THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle five miles of the Lehigh River from Sand Island past the Bethlehem Steel Stacks, then swap to a mountain bike for a riverside ride back on the D&L Trail. Ideal for beginners, this half-day combo blends industrial history with active outdoor fun.
Paddle five miles of the Lehigh River from Sand Island past the Bethlehem Steel Stacks, then swap to a mountain bike for a riverside ride back on the D&L Trail. Ideal for beginners, this half-day combo blends industrial history with active outdoor fun.
You push off from Sand Island beneath the hulking ribs of Bethlehem’s Hill-to-Hill Bridge, the paddles cutting through water that remembers industry more than leisure. Steel Stacks loom to starboard; the current, steady but polite, nudges you downstream as herons stalk the shallows and an osprey wheels overhead.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Historic Bethlehem River Tours · Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
You push off from Sand Island beneath the hulking ribs of Bethlehem’s Hill-to-Hill Bridge, the paddles cutting through water that remembers industry more than leisure. Steel Stacks loom to starboard; the current, steady but polite, nudges you downstream as herons stalk the shallows and an osprey wheels overhead.
This is a 5-mile guided paddle through the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a river route shaped by glacial deposits and industrial-era canal cuts that once moved coal and iron. You’ll pass historic mill sites, canal remnants and the iconic Bethlehem Steel Stacks — a living chapter of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing past — before swapping boats for bikes at Nagy’s Landing. The return follows the flat, crushed-stone D&L Trail along the river, an easy 45–60 minute pedal that reveals the valley’s mixed hardwoods and occasional industrial relics.
Expect beginner-friendly instruction, all equipment provided, and complimentary photos under the stacks. Nature here is active: deer peer from the river edge, fish flash in riffles and bald eagles sometimes ride the thermals.
Practical notes: the kayak leg is about 2.5 hours on calm to mildly choppy river water; the bike portion is short and mostly flat. Wear quick-dry layers, shoes that can get wet, and secure sunglasses. Hydration and sun protection matter — the sun can catch you on open water. If cycling isn’t for you, shuttle options are available. This half-day combo is ideal for mixed-ability groups and beginner paddlers who want history, riverside scenery, and a little pedal to finish the loop.
No—this tour is beginner-friendly; guides provide basic paddling instruction and the bike leg uses a mostly flat, multi-use trail.
A courtesy shuttle is available to return non-riders to the launch point from Nagy’s Landing.
Yes—life jackets are issued to every paddler and must be worn during the kayak portion.
Participants should meet the activity’s age and safety guidelines; service animals are allowed but check with the operator about family age minimums and child seat availability.
Historic Bethlehem River Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from Sand Island beneath the hulking ribs of Bethlehem’s Hill-to-Hill Bridge, the paddles cutting through water that remembers industry more than leisure. Steel Stacks loom to starboard; the current, steady but polite, nudges you downstream as herons stalk the shallows and an osprey wheels overhead.
You push off from Sand Island beneath the hulking ribs of Bethlehem’s Hill-to-Hill Bridge, the paddles cutting through water that remembers industry more than leisure. Steel Stacks loom to starboard; the current, steady but polite, nudges you downstream as herons stalk the shallows and an osprey wheels overhead.
This is a 5-mile guided paddle through the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a river route shaped by glacial deposits and industrial-era canal cuts that once moved coal and iron. You’ll pass historic mill sites, canal remnants and the iconic Bethlehem Steel Stacks — a living chapter of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing past — before swapping boats for bikes at Nagy’s Landing. The return follows the flat, crushed-stone D&L Trail along the river, an easy 45–60 minute pedal that reveals the valley’s mixed hardwoods and occasional industrial relics.
Expect beginner-friendly instruction, all equipment provided, and complimentary photos under the stacks. Nature here is active: deer peer from the river edge, fish flash in riffles and bald eagles sometimes ride the thermals.
Practical notes: the kayak leg is about 2.5 hours on calm to mildly choppy river water; the bike portion is short and mostly flat. Wear quick-dry layers, shoes that can get wet, and secure sunglasses. Hydration and sun protection matter — the sun can catch you on open water. If cycling isn’t for you, shuttle options are available. This half-day combo is ideal for mixed-ability groups and beginner paddlers who want history, riverside scenery, and a little pedal to finish the loop.