Sand Island

Sand Island Boat Ramp provides direct access to the Lehigh River in Bethlehem and serves as a popular put-in and take-out point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boaters. Located beneath the Hill-to-Hill Bridge and a low railroad bridge, the ramp is easy to find once you cross onto Sand Island—turn right and drive under both bridges, then look for the ramp on the left side. An open parking area is available immediately adjacent to the launch site.

This is a basic, no-frills access point with no facilities on-site, so plan accordingly. The location works well as either a starting point or endpoint for river trips on the Lehigh. Many paddlers use Sand Island in combination with other nearby access points, such as Treichlers Bridge (upstream near Laurys Station) or Cementon (downstream), to create multi-mile paddling routes. The area is part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, offering paddlers the chance to explore a region rich in industrial and outdoor heritage.