Canoe launch. Portage take-out. This upper access is primitive and steep. Parking for 15. Picnic area. Connection to short segment of Schuylkill River Trail.

There are two separate launches at Kelly’s Lock Overlook: This “upper” one is above Class II “Kelly’s Rapids” and the “lower” one is below. These accesses serve as the take-out and put-in locations for a portage option around the rapids … and also as a way for whitewater enthusiasts to “play & repeat!”

For those choosing to bypass the rapids, take out here for a 0.1-mile portage to the lower launch (see “◊◊ Kelly’s Rapids”  for portage path and additional hazard guidance.)

NOTE: The entrance to this park is on River Road approximately 0.1-mile north of the home at 2820 River Road. For more accurate location of this entrance or to locate this upper launch, see map above or GPS coordinates below:
Road Access: 40.373510,-75.954784
River Access: 40.374123,-75.954838 (upper)

Owner: Muhlenberg Township

Kelly’s Lock: The exciting Class II rapids seen from this overlook were once Leiscz’s Dam and a Schuylkill Navigation canal lock, named for locktender “Kelly” Kelichner. The stone structures of the overlook were once the walls of this lock (The 1870s view below is from down and across the river).

Services: Along PA-61 and US-222 Business (2.2 or more miles east).