The D&L Blog

The Canal Side Guest House and Bicycle Tours in Weissport hosts repeat customers who return year after year. We wondered what keeps them coming back – the cozy rooms in the main guest house building, the gracious hosts, or the great restaurants close by? Could it be the mountain scenery? Owners Jen and Rod said for most guests it’s the instant access the D&L Trail at mile marker 102, the Weissport Trailhead, plus the rushing Lehigh River just on the other side of the trail, where people enjoy rafting, kayaking, tubing, and fishing.

More recreation opportunities are just a short drive or bike ride away from this Trail Friendly Business in state and county parks including Beltzville, Mauch Chunk Lake, and Hickory Run State Park, state game lands near Jim Thorpe, and other fun stops along the D&L Trail. So, it makes sense that cyclists and whitewater enthusiasts flock here during spring, summer, and fall.

Another bonus–Rod and Jen are both avid cyclists, happy to help you choose your best route. Rod has a full bicycle shop on the premises where guests find everything from wrenches to tire pumps and patches. If you are in need of bike rentals, Lehighton Outdoor Center is just a few miles away, where there’s personalized service. For water enthusiasts, Pocono Whitewater has a downtown store where they do shuttles up to Glen Summit, and Whitewater Rafting Adventures is another option.

The main guest house is a brick building built in the 1820s that Rod has been busy restoring, complete with metal roofing and new paint, since the couple bought the property in 1998. The bunkhouse is a separate building designed for bigger groups to use, such as scout troops and hiking clubs.

“My husband always has a vision for things,” says Jen. “This was his vision. There was a lot of work to get this guest house into order, but my husband and I work together well as a team.”

As a music teacher, Jen has added her own touches. In the main living space is a music room where guests can relax and play the piano or guitar. Jen and Rod have also been known to help a through-hiker along the Appalachian Trail now and then, bringing them back to the guest house to do laundry or get a good night’s sleep. If you are considering a stay, you’ll want to call in advance to make a reservation at 484-629-9736.