Trip, Lehigh River, Walnutport to Kimmett's Lock, Class 1 and 2 Rapids

Take advantage of warmer weather, forecasted high in the upper 60's, for a fall run on the Lehigh.  This section of the river shoreline is primarily forested, including 300’ bluffs.  More than half of the trip is a combination of ripples, class 1 rapids and 2 class 2 rapids, strong chutes through the remnants of old dams. There is 1 dam to portage.  We will eat lunch along the way.  Splash skirts or spray skirts are recommended to keep your cockpit dry.  Helmets are recommended.  Club helmets will be available at the put in for any participants to use.  Participants should have river reading and boat control skills paddling class 1 and 1+ rapids.  The projected time on the water including lunch for this 15 mile paddle is 5.5 hours.  The Lehigh is approximately 90 minutes from the Philadelphia Canoe Club.

Put in: Walnutport Access, 120 Lehigh Street, Walnutport, PA, coordinates 40.752613127989015, -75.60162721836163.

Take Out: Kimmets Lock Access Point N. Dauphin Street, Allentown, PA  Coordinates: 40.62442085040823, -75.45838758588661.

Car shuttle: Meet at the take out, consolidate boats onto cars, leave some cars and drive to the Put In. This will save everyone about an hour of morning driving time.

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the registration Information.  Participants must have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) Waiver.  ACA members complete an online waiver when joining or renewing their membership.  Individuals who are not ACA members may either complete a 1 day event membership paper waiver and pay $10 cash the morning of the trip or join the ACA for $40 which which provides insurance for trips for the next year.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.
• The water temperature is expected to be in the upper 50's.  Wear either, dry wear, wetsuit or quick drying clothes (no cotton) suitable for getting wet.  There are many online sources of information on how to dress.  Click here for a link to one such online source from Paddle Boston.  Dress in layers and have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.
• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: Contact Tom Moiani at tbmoiani@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf