Lehigh Gorge

Lehigh Gorge SP https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/LehighGorgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehigh_Gorge_State_Park Lehigh Gorge State Park is located in Luzerne and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. The park encompasses the Lehigh Gorge, which stretches along the Lehigh River from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam in Luzerne County to Jim Thorpe in Carbon County. The primary recreational activity at Lehigh Gorge State Park is white water rafting.

Lehigh Gorge Lehigh Gorge State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for WELCOME Top 10 Activities to do at Lehigh Gorge Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and historical values of parks should be given first consideration. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current and future generations. visitPAparks 1. Take a group of friends for a bicycle ride (or a hike) along the river on the Lehigh Gorge Trail. 6. Eat a picnic lunch to the beautiful sounds and sights of Buttermilk Falls. 2. Challenge yourself with a whitewater rafting trip. 8. Photograph beautiful rhododendron along the Lehigh George Trail in July. 3. Experience the wonder of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal by standing inside Lock 22 at Mud Run. 9. Find your own secret fishing hole in the nearly 30 miles of river or its numerous tributaries. 4. Enjoy the view from the top of the Inclined Planes at Penn Haven. 10. Visit a neighbor – Hickory Run State Park! 7. Explore the Audubon’s Lehigh Autotour. 5. Snowmobile the 15-mile trail from Penn Haven to White Haven. 2020 Marty Straub RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES LEHIGH GORGE STATE PARK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION Spend the Day FISHING: 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 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. photo by Michael P. Gadomski A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterizes 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. HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Most of the park is open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear, and small game. The park also provides access to state game lands 40, 141, and 149, which adjoin the park. 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. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s car or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. HIKING: 33 miles of trails The 26 miles of the Lehigh Gorge Trail offer easy hiking along the scenic Lehigh River. Highlights are several waterfalls, historic remnants of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal, and many opportunities to see wildlife. Potable water is available seasonally at the Rockport Access Area. The Bald Mountain tract near Rockport 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 longterm 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. BICYCLING: 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. WILDLIFE WATCHING River corridors are natural transportation routes and so the gorge has a great diversity of plants and animals. Great blue heron, merganser, kingfisher, and beaver are common river residents. In summer, the Lehigh Gorge Trail is a great place to see snakes, fence lizard