The 30th annual Lehigh River Sojourn brought paddlers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts together for three days of recreation and education along the Lehigh River, highlighting both the natural beauty of the corridor and the importance of protecting it.

The annual sojourn, organized by Wildlands Conservancy, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and Northampton County Parks & Recreation, is designed to connect participants with the river through guided outdoor experiences while promoting environmental stewardship.

Since its founding in 1996, the Lehigh River Sojourn has offered residents and visitors a chance to experience the 109-mile Lehigh River and surrounding trail system through activities such as paddling, biking and rafting. Organizers say the event encourages people to appreciate the river as both a recreational resource and an ecosystem worth preserving.

This year’s event began June 19 at the boat launch in Easton.

Day 1: Paddling the Lehigh — Participants floated through a 7-mile stretch of flatwater, choosing to canoe, paddleboard or bring their own kayaks.

The route took sojourners through the “metro-wilderness” of the Lehigh Valley, paddling from Bethlehem toward Easton while taking in views of nature alongside industrial landmarks such as the SteelStacks, the former home of Bethlehem Steel.

The morning began with a five-minute yoga session before participants launched onto the river.

During the trip, the group also completed a river cleanup near Route 33. Lunch was provided by St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Camp was set up later at the Walnutport Canal Association, where participants stayed overnight. Dinner included pizza and a potluck meal, with sojourners bringing dishes to share.

Day 2: Cycling the D&L Trail — After a hearty breakfast prepared by the Walnutport Canal Association, participants embarked on a 10-mile bike ride from Walnutport to Weissport along the trail.

The ride included a stop at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center for the Pollution Festival.

Once in Weissport, each sojourner received a $12 lunch voucher to use at local eateries, including Hug in a Mug Cafe, Mario’s Pizza, The Gorge Eatery and Chantilly Goods & Weissport Washboard.

Participants then rode or were shuttled back to Walnutport for another night of free camping.

Brit Kondravy, co-chairman of the event, said the milestone anniversary inspired organizers to expand the format.

“This is our 30th year for the sojourn,” Kondravy said. “We decided to have three different activities, a different one for each of the three days. We had 55 people sign up for the bike ride to Weissport.”

Kondravy said the guided format helps participants safely explore the river corridor while discovering opportunities they may have overlooked.

“This guided opportunity offers safety to explore the Lehigh River,” she said. “There are people that have lived on the river for 20 years, but never realized all the potential it has for outdoor activity. We hope for stewardship to care for the river moving forward.”

Day 3: Whitewater finale — The sojourn concluded with whitewater rafting hosted by Pocono Whitewater.

Participants rafted from Drakes Creek to Glen Onoko, tackling a more adventurous stretch of the river to cap off the weekend.

Breakfast and lunch were provided by Pocono Whitewater, and participants were invited to enjoy a bonfire and gather at the Broken Paddle Bar & Grill after the trip.

Organizers said the three-day event once again showcased the many ways people can experience the Lehigh River — from peaceful flatwater paddling and scenic trail rides to exciting whitewater rapids — while reinforcing a shared responsibility to protect one of eastern Pennsylvania’s most treasured natural resources.