The mule teams didn’t have to pull too hard to get canal boats from Easton down to Groundhog Lock.   The rush of the Lehigh River water entering the Canal provided a good southward current, and that same current will make you put a bit more oomph into your paddling.

Making our way north might require extra energy, but launching boats at Groundhog Lock is easy.  There is a wooden dock at the Lock, and it’s equipped with a KayaArm to make getting in and out of a kayak as effortless as can be.

The scenery along the Canal banks in Raubsville is lovely, and there are great tales to tell about the lost town of Uhlersville and the ill-fated hydroelectric plant that provided power for the Easton to Doylestown trolley line.    A special treat will be paddling under the beautifully restored Woody’s Camelback Bridge.

This early autumn paddle will be led by State Park Naturalist Gabie Lent.  You may bring your own kayak or canoe and personal flotation device or you may borrow one of the equipped kayaks that the Park staff will have on hand.  For each session, there will be 16 seats available in 12 single kayaks and 2 tandems on the Park kayaks.

Meet in the upper parking area of the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area, aka Groundhog Lock, 198 Canal Road, Easton, PA  18042.  Parking is accessed from Route 611 between the towns of Riegelsville and Raubsville.

Registration is required for this activity whether you plan to bring your own or borrow a boat.  Please do so early by contacting us at 215-862-2021 or e-mailing friends@fodc.org.  If you are planning to use Park equipment, a $10 per person donation is requested payable on the day of the event.  Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.