Lehigh Gorge Mega Dam Release Whitewater Weekend

The Lehigh Gorge Mega Dam Release on October 9 and 10 sends 2,800 cubic feet per second down the Lehigh River, tripling normal flow rates and creating Class III+ rapids that transform the typically moderate river into a churning whitewater run. The release happens twice daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days, with guided rafting trips offered by commercial outfitters including Pocono Whitewater and Jim Thorpe River Adventures. Trip prices range from $70 to $100 per person and include equipment, transportation, and professional guides, with advance reservations essential as trips sell out weeks ahead. The put-in is at White Haven, with take-out in Jim Thorpe, creating an 8-mile run through Lehigh Gorge State Park that takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on water speed and group skill.

The Lehigh River carved its gorge through Appalachian bedrock over millions of years, creating a steep-sided valley that reaches depths of 1,000 feet between Glen Onoko and Jim Thorpe. The river historically served as a transportation corridor for coal and timber floated downstream to Philadelphia markets, with the Lehigh Canal (built 1829) running parallel to the river for barges and boats. The Francis E. Walter Dam, completed in 1961 for flood control, now regulates river flows, with scheduled releases throughout summer and the Mega Dam Release weekends in May and October providing the highest water levels of the year. The October release coincides with peak fall foliage, creating a dramatic combination of whitewater action and forested hillsides blazing with red, orange, and yellow leaves. October weather in the Lehigh Gorge is cool, typically in the 50s and 60s, making wetsuits essential for staying warm in the cold mountain water.

The Mega Dam Release attracts experienced rafters and kayakers looking for challenging whitewater, with Class III+ rapids including features like Purgatory Falls, Razorblade, and Staircase that require precise navigation and strong paddling. Commercial rafting trips welcome first-timers with proper instruction, though participants should be comfortable swimming and prepared for the physical demands of continuous paddling and potential swim scenarios if the raft flips. Minimum age requirements vary by outfitter but typically start around 10 to 12 years old depending on the child’s size and swimming ability. After the rafting run, many groups spend the afternoon in Jim Thorpe exploring the Victorian downtown or extending their trip with a rail trail bike ride along the Lehigh Gorge.

Turn the Mega Dam Release into a fall Pocono weekend by booking a rental on Lake.com in Jim Thorpe or nearby Nesquehoning, where you’ll find river-view properties and Victorian homes without guest fees. After rafting, warm up with lunch at Moya (established 2008) for Irish pub fare and craft beer, or head to The Roadies Motorcycle Bar & Grill (2009) for burgers and live music. The whitewater weekend pairs naturally with a Sunday bike ride on the Lehigh Gorge Trail or a visit to Mauch Chunk Museum to learn about the area’s coal mining and railroad history, making it a centerpiece for adventure travelers seeking adrenaline, fall foliage, and Pennsylvania history in a single October trip.