Trip, Lehigh River Bethlehem to Easton, Class1 Rapids, Moving Water

Saturday’s dam release 65 miles upriver should provide good water levels for our trip.  Enjoy an interesting mixture of scenery and river features on the lower Lehigh.  Pass the Steel Stacks, former Bethelem Steel, the fairly undeveloped and attractive section below it and a canal lock and lock tenders house.  A mix of class 1 rapids, moving water and flat water behind a dam.  There is 1 dam to portage.  We will eat lunch along the way.  The anticipated trip time for this 10 mile paddle is 5 hours.  The Lehigh is approximately 75 minutes from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

Meet at Sand Island Access Park, Parking Lot next to Historic Bethlehem River Tours, 240 River Street, Bethlehem, PA, coordinates:  40.61536704706831, -75.38658296085431  We will drop off the boats and leave several participants there to look over them while we shuttle our cars to Hugh Moore Park.  There are public bathrooms on the other end of the island.  After Main Street crosses the canal, turn left and go under a bridge.  There is a parking lot and a building with bathrooms on the left before the tennis courts.

Take Out at Hugh Moore Park, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd, Easton, PA  Coordinates: 40.66443167173885, -75.23787061398122  At the end of the trip, we plan to use the vehicles that we left at Hugh Moore to take drivers back to Sand Island.  Walk toward the National Canal Museum for bathrooms.  The building will be on the left.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the registration Information.  Participants must have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) Waiver.  ACA members complete an online waiver when joining or renewing their membership.  Individuals who are not ACA members must complete a 1 day event membership paper waiver and pay $10 cash the morning of the trip.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.
• Wear quick drying clothes suitable for getting wet.  If the weather is cool dress in layers and have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.
• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: Contact Tom Moiani at tbmoiani@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf