants from Walnutport to Northampton, offering a mix of scenic river views, gentle flatwater, and exciting rapids.

We’ll begin our canoe trip in the at the historic Walnutport Canal and paddle through calm waters for approximately 5 miles. Just before lunch, paddlers will navigate Treichler’s Dam Rapid, the most exciting Class II rapid of the day. Your River Safety Team will be on hand to guide you through the best routes. We’ll stop for a catered lunch and group picture. Following lunch, we’ll float by Laury’s Station, featuring gentle currents and easy maneuvers, leading to the final take-out point in Northampton.

On Day 3, Sojourners are encouraged to stick around after paddling for the Greenways Jamboree, a special event with food trucks and live music. The Greenways Jamboree is a collaboration between Northampton County Parks and Lehigh Valley Greenways.

  • This section is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
  • If you are bringing your own boat, be sure to select “I would like bring my own boat” option during registration.
  • Canoes seat two. Exceptions can be made to accommodate families with small children.
  • Opt to camp overnight Sun. into Mon. at Walnutport Canal Association for $5 per person
  • Opt to camp overnight Mon. into Tue. at Wayne A. Grube Park for $5 per person
  • Sojourners will be treated to a catered lunch as well as breakfast provided by Walnutport Canal Association.
REGISTER TO CANOE REGISTER TO CAMP

Meet at PA Route 33 Boat Launch (40.645663, -75.271527) promptly at 7:30 A.M. for registration.

From Route 33 Boat Launch, the shuttle bus will take us to the put-in at Sand Island in the City of Bethlehem. This peaceful 7-mile day is surrounded by views of nature and takes participants through the heart of the Lehigh Valley offering a scenic backdrop of historic Bethlehem SteelStacks.

This section of the river is perfect for those seeking a more passive float while appreciating the beauty of the river and its wildlife.

  • This section is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
  • If you are bringing your own boat, be sure to select “I would like bring my own boat” option during registration.
  • Canoes seat two. Exceptions can be made to accommodate families with small children.
  • Opt to camp overnight Mon. into Tue. at Wayne A. Grube Park for $5 per person
  • Sojourners will be treated to a catered light breakfast as well as lunch provided by St. Luke’s Health Network.
REGISTER TO CANOE REGISTER TO CAMP

Event Partners

This event is made possible in great part by the hard work of our volunteers, partners, and sponsors.

Share Your Excitement

Use these images to tell your Facebook friends, family, and peers about this get-outdoors opportunity to paddle the Lehigh River this summer by right-clicking “save image as…” or copying and pasting the image.

Questions?

For more information on daily plans, river experiences and/or questions regarding age, health or paddler experience levels, please contact:

Jerry McAward, River Safety Team Leader
610-751-9761 | jerry@jtraft.com

For more information and/or questions regarding registration, please contact:

Nicole Landis, Senior Community Engagement Specialist
610-965-4397 ext. 145 | nlandis@wildlandspa.org

Questions about Sojourn?

The Lehigh River is the perfect opportunity to “get your feet wet!” We have one of the best safety teams in the state with more than 200 years of river-guiding experience. Anything can happen out there, but this group of river professionals is serious about providing a fun first-time river experience that runs as safely as possible. Many of your safety crew are swift water rescue technicians, and most think they are part-time comedians! You will laugh while you learn and paddle under the watchful eye of your safety crew. You will also find yourself surrounded by a bunch of other paddle-enthusiasts and Wildlands Conservancy staff.

Safety briefings are held each morning, and all participants MUST attend these briefings. During these briefings, you’ll learn how river water behaves, how to read currents, and then how to paddle your craft most effectively. Once you understand a little about the physics of river water, you’ll be amazed at how well you do. Once we put on the river, there is always a period of practice during which your safety crew will help you with a few paddling tips.

