West Bowmanstown Access Point Return to Access Point Map
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River Conditions to Next Access Point: 

The Palmerton Dam lies 1.0 mile downriver from this access point.  It is a 2-foot-high, low-head dam.  It looks innocuous, but it can trap boats and boaters, and should be avoided. Take out on RIVER RIGHT, before the dam, and portage around it.  The riverbank is low and brush-covered, but manageable. 

 

Access Point Orientation and Description:
Access on RIVER RIGHT is a small cove within an eddy next to a stone wall.  The Route 895 bridge is 50 feet downstream.

Locating the Access Point from the River:
Soon after passing the Pohopoco Creek (which enters on RIVER LEFT) in Parryville, look to the left riverbank for a large green road sign for the Bowmanstown/Route 895 exit from Route 248, the highway that parallels the river.  The access point will be on RIVER RIGHT immediately before the Route 895 bridge.

Directions to Access Parking/Unloading Area by Land:
From Route 22, turn onto Route 145 North and go 14.6 miles to Route 248.   Turn left onto Route 248 West and go 3.6 miles to Route 895.   Turn left onto Route 895 West and go 0.4 mile to Old Bowmans Road .   Turn right onto Old Bowmans Road into the access area.

Access Point Location:
The access point is immediately adjacent to the level clearing.  Although there are other pathways cut through the woods along the riverbank toward the Route 895 bridge, this point gives the best access.   There is a sandy cove very close to the Route 895 bridge which is used by fishermen, and can also be used to access the river.  River outfitters access the river from both sides of the river.

User Facilities:

  • No restroom facilities
  • Hiking and biking along the adjacent trail
  • Road access directly to the river
  • Parking for 7+ vehicles

Ownership and Maintenance:

  • Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission

Present Use and Condition:

This is an actively used access point for boaters and fishers.  The stonework serves as a natural docking area creating a protected cove for easy river access.  There is limited parking, and the access road is rutted and unimproved.

PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resource Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor Wildlands Conservancy Lehigh Earth Observatory PA Fish and Boat Commission

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