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Pennsylvania
13

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Northeast Region
Lehigh Gorge State Park
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Lehigh Gorge State Park Celtic Knot © Anna Lee Simpson
Asa Packer and his brother-in-law, a Blakeslee captained a coal barge down this river. Replaced by a lock system that rose 600 feet, coal became the towns bread and butter with Mr. Packer and sons mansion on the Jim Thorpe hilltop. An early 1800s severe flood and storm washed the locks away. Replaced by trains this knot is part of the old railroad that ran through the mountain.
Lehigh Gorge State Park Bear Creek Birch © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh Gorge State Park Gorge Cave © Anna Lee Simpson
Venture carefully.
Lehigh Gorge State Park Sunset Pink Blue © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh Gorge State Park Raft Guide Training © Anna Lee Simpson
Rafting, kayaking and fishing are shared sports among the locals and visitors to the park.
Lehigh Gorge State Park Rafting © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh Gorge State Park Winter Wonderland © Joseph Leffler
naturesspirit7gmail.com
Lehigh Gorge State Park © William Supko
Lehigh Gorge State Park © William Supko
Lehigh Gorge State Park Icy Beauty © Joseph Leffler
naturesspirit7gmail.com
Lehigh Gorge State Park Autumn Bicycling © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh Gorge State Park White River Black Trees © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh River from the Gorge.
Lehigh Gorge State Park Mountain Spirit © Anna Lee Simpson
Lehigh Gorge State Park Lehigh Sunset © Anna Lee Simpson
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LEHIGH GORGE STATE PARK
LEHIGH GORGE STATE PARK
RR 1 Box 81
White Haven, Pennsylvania   18661

Phone: 570-443-0400
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Lehigh Gorge State Park is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks, and is 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. The deep gorge, steep walls and thick vegetation, rock outcroppings and many waterfalls characterize the entire park.
History of the Area
Settlement was sparse during the 19th century until loggers arrived and began felling trees and building sawmills. Famed naturalist and painter John James Audubon visited the area in 1829 and spent six weeks painting birds. He was distressed at how quickly trees were cut and shipped down river. The industrial revolution was just beginning in the area.

The discovery of anthracite coal at Summit Hill in 1791 caused intensive development and settlement of the upper Lehigh Valley. In the early 1800s, the need to transport increasingly large quantities of coal to markets down river led to the intensive development of canals. Between 1835 and 1838, a series of dams, locks, and canals was constructed by Josiah White and the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. White constructed 20 dams and 29 locks over the 26 miles between Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) and White Haven. Five and one-half miles of canal were also built. It was called the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal because the locks and dams were larger and far more impressive than the locks of other canals.

When severe flooding in the mid-1800s destroyed the canal system, it was replaced with the new technology of railroads. Remains of locks, dams and towpath are still evident in the Lehigh River Gorge.

Loggers continued to clearcut the huge white pine and hemlock trees for lumber and for the bark, which was used to tan hides. In the 1860s, the second largest tannery in the United States sat on the banks of the Lehigh River at the small town of Lehigh Tannery.

A terrible forest fire swept through the Lehigh Gorge area in 1875, burning the remaining standing timber, many sawmills and stockpiles of lumber. The sawmills closed and the loggers departed.

At the turn of the 20th century, railroads popularized the southern end of the canal as a resort called Glen Onoko. Hotel Wahnetah boasted 47 rooms, a dance pavilion, tennis courts, fresh air and hikes to the scenic Glen Onoko Falls. A fire in 1911 closed the hotel and a fire in 1917 ended the resort era. The gorge lay forgotten.

In the 1970s, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began purchasing parklands and in 1980 the land was turned over to the Bureau of State Parks.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in the Lehigh River, known for its abundance of trout. Other species include smallmouth bass and walleye. The park also offers ice-fishing during winter months. Fishing is permitted year-round with a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.


Location
Lehigh Gorge State Park is located near Bath, Hazleton and Lehighton

Picnicking
Lehigh Gorge State Park offers picnic tables and grills. Enjoy a meal amidst beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic river views.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 26-mile trail, which follows an abandoned railroad bed. Helmets are recommended for safety.

The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for all skill levels but caution should be exercised on gravel surfaces.

Mountain biking opportunities also exist with challenging trails that require experience and proper equipment to navigate safely.

Riders must stay alert as the path shares space with pedestrians, wildlife sightings are common too - proceed cautiously!

Remember: bikes aren't permitted off designated paths; respect nature by sticking to marked routes only.

