South mountain is a very technical course with a great variety of shots needed. There is a good mix of hyzers and anhyzers, and I was even forced to throw a few overhand shots. One thing that i definitely liked about this course was the elevation change. My home course is very flat, so this was a great change of pace with several uphill, and downhill shots.

Even though this course was pretty heavily wooded, there was usually a pretty obvious fairway that you had to hit. But, even if you did not thread the needle, the woods were forgiving enough that it did not cost you to many strokes.

The course had very nice cement tee pads, and the baskets were in great condition which made for a better experience.

The terrain of this course is very rocky. Some people may think of this as a negative, but I like it because it forces you to be very accurate with your drive so you can have good footing for your second shot.

The navigation of this course was a little tricky at times. I was playing with a couple of locals so luckily they knew there way around. Had I not been playing with them, I would have definitely needed a course map at times.

I would like to have seen a hole map on each hole. There were posts in the ground showing you the distances(depending on the pin placement) but we did not know which pin placement it was, so we were a little confused on the hole length sometimes.

The majority of holes on this course are relatively short, and I would have liked to see a few longer ones so you could really rip some drives. I would say that 17 out of 18 holes are pretty easily deuceable if you can keep your drive out of the trees.

Overall i thought that this was a very good course, and i will definitely be back to play. It is very well maintained and had several great aspects about it. It is another one of the many fantastic courses in the Lehigh Valley!

Well tended, concrete pads work well for any weather. Challenging and varied shots, mostly through forest. Lots of replay value, the holes are each quite distinctive.

The relatively high number of trees can may you really pay for throwing even a little off target, particularly on drives. Not the best trails from tees to baskets on all of the holes.

Peaceful 18 hole course. The course uses elevation very well and you have to be precise to score well here. The course can basically be played with a mid range and putter. I found the course challenging for what it is, a par 54 18-hole course. The setting is great and the park is very clean. There is also a practice basket. Cement tees are in great shape and add to the experience for sure. This is the course that introduced me to the sport, and it did enough to get me hooked. This is pretty much a disc golf only park, so encounters with people not playing the sport are rare. The rough here isn't too rough, so you won't get too scratched up with thorns if you go astray.

Rocks will destroy your cheaper plastics, so plan accordingly. Tees are clearly labeled with distances, but basket locations aren't always obvious since the tees do not show the hole layout. Most baskets can be seen from the tee, but some (Hole 2) cannot, which can make some tee shots a bit of a mystery.

Overall, the course is short and is more of the technical variety. Heavily wooded with rocks galore, so bring adequate footwear. If you want to throw for distance, this course is not what you are looking for. If you want to work on your midrange and approach game, this course will appeal to you. The problem to me is: nothing stands out about South Mountain. That isn't to say it's a bad course, it just isn't that memorable. It's great if you live in the area and want to play 18 holes relatively quickly. There are far superior courses in the surrounding areas (Nockamixon, Lehigh Parkway, Jordan Creek), but this course is shorter and perfect if you are in a time crunch. Not a destination course, but definitely worth a play if you live in the area.

Nice elevation changes. Enjoyed holes 14-18. Beautiful area. Great cement tees.18 hole course,

Each hole was short and par can easily be made. Hole layout and par was not listed at tee.

It could be more challenging once the trees get leaves but without the leaves I felt the course was too easy to get par. It was still fun and there were a few really fun holes14-18

Short yet challenging 18 hole wooded course located in a township park in the Bethlehem area. A practice basket is located by the parking lot to the left of hole #1. All tee areas have painted white tee posts with the hole number and distance displayed underneath. Nice sized cement tee pads. Log benches exist at most holes. Navigation very simple with "next tee" arrows to guide players, and course has good flow. Baskets, though older, work well. Excellent use of elevation throughout the course. Some of the alternate tees provide an entirely different look at the basket- a great feature. Provides a challenge for advanced players yet is a great course for the intermediate or rec player to learn how to hit lines. Holes 16 and 18 stand out, incorporating both elevation and OB.

Signage should be better. Will not appeal to the guy who loves to air it out in the open. Rocks will destroy your DX plastic on parts of the course and rollaways are part of the package here. Alternate tee pads exist at a number of holes but are not clearly defined. Say goodbye to your plastic if you lose it- too many patrons here who value a $12 disc over honesty- a lost disc box would be a nice amenity near the kiosk.The two par 4 positions on holes 9 and 17 have poorly defined fairways to the basket and are merely just longer but not better shots.

