Lehigh,
|
|
2. Rockport to Glen Onoko (Lower)
| Usual Difficulty |
II-III (may vary with level) |
| Length |
12.5 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
30 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
30 fpm |
Entrance 1
Entrance 1Photo of Entrance 1
Gauge Information
River Description
Longer and more scenic than the
upper
section, it has more challenging rapids, but more flat water.
Related web sites:
ab257's Lehigh Page Lehigh River Water Trail
The weekend releases are posted Fridays at:
Army Corps and
reservoir levels can be found at:
Francis
Walter Dam
This section is a 12 mile run from Rockport to Jim Thorpe (or you can use the Glen Onoko take out
which cuts out 2 miles of mostly flatwater and Class II down to Thorpe).
A bike trail follows the river along an old
railroad bed from Glen Onoko to White Haven as part of the state park, with bike rentals available locally. The river is administered by the
PA Dept of Conservation
and Natural Resources. There is a steep trail starting at the parking area at Glen Onoko that
goes up to the top of a multi level water fall. The park administers access to the river as well
as the bike trail. The eastern shore of the upper section borders Hickory Run state park, with
some hiking trails down to the river. The whole White Haven to Thorpe area has a long history of
coal mining and tourism. Water levels are dependent on the releases from the Francis Walters dam,
operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, planned weekend releases are usually announced on
Wednesday and updated on Friday.
There is usually enough water for regular releases in the spring, thru the end of May. The Army
Corps has modified the access road to the dam to allow the level to be raised during the spring,
storing water for summer releases (approximately every other weekend). The release is usually
shut off at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. These releases are sometimes canceled due to prolonged
dry spells.
StreamTeam Status: Verified
Last Updated: 2007-03-28 06:05:57
Editors
White Falls Satellite Photo
Penn Haven Satellite Photo
Up Against It Satellite Photo
Little Swimmers Satellite Photo
Straight Shot Satellite Photo
Sea of Rocks Satellite Photo
Hurry Right Satellite Photo
Hurry Left Satellite Photo
Eye of the Needle Satellite Photo
Riffles before Eye of the Needle Satellite Photo
Dragon Lady Satellite Photo
Glen Onoko Takeout Road Map
>> next
User Comments
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.
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. Edit
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. Edit
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 "Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
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!
Nothing anywhere to compare with Cucumber,Nanty Falls or Zoar gap. Pretty, fun, long, but nothing
but class 2.
Yough, but I'd still class some of the rapids as easy III.
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.