Rentals may not always be available so bringing your own bike could prove beneficial.

Keep in mind weather conditions before planning any ride - sudden changes might make some areas inaccessible or risky.
Trails
The 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail is open for biking. Wide tires are recommended. Bicycle rentals and shuttle service are available throughout the area.

Hiking:

Hikers need to be aware that the Gorge is a natural area that possesses natural hazards like steep and treacherous terrain and fast-moving water. Hikers must protect themselves from life-threatening accidents. You are responsible for you and your family's safety. Wear proper hiking shoes and use extreme caution when hiking in the gorge.
Birding
The park offers a diverse bird population for enthusiasts, with over 120 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, thrushes and hawks among others during different seasons. The Lehigh Gorge Trail is particularly popular for spotting various birds due to its riverside location.
Nature Programs
A wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs are offered April to November. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and campfire programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 20 Biking in the GorgeI by Stephen_C
park review stars; one to five You have a beautiful park. However I want to bring a problem to your attention. We had planned to bike the Gorge from White Haven to Jim Thorpe with transport from Jim Thorpe supplied by Pocono Bike Rentals. We signed up on line and paid $55. We were to arrive at the Onoko entrance before some minutes before 1pm which we did. However no one from Pocono Bike Rentals showed up. We called them and a man said that they were full before we signed up. He offered no assistance and hung up. Why did they take our reservation and our money if they were full When did they actually go It ruined our expectation of a ride through your beautiful park. We did ride a few miles up and back from Jim Thorpe, but we missed most of the trail and the beautiful scenery. Stephen Cristy, Oak Ridge TN
June 26 An Enjoyable Biking Experience by Al Mayer
park review stars; one to five Biking the Lehigh Gorge Rail-Trail was a fun and rewarding experience. Though I ride a tour bike, the crushed stone trail was packed hard enough to make this a very enjoyable ride. I would recommend this for all type bikes. A very well maintained trail. We had a difficult time finding the trailheads. Additional signage on the roads would be helpful.
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Area Campgrounds
Jim Thorpe Camping Resort
129 Lentz Trail
Jim Thorpe, PA
570-325-2644
Don Laine Campground
790 57 Drive
Palmerton, PA
Blue Ridge Campground Inc.
2489 West Lizard Creek Road
Ashfield, PA
570-386-2911
WT Family Camping Inc
Box 1486 Route 115
Blakeslee, PA
570-646-9255
Sunny Rest Resort
425 Sunny Rest Drive
Palmerton, PA
610-377-2911
Sandy Valley Campground
199 Valley Road
White Haven, PA
570-636-0770
Lehigh Gorge Campground
4585 State Street
White Haven, PA
570-443-9191
Lizard Creek Campground
2489 West Lizard Creek Road
Lehighton, PA
570-386-2911
Area Fishing Related Businesses
B C Bait Inc
861 Indian Hill Rd
Lehighton, PA
(610) 377-5131
Kriss Pines Trout Fishing Lake
469 Forest St
Lehighton, PA
(610) 377-3010
Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club
RR 2
Lehighton, PA
(570) 386-4471
Area Cabins and Lodges
Mountain Laurel Resort & Spa The
State Highway 940
White Haven, PA
(570) 443-8411
Harmony Lake Shore Inn
LK Hrmny
White Haven, PA
(570) 722-0522
Beechwood
RR 1
Lehighton, PA
(570) 386-4449
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Hotels/Motels
Located near popular recreational attractions, including the Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park, Steamtown National Historic Site and Promised Land State Park. NASCAR fans will enjoy a day at the races at nearby Pocono Raceway.
38.7 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
White Haven is the northern access area and can be reached off of Exit 273 of I-80. Follow PA 940 east to the Thriftway store. Go through the Thriftway parking lot and bear left to the state park access area.

Rockport is the central access area and can be reached from the south by following US 209 south from Jim Thorpe to PA 93 north, continuing to SR 2055 (Lehigh Gorge Drive), through Weatherly into the small village of Rockport at SR 4014. Rockport is accessible from the north by following PA 940 west from Exit 273 off I-80, left onto SR 2055 (Lehigh Gorge Drive) continuing to the small village of Rockport at SR 4014.

Glen Onoko is the southern access area and may be reached by taking Exit 74 of the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Follow US 209 south to Jim Thorpe. Then take PA 903 north across the river to Coalport Road. Turn off of Coalport to Glen Onoko.

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Pennsylvania
13

Pennsylvania State Parks

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