Access Point Orientation and Description:
Access is on RIVER LEFT, to the left (north) of Freemans Island.  The area is Freemansburg Canal Park, a community facility.  The Lehigh Navigation canal, locks, and locktender's house, as well as the remnants of an old grist mill, are there.  A mule barn from the canal era was rebuilt on the site.  A small parking area is located about 500 feet from the access point.

Locating the Access Point from the River:
The river flows gently in this section.  After passing underneath the Freemansburg (automobile) bridge, look for a large island ahead.  Stay RIVER LEFT and look for the access on RIVER LEFT.  The remnants of an ancient mill dam spans the river between the island and the left riverbank.   In higher water, it is a short, Class I or II rapid.  In low water, it's a short drop and can be an impediment.  The best channel may be through an opening to be found RIVER RIGHT, very close to the LEFT SIDE of the island.   The access point is at the bottom of the rapid on RIVER LEFT.  A quick traverse will be necessary after passing through the mill dam.  A wooden barn can be seen high up on the bank about 100 feet from the river. 

Directions to Access Parking/Unloading Area by Land:
From I-78, take the Hellertown/Bethlehem Exit (#67). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right and go north on Route 412 toward Bethlehem for about 1.0 mile to Shimersville Road.  Turn right onto Shimersville Road and go about 1.0 mile to Main Street.  Turn left onto Main Street crossing the bridge (and the Lehigh River) and go 0.8 mile into Freemansburg to Lockhouse Road.  Turn right onto Lockhouse Road and go to the small parking area in the Freemansburg Canal Park.

Access Point Location:
From the parking area on Lockhouse Road, locate the wooden mule barn about 100 yards across the (empty) canal.  The river access point is beyond the barn.

User Facilities: