| River
Conditions to Next Access Point:
Water is generally slow-moving except when the water level
is low, which creates a staircase rapids called "Deaton's Demise."
The rapid occurs immediately after a sharp left turn, upriver of
the Nesquehoning Creek and railroad bridge.
Linkages:
- Lehigh Gorge Trail: A walking/biking
trail that extends from the parking lot north to White Haven.
It is part of the D & L Trail.
- Lehigh Gorge State Park
- Downtown Jim Thorpe: Amenities
include restaurants, outfitters, bed and breakfasts,
hotel, shops, cafes, and museums.
- Historical attractions: High-lift
locks #2 and #8, the Glen Onoko Falls, an exposed railroad turntable,
and the abandoned "hole-in-the-wall" railroad tunnel.
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Access Point Orientation and Description:
Access is on RIVER RIGHT. The
area is a small sand-and-gravel beach on the edge of the woods
near an abandoned railroad tunnel which emerges high on the stone
cliff above the river (the bridge over the river is gone).
A short path leads to the river from a large, well-marked turn-around
area near the parking area.
Locating the Access Point from the River:
The river takes a hard right-hand
turn as you approach the access point. The "hole-in-the-wall"
tunnel is visible ahead on RIVER LEFT. The public access
point is found directly opposite the old tunnel, adjacent to the
old bridge pilings and just beyond the commercial outfitters'
access.
Directions to Access Parking/Unloading Area by Land:
From
I-476 (Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike) take
Exit 74. Turn right onto Route 209 South and go 6.0 miles through
Jim Thorpe to Route 903. Turn right onto Route 903 North (crossing
the large bridge over the Lehigh River ) and go 0.3 mile to the
stop sign. Go straight across the intersection onto Coalport Road
. Go on Coalport Road 0.3 mile to the entrance to Lehigh Gorge
State Park . Turn left at the Lehigh Gorge State Park sign into
the park and go 1.6 miles to the access area.
Access Point Location:
Continue through the parking area to
the far end and follow the loop toward the comfort station.
Just past the comfort station bear to the left onto a dirt roadway
and proceed to the public boat drop-off turnaround. A short
path leads from the boat drop-off to the riverbank (adjacent to
the bridge abutment). Drop off boating equipment, and park
in the parking lot at either end of the loop.
User Facilities:
Ownership
and Maintenance:
Present Use
and Conditions:
The access area is
narrow and fairly flat. A narrow, 50-foot path leads from
the drop-off/turn-around area to the river. Modern restroom
facilities are available. Special note: If hiking up along
the Glen Onoko Falls trail, you will find sections of it quite steep
and treacherous. Hikers may be seriously injured as a result
of accidental falls on this hiking trail. Wear proper hiking
shoes, and use caution especially with children.
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