Lehigh River in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Route 33 boat ramp was my third time out in my Heritage Featherlite kayak. It was Sunday afternoon the weather was beautiful mid 60�s not sure of the water temp but it was cold. Not that I was in the water except when I stepped out as I was getting out of my kayak at the end of the trip.

I paddled upriver to the Bethlehem boat club approximately a � mile just under the route 33 bridge, my faithful companion molly at the helm. Just under the bridge Molly and I spotted what we thought to be some wild life: a lone duck sitting in the water occasionally dipping its head in the water. I had to hold Molly back when she spotted it she leaped onto the forward deck. I pulled her back in and paddled closer thing wow you can really get close out here with a kayak. As I closed in on it I realized it was a decoy left behind. We continued upstream to the boat club and saw a man fishing near the shoreline waved hello and turned around to go back down river.

On the way back down we detoured around the island that sits directly across from the boat ramp. This part of the river was peaceful this day except for an occasional motorboat passing. We continued on to the other-side where we came back onto the main part of the Lehigh River where we headed toward the island where island park amusement stood till the many floods discouraged the owners from rebuilding.

I then returned to put in site to go home. The ramp can be busy at times but there are other spots to put in and take out. I will have to explore the area some more when time permits. This area is excellent for beginner paddlers check it out.

Accommodations:

many restaurants in the area:
Panera bread


Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse


Franks Italian Restaurant

Fees:

Must have a PA launch permit

Directions:

From 78 east or west take the Rt 33 north; exit to Freemansburg Avenue; turn right on Freemansburg avenue to Hope road on the right side of the road follow this road to boat ramp you will see PA fish commision sign for here