Lehigh

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.

I was wondering at what point (CFS) does the difficulty jump the
next level . I am taking some new people out and I wanted some
good starter stuff.

Ok went down to the river and spoke to some guides and they
said that you could run the dam to White Haven at 2800 but he
would only in a sealed boat. He did note that people run it at
800-1000 with open boats like i have (10ft kayak no skirt yet)

Ok an update My friends and I went on Sunday a dam release day Water CFS was 800 CFS and 4.2 ft. 2 of us on 10ft kayaks and one on 12 ft. The only one who flipped his kayak was in a 10ft and he seemed to be aiming for rocks. We were told by some others at the end that we were out of our minds but I don't really think It was that bad. Some hairy parts but the rapids were scattered so you could recover in the slow parts. I had to stop 3 times to drain my kayak from water splashing in. I'm no expert but I do have the skill to hold a line i see and avoid rocks. I will do the run again but with a skirt.

I'm going to look up the current rules and regs about this boat put-in/take-out issue. There has got to be clear cut laws about it. As for the fishing issue above White Haven, there is no issue. I haven't run it yet but this year will be my first time. I am however choosing to run it later in the season so the fishermen can get a little bit of peace. At the end of the day...We've all got to share the river's beauty. Paddlers don't need to violently splash or holler near fishermen to avoid spooking. And fishermen don't need to leave empty worm cups and beer cans on the banks. Gotta Respect! See you on the river!!

There is a secret put-in below the dam/above White Haven. It is in a residential area that would otherwise be private, but I believe has to have a right of way to the park for access. There are no signs at this location about no boater put in. There is a parking area that is for the public. I'm not aware of any restrictions. As for agreements with fisherman, I don't buy it. I don't see rangers ticketing people for taking out at White Haven either. The rangers are chill and not a bunch of nazis in the park. The only way you are gonna get a ticket from these guys is for open containers of booze or something stupid.

I have been boating on the Lehigh for over 15 years and as a resident of White Haven have never had a problem running the top section. We fought for years to get the access open at the turnpike bridge and finally a court ruling opened it. Just stay to far river left when you come into White Haven and take out under the 80 Bridge not the town bridge. If you get ticketed, Fight it. The Gorge runs all the way to F.E Walter, so it it open to all. BTW, The top is the best run on the river over 6000 CFS. Huge waves, Massive holes and access is easy. If you are a beginer don't even think about it.

Mapquest aerial photo