Map of Allentown Canal Park Access Point Return to Access Point Map
Click here for a larger view.

River Conditions to Next Access Point: 

The river flows gently in this section.  It is always passable, but care must be taken during low- and high-water conditions.  There are several islands that afford opportunities to stop and observe wildlife, and the river's beauty.

Linkages:

  • Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the D & L Trail: Bike or walk on the D & L Trail through Allentown Canal Park north to the Hamilton Street Bridge and Dam, or east to Sand Island in the city of Bethlehem, and far beyond.
  • Canal-River Water-Trail Loop: The proximity of the Lehigh Navigation canal to the riverbank in this reach allows for an interesting canal-river water-trail loop.  Boaters can move between the river and the canal at either end of the four-mile stretch between Allentown Canal Park (near the Canoe House) and the western end of Bethlehem's Sand Island (just upstream of the railroad trestle).  There is only one lock (Lock #41) to portage around in this reach of the canal.   

 

Access Point Orientation and Description:
Access is on RIVER LEFT.  This access is used for motorized and non-motorized boats.  It is located just below a sharp bend in the Lehigh River, and is about a mile downstream from the Hamilton Street Bridge and Dam.  A concrete ramp leads down to the river's edge.

Locating the Access Point from the River:
Shortly after rounding a very sharp bend to the left in the river, look for a concrete ramp on RIVER LEFT.  The access point is within Allentown Canal Park.

Directions to Access Parking/Unloading Area by Land:
From Route 22, turn onto Route 987 South (Airport Road South) and go 1.8 miles to Hanover Avenue.  Turn right onto Hanover Avenue and go 0.9 mile to Albert Street .  Turn right onto Albert Street and go 0.2 mile to the stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign (crossing the railroad tracks) and go 0.4 mile (traveling along the canal which is on your right).   After passing under a small train trestle, turn right crossing the bridge over the canal. You are in Allentown Canal Park.   

Access Point Location:
FOR RIVER ACCESS: After crossing the bridge and canal, go straight up the hill for 0.1 mile and bear to the left in the parking lot.  Continue 0.2 mile through the parking lot to the river-access area.  FOR CANAL ACCESS: After crossing the bridge and canal, immediately turn left and follow the road a short distance past the Allentown Canal Park Canoe House (look for Bike & Boat signs) and on to the parking lot beyond for the canal-access area.

  User Facilities:

  • Restroom facilities (not always open)
  • Road access directly to the river and the canal
  • Canal-river water-trail loop
  • Parking for many vehicles
  • Walking and biking on the Lehigh Navigation towpath
  • Historical Lehigh Navigation canal and locks
  • Many wildlife-viewing opportunities
  • Fishing in season
  • Area is used for power boating
  • Pavilion and picnic tables available

Ownership and Maintenance:

  • City of Allentown

Present Use and Conditions:

  • Canal Access at the Allentown Canal Park Canoe House - When only a canal-paddling experience is desired, it is best to access the canal at the Canoe House.  Boaters can access the canal directly at the car turn-around just beyond the Canoe House at the concrete dock area.  This location provides easy access to the canal.  Be cautious of poison ivy on the slopes of the canal.
  • Lehigh River Access at the Allentown Canal Park - On RIVER LEFT, a concrete ramp provides sure footing into the river.  Adjacent is a large open area with ample parking.  Look for a staircase which leads up the hill to a picnic pavilion and restrooms (which are not always open).
PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resource Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor Wildlands Conservancy Lehigh Earth Observatory PA Fish and Boat Commission

Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Wildlands Conservancy. For more information about the Lehigh River Water Trail, email info@wildlandspa.org.
Lehigh River Water Trail Home