While supporting Wildlands Conservancy, you’ll enjoy the friendly group and all of the other aspects of the Lehigh River Sojourn – our meals, programs, and professional guides. Take this opportunity to learn more about the river that you already paddle on. Also, the Lehigh River Sojourn focuses attention on the river, inspiring its permanent protection and stewardship.

The Lehigh River Sojourn is hosted by Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization. Contributions of time, goods, and services from our many sponsors and supporters allow us to keep participant costs as low as possible.

The price you pay for registration includes lunch, educational programming, and canoe (if needed).

Of course! The Lehigh River Sojourn is four days long but participants are welcomed for one day, all days, or any combination of the four!

We begin and end our trip at the same location each day, so your car stays put!

Wildlands Conservancy suggests you bring:

  • Swim apparel
  • Rain gear
  • Water bottle
  • Appropriate foot gear (sneakers, hiking boots, water shoes (NOTE: flip-flops are not appropriate foot gear), warm clothes (sweaters and/or jackets)
  • Emergency dry clothes
  • Hats/visors
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock/suntan lotion
  • Dry bag or double plastic bag (to keep things dry. You’re paddling in a river – there is a high probability that the stuff in your canoe may get wet)
  • Camping gear
  • Snacks
  • Any medication you will need.

All kayakers must bring and wear a kayak helmet (Bike helmets cannot be used).

Unless renting one of our canoes, sojourners are responsible for bringing their own personal flotation device (PFD).

Remember to read the weather reports! The Lehigh River Sojourn is a rain or shine event. Please dress according to the weather.

Wildlands Conservancy is not responsible for any participant’s personal items on the Lehigh River Sojourn. Please be advised that if you decide to bring items into your canoe and/or raft you are solely responsible for them.

That’s fine! All you need to do is select the registration with canoe rental.

Participants must be at least 8-years old for Day 1 and 6-years old for Days 2-4 . Participants under the age of 18 years old are the responsibility of, and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. Children should be able to swim and must wear properly fitted youth Type III PFD. Families are welcome to share a canoe with a small child in the middle – this is ultimately up to the Safety Team Captain to ensure the safety of all participants.

If you must cancel your registration, please notify Nicole Landis at 610.965.4397, ext. 145 or nlandis@wildlandspa.org.

In case of bad weather or other external circumstances, Wildlands Conservancy does have the right to cancel or alter a portion of the Lehigh River Sojourn in order to ensure the safety of the participants. If a portion of the Lehigh River Sojourn needs to be cancelled or altered, participants for that day will be notified as soon as possible and a new date will be determined. There will be NO REFUNDS due to cancellation.

Wildlands Conservancy does reserve the right to alter any portion of the trip to ensure the safety of participants. Trip alterations can include the length of the trip, switching to rafts due to water levels or delaying launch times.

Upon your arrival, you must first check in at Wildlands Conservancy’s registration table.

Maximum people per canoe = Two adults and one small child. If you require a canoe and you registered alone, you will be placed with a partner.

For your safety, please inform safety officers if it is your first time in a canoe.

Safety Briefings are held each morning. All participants are required to attend safety briefings each morning.

If using a canoe from Wildlands Conservancy, paddles and a Type III PFD will be provided.

For your safety and that of your fellow Lehigh River Sojourners, the following policies will be in effect during the entire trip:

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the river or at any Sojourn-sponsored event

No glass containers are permitted on the river

All participants must attend the daily safety briefing conducted by the Lehigh River Sojourn Safety Team Captain, Jerry McAward, before launching. Basic skill instruction will be available. Participants must adhere to safety guidelines presented.

Participants must wear a Type III USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times on the river.

All directives of the safety officers must be followed in the event of bad weather, hazardous conditions, or an emergency.

No pets allowed.

All participants must sign a liability and photo waiver. Parents must sign for children under 18 years old.

No smoking.

Participants are responsible for their own trash/recycling and campsite clean-up.

In the event of an emergency involving you needing to contact a sojourn participant, call 610.965.4397