Lehigh

Lower Lehigh River, Entrance Rapid

A detailed description of the entire Lehigh River can be found in the 'Lehigh River Paddling Guide,' which can be purchased online at http://www.ggentile.com/nonfiction\_books.html. Scroll down to the appropriate title.

Satellite photos taken April, 2016. With brief comments

just having some fun at the takeout

Just having some last minute fun at the takeout
-Photo by Delana Sculac

Just trying to get that stern stall down patented you know
-Photo by Jeff Piche

Just having some last minute fun at the takeout
-Photo by Delana Sculac

paddled this section on oct. 25th, sunday, and i believe level was about 1000cfs. i felt that some of the rapids should be considered class lll-. the last couple miles, the rapids are rather long, not really dangerous, but long. A swim would not be fun.

Even at a 750 cfs release, there are several class 3 rapids on this section. there are eddies enough to catch, but if you are inexperienced, the stretch from white falls through bridal veil / barn door would be difficult.

suggest altering some river maps as the floods in June 06 have altered some of the main lines in white falls.

After paddling again at 1200 cfs, I think the official description of Class III applies perfectly:

Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated

Brad you need to come back when the levels are higher this is where the class 3 rating comes in. I have paddled the Lehigh since I was 12 and there is class 3, but the lower yough is way better. Remember the rating is setup for the range of suggested levels so at 1150cfs it might seem like class 2, however this same rapid at 8000cfs is another story!

Hey Art,went back and did the run at 1150 cfs.....still not a class 3 rapid anywhere on the river. Nothing anywhere to compare with Cucumber,Nanty Falls or Zoar gap. Pretty, fun, long, but nothing but class 2.

Re Brad's comment - have to disagree that this section of the Lehigh is a 2 - It is easier than the Yough, but I'd still class some of the rapids as easy III.

Fun and Scenic. At 900 cfs its all Class 2. Not a class 3 rapid to be found, however some of the wave trains and boulder gardens are very long. A swim would suck. A great run for a beginner in good shape. Much easier than the lower yough.