Plan for a very full day. Many families and groups spend two or three days, rafting and camping (or moteling). In some cases groups can be dropped off by their own bus at one point and picked up down-river hours or days later. Such a package often nets a discount because the outfitter's vans are not used for transportation. 

The Water: The Lehigh and Delaware Rivers dominate these listings, each providing moderate whitewater. Rivers such as the Brandywine, Mullica, and Batsto are narrow waterways with gentle currents that offer relaxation and great exercise paddling about and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Perfect if you have small children or just want to have a quiet day. 

Rivers such as the Hudson and Moose are different stories, particularly in the spring. They offer a challenge to experienced rafters and can be considered dangerous. 

Rapids are rated by a standardized system that allows paddlers to get an idea of what they're in for (thanks to Pocono Whitewater Adventures for these ratings): 

• Class I: Easy, small regular waves where no maneuvering is necessary.
• Class II: Slightly more difficult with small drops. Maneuvering is still unnecessary.
• Class III: Numerous, irregular waves with drops and holes.
• Class IV: Very difficult with cross-currents, fast water, and large, irregular waves.
• Class V: Extremely difficult with exploding waves, fast and powerful currents, cross- currents, large drops and heavily obstructed river beds.
• Class VI: Ultimate limit of navigability.
• The Lehigh and Delaware both fall within Class II - III. The Hudson, up by Hudson River Gorge is a IV - V, and the Moose is a V+.

The seasons help determine water roughness. Spring thaw provides huge volumes of water that runs very fast. Fall often brings dam releases. During the summer the water can be calm, resulting in substantial discounts from many whitewater outfitters. Perfect for beginners.

For more helpful information about canoeing and rafting in the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania area, click here.