Riding along the rapids while whitewater rafting is a thrilling summer adventure. New Jerseyans of all ages are sure to enjoy sailing down the currents of the many nearby natural waterways. Coast along the scenic northeastern rivers at these whitewater rafting spots in the NJ area.
What is Whitewater Rafting?
Before booking your whitewater rafting trip, you might want to know what you’re getting yourself into! Whitewater is made by shallow areas known as rapids which are known to be rough, with large waves and fast currents. They can vary in size and difficulty.
When picking your rafting location, make sure you are comfortable with the available rafting options. Below you can find whitewater rafting of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for challenging rapids, or a lazy river-type vibe, there is rafting for everyone.
Photo by Tom Fisk
Whitewater Rafting in the NJ Area
Delaware River Tubing — Milford, NJ
Milford, New Jersey is home to the only whitewater rafting location in the entire Garden State. Float through the heart of the Delaware Water Gap with Delaware River Tubing. They offer tubing, kayaking, canoeing and, of course, whitewater rafting. Rafters are able to enjoy the beautiful wildlife while drifting down the turbulent waves of the waterway.
The 2021 rafting and tubing season begins on August 14 and will last until September 19. This year, Delaware River Tubing is only offering rafting and tubing and they ask that guests purchase their tickets beforehand on their website. Tubing rentals are $119.99 and rafts are $179.99 for two to three hours for people of all ages. Delaware River Tubing is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with check-in for tubers and rafters between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Silver Canoe & Whitewater Rafting — Port Jervis, NY
Silver Canoe and Whitewater Rafting can be found where the borders of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York meet in Port Jervis, NY. Between the Pocono and Catskill Mountain ranges, guests can coast along with the current of the Delaware River. Whether you are looking for rafting, canoeing, kayaking or tubing, Silver Canoe has it all.
Rafts at Silver Canoe hold up to six people, but smaller boats for three to four individuals are also available. The trip down the river is usually between four and five hours long, depending on the current and how fast you paddle. Prices vary based on party size and when you are visiting. Check out Silver Canoe’s website for more information on rafting rates and scheduling a trip.
Whitewater Rafting Adventures — Nesquehoning, PA
Located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania is Whitewater Rafting Adventures. This outfitter of outdoor adventures is a family-run business that has been around for over 40 years. Their outpost can be found on the coast of the breathtaking Lehigh River. Offering rafting, a 900-foot zipline, paintball and a biking trail through the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
To plan your trip to Whitewater Rafting Adventures, guests should make a reservation in advance by either calling their office or schedule on their website. They are open every weekend from now to Labor Day Weekend, as well as October 9 and 10. Prices vary depending on the size of your group and the activities you want to participate in.
Pocono Whitewater Rafting Adventures — Jim Thorpe, PA
At the center of Pennsylvania’s famous mountain range, and one of the state’s most historic towns is Pocono Whitewater Rafting Adventures. This popular rafting spot offers adventures for individuals of all skill levels. Aside from rafting, they also have biking trails, paintball and other activities as well.
Pocono Whitewater Rafting Adventures offers calm, family-style rafting every day of the week. To plan a visit during one of their special rafting events such as moonlight rafting or dam-released whitewater, check out Pocono Whitewater’s calendar. Pricing varies based on the type of rafting and the number of people in your group.
Jim Thorpe River Adventures — Lehighton, PA
Venture down the rapids of the Pennsylvania waterways at Jim Thorpe River Adventures. This outdoor adventure park has the perfect summer river activities for a fun day trip. Located in the Pocono Mountains, visitors can raft down a variety of currents, curating the best experience for every skill level. Between the EasyWater, Intro to Whitewater, and BigTime Whitewater, there is something for everyone. However, if you’re not up for rafting, guests can also spend an afternoon biking along Jim Thorpe’s nature trails.
Pricing for Jim Thorpe River Adventures varies by the type of rafting you plan on exploring during your visit. EasyWater rafting starts at $48.95 and reaches up to $65.95 for BigTime Whitewater. Check out Jim Thorpe’s website to schedule your visit.
Have you gone whitewater rafting in the NJ area? Let us know in the comments!
Main image by Herve Villard
About the Author/s
Meg is studying magazine journalism and civic engagement at Syracuse University with a passion for writing and editing. She is a Jersey girl at heart and has a slight obsession with Chai Tea Lattes.
