41 03' 51 N
75 46' 35 W

White Haven was founded in 1835 and named after Josiah White, the famous dam builder and coal industry businessman. The town’s principle business in the years following its founding was lumber production. In the 25 miles between Mauch Chunk and White Haven, the Lehigh River descends 642 feet. In that area 29 locks were used to control the water and assist in the transport packet boats and arks down the river.

At White Haven, the Lehigh River and its surroundings become the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The park extends thirty miles from the outlet of the Francis E. Walter Dam to its southern boundary just north of the town of Jim Thorpe. This area was given to the Bureau of State Parks in 1980 to be preserved as parkland.

Lehigh Gorge State Park includes 4,548 acres of land and is known for its steep walls, dense vegetation, and numerous waterfalls. A great diversity of plants and animals are found throughout the park. In addition to the incredible scenery, this section of the river provides special opportunities for recreational activities. Abandoned railroad beds provide miles of mountain biking and hiking trails and the class II and III rapids attract whitewater boaters.

The geology of the Valley and Ridge Province, south of White Haven, consists of two sections, the Appalachian Mountain Section and the Great Valley Section. Blue Mountain is part of the Appalachian Section. The Great Valley Section consists of rolling hills and open areas. It is bordered on the north and west by Blue Mountain and by South Mountain on the south and east. The northern section of the Great Valley is blanketed by shale. In the eastern part of the valley, north of Allentown, the shale is replaced by slate.

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Panorama 1 (Taken at 41 03' 51 N, 75 46' 35 W) (650 K)

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