About the Lehigh River Water Trail
Until 1967, the Lehigh River was the nation's only privately-owned river. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was used to build a series of locks and dams to transport anthracite coal from northeast Pennsylvania to Philadelphia, New York and elsewhere. By the time the state took back ownership, the river was pretty much devoid of life from the wastewater and acid mine drainage of the coal and steel industries.
It was characterized at one point...as black flowing lava from all of the coal silt...
- Chris Kocher, President, Wildlands Conservancy
One highlight of paddling the lower Lehigh River Water Trail is passing what remains of the stacks from the Bethlehem Steel plant. The plant was once the second largest steel maker in America.
Today, the river has made a recovery. Though there is still cleanup work to be done, the Lehigh River is cleaner today than any other point of the last 150 years. Now, it's viewed as a community resource where anglers and paddlers alike come to recreate.
What visitors can expect depends on where they go along the trail. Half of the northernmost miles of the Lehigh River Water Trail are a part of Pennsylvania's Scenic River System with wild and rugged scenery. In White Haven, you enter the Lehigh Gorge State Park where the river moves fast along steep, forested canyon-like walls. The southern section of the trail spanning 31 miles is calmer and flows through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.
Boating and Paddling Opportunities
The differences between the northern and southern sections of the Lehigh River Water Trail allow boaters of all skills to enjoy the river.
The Lehigh River supports 22 boat accesses. Paddlers can park in one spot, paddle upriver and float back down or vice versa. There are also hiking and biking trails along the river for paddler to expand their adventure on foot or wheels. For those who need gear or recommendations on where to paddle, there are local outfitters available to get you started.
The southern section of the Lehigh River Water Trail offers calm, Class I paddling and plenty of nature.
Bikers on the D&L Trail near Rockport Access on the Lehigh River, Carbon County.
Fishing Opportunities
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) annually stocks the northern section of the river with adult trout. As you travel upriver, better habitat and colder water boast Class A trout streams, like Saucon Creek, Lehigh and Northampton counties, Monocacy Creek, Northampton County, and Little Lehigh Creek, Lehigh County.
But the most abundant and widespread gamefish in the Lehigh River is the Smallmouth Bass. They are more numerous than big, with 12-inch catches being typical. But, some larger ones are caught.
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Where to Fish
Discover PA's best fishing waters, warmwater/coolwater fisheries and trout streams on the Lehigh River.
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Biologist Reports - Area 4
Explore the latest biologist reports on fish populations and fishing opportunities in Bradford, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming Counties.
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Biologist Reports - Area 5
Explore the latest biologist reports on fish populations and fishing opportunities in Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Wayne Counties.
Nature and Scenic Opportunities
Since the river was once privately-owned, the land around it was protected. This land supports wildlife such as eagles, ospreys, deer, ducks and more all along the river corrider. Whether you are in the forested northern section or the metro southern section, you can float and see wildlife of all kinds, catch alot of fish and lose yourself in the beautiful scenery of the Lehigh River.
...It’s one of the best comeback stories as far as water resources, clearly in Pennsylvania if not in the country.
- Chris Kocher, President, Wildlands Conservancy
This content was partially adapated from Lehigh River Water Trail feature by Bob Frye in Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine.
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