South Mountain is one of the original courses in the disc golf-rich Lehigh Valley Area of Pennsylvania. Though Jordan Creek, Little Lehigh Pkwy. and Nockamixon are all superior area courses, South Mountain is nonetheless a quality play and receives heavy use. It is very big on the fun factor, for mixed in with numerous challenges also exist plenty of birdie opportunities and ace runs. The installation of cement tee pads awhile back adds immeasurably to playing here.

I think the local club needs to do two things here: One, install quality signs at each hole. A good course without nice signs is like a beautiful baseball field without an outfield fence. A course that receives this much play should have them- period. And secondly, an effort needs to be made to coordinate the cutting of dozens of dead trees throughout the course which will eventually fall and potentially injure someone. Some of the terrain is tough here, so bring adequate footwear. Very enjoyable overall and worthy of repeat visits.

Nice flow like terrain technical lines.

Rhbh dominant course. Sure there arnt as many south paws but for such a tight course lines are very very tough for lhbh. I played some sneak shots got lucky but in all fairness 1/6 of course was designed for rhfh or lhbh oth 5/6 of course was rhbh in mind.

Not a bad course I know I can improve after only
Playing once. But honestly without being able to throw lhfh or rhbh this course is a bummer. Being in a accident with a shoulder injury I can only throw lhbh and rhfh which is a fight to make any disc go left. Final thought course definitely has a line in which is meant to be thrown but very difficult for leftys.

Tons of trees which make for excellent challenge. Elevation change also comes into play on many holes. Possibility of different pin positions. Requires a variety of different throws. Excellent course for 300 ft drives to weave around the trees. Most of the fairways have a very distinct flight path one should take. All Par 3 but extremely challenging due to the tight flight paths required. Just about every hole is possible birdie for Advanced players with the possibility of many Ace shots. Front 9 is very smooth play while the back 9 could easily jack your score up. Hole 12 is a well guarded basket, also hole 14 at pin position B is definitely a challenging par 3. Extremely popular course in the Lehigh Valley!

Need professional looking signs with hole#/distance to pin,par info, and flight path map to basket for all holes. Need to insert concrete tee pad for hole #7. Would like to see a trash can placed about every 6 holes. Due to the amount of people playing there, trash has been accumulating basically everywhere along the course.

Very nice course to work on distance weaves. One of my personal favorite courses. Was the first course i ever played on when i got into the sport and I always go back as much as possible. Would definitely recommend playing this course for anyone who is passing through the area! Side Note: PDGA claims that a 48-49 would be about 1000 Rating.

- Short but technical course.
- Nice hike if you are into that part of the game.

- Holes are a bit hard to find.
- Tee pads on some holes could use some work.

Play on a rainy day because the fog adds a great atmosphere to the game.

Wooded course -- great for hot days
Technical Shots adds to the challenge
Park in good shape

Signage for holes isn't all that great
No real long-distance holes

I played here on a hot day and being in the woods definitely helped keep me cool. I do wish that they had some longer holes to add to the challenge but as it was, most of the holes are really only 200-some feet. Avoiding the trees makes it a challenge but in some cases it just seemed too easy. It's not a bad course, but felt it was missing a bit

Tight technical shots through the woods and significant elevation changes are the name of the game for this decent 18-hole course.
Good variety allows for a number of different shot types-you won't get bored.
Most holes are short so you don't need a big arm to score well.
Seems like some of the tee pads have been upgraded since ive played it last and most of them are in good condition.

Lack of signage is a major con-distance is labeled for each hole but locating the basket can be a challenge. Navigation can also be difficult; i don't think there are any "next tee" signs.
Footing can be rough due to tons of rocks so its important to wear some decent shoes.

Overall a positive disc golfing experience but probably my least favorite of the Lehigh Valley courses I have played.

Elevation changes and heavy tree coverage make for interesting shots on almost every hole.

Orange flags make baskets very easy to spot from a distance.

Shorter average distances make the course great for people with smaller arms while still providing a challenge for all.

Close to a number of other courses that are a bit longer. Makes for a great round to start off the day before moving to something else, or to wind things down.

Very rocky - Don't even think about playing this course with any discs you're afraid of having beat up. The rocks will tear base plastic to shreds.

