Handicap Launch permanently installed: Leaser Lake, West Shore

Trip Overview

Leaser Lake, a PA Fish & Boat Commission no-swimming-lake is the only navigable lake in Lehigh County and about :30 hrs from Allentown or the Lehigh Valley exit of the PA NE Turnpike aka I-476. It’s named after Frederick Leaser whose farm is now under the 55yr old man dammed lake. Leaser in the revolutionary war was making a moonshine delivery to Philadelphia to trade for salt, tools and cash. The Continental Army asked him to smuggle the Liberty Bell to Allentown to hide from the British Invasion of Philly. The Redcoats would have melted it for Ammo. So what about the lake and kayaks? There are three parking lots each with launch sites and picnic areas. Each has a rest room. The West launch is unique. I can’t remember what org donated the expensive hardware. This site features a Handicap Launch apparatus. How cool is that? Yeah it’s a lake and can get breezy from time to time but if it starts up you can return using a towel or jacket for a sail. The lake has an island and fingers to explore. It is at the foot of the Blue Mountain, one of the oldest on the planet. Along the Kittatiny Ridge of the mountain is the Appalachian Trail. Also, 1/4 mile west or South on Rt-143 is a canoe/kayak/paddle board rental behind a great old time country store with a deli and little Sit down area. Everything from organic fresh veggies and frozen meats to baking supplies and bulk munchies to fishing licenses and tackle and amazing local crafts from talented artists to fresh breads and coffee and a room that is a toy shop for toddlers. Can you tell we love it. Take our dogs in their life jackets and get annual launch permits online. In the unlikely event that you are carded by the extremely rare patrol you’ll simply have to pull out. No camping or drinking and open till 10pm! Fire rings and picnic tables, paved parking, beautiful views and great for novice and youth and of course the physically challenged. Be safe and enjoy yourself in our nearby secret paddling lake!