Water/Cell towers - While not really a very big con, I'm never fond of OB that you stand absolutely no chance of getting your discs back from. It would require an insanely bad shot to put a disc behind the fences around the cell/water towers, but if you do they'll be stuck behind the barbed wire topped fences for good.

The rocks hillside to the right of the fairway on #3 seems like they would have a tendency to swallow up discs on a mildly errant throw very easily.

I played this course for the first time in a one and done last weekend. It makes for a very nice quick round while still providing a nice challenge. The course is full of very rough terrain with lots of loose rocks and elevation changes....don't forget a pair of shoes with good ankle support! Overall, I really liked this course and hope to play again in the near future. I just wish it was a bit closer than the hour and 45 minutes it takes for me to get to it.

- This course has many elevation changes and a variety of holes. From #17 straight uphill through a grassy field to #4 downhill a smidgeon right, you get a good workout. My personal favorite being a lefty is #3. With a LHFH, ace run is possible from whites.

- A "Thinking person's course". You have to potentially invent some shot types if you are left with a wayward drive and awful lie. There are trees of all shapes and sizes abundant, along with drop-offs in elevation, large rocks, etc. Also, you will be required to think which lane you want to throw through, as the strokes can pile up if you plant yourself behind a cluster of trees.
- Multiple tees. If you want to crank up the challenge factor, try the reds.

- Although the fairways are tight, there are not many thorn bushes or gnarly nonsense should you go astray. The fairway width is definently fair. There is good potential to score low if you navigate the lanes that are carved out very well.

- As the title suggests, this course never gets old. Despite no water and little OB hazards (parking lot, two fenced off areas), there is enough variety with elevation changes, hyzer shots, anhyzer shots all required, some sudden drop-offs too if your disc doesn't go where you want it to.

- Very little non-discgolf encounters, besides with your occassional deer. This is for us, and us only (and the local Lehigh University ROTC on occassion does drills up there on Saturdays). Also, very well-maintaned! Hats off to the folks that take care of the course.

- Cement tees now installed. LVDC, as always, did a great job.

- Rocky terrain. I do NOT recommend attempting this course in flip flops. Wear something that will support your ankles! I find that tree stumps sometimes try to grab you, too.

- Not for big arms. I am have been playing approximately 3 months now. And, I can ace run a few a holes. But, as I mentioned in the pros, the width of the fairway is fair and there are quite a few obstacles to keep you in check.

Sitting on South Mountain in Bethlehem, PA, conveniently off of Route 378, this course has withstood the test of time and evolution of technology. I love this course and will continue to play as I am nearby. I recommend you bring a map for the first time or if you are playing the Red tees. Once you play a few times, you will be able to sleepwalk it. If anyone is ever up for a round there or is traveling through and needs a tour guide to tag along, message me! (NOTE: I have only been playing 3 months. Please treat the review as such. Thanks!) Even if I develop a longer throw (am about 250-300'), this course will still challenge me with its technical play. This is a good warm-up to Jordan or Little Lehigh to get your brain functioning, without destroying your arm.

UPDATE 8/3/10 -> Played on 8/2 on the cement tees. Absolutely amazing! I gave the course another 1/2 disc as they make the experience that much better.

Great terrain and diversity. You will learn to control your throws or the trees will get the better of you. The tees and baskets are all clearly identifiable. Variety of distances makes it easy.

Just watch for basket placement, they have moved slightly since last year. Some throws are narrow, so again control is the name of the game.

We enjoy the course, not much low brush, easily walkable, and great diversity.

Challenging holes, orange flags on top of holes to aid in locating the target. Maps are available online, and this course is very easy to navigate by your second time playing it. Benches, restrooms, and garbage cans are on the course.

Very hilly course (as it is built on a mountain) so sometimes your disc can roll far away from where you intended to throw it.

• Excellent use of elevation

• Heavily wooded/technical

• Rewards accuracy rather than power

• A number of holes have alt. tees and/or pin positions to increase challenge

• Not too tough to 'bounce back' from errant shots due to short course length

• Broken in - the layout flows for the most part, there's low disc loss probability due to lack of undergrowth, baskets are intact, there are amenities (bathrooms/pavilions/ample parking), course is regularly used & easy to get to.

• Makes for a fun, quick, easy play

• Rocky to the point of ridiculous - footing is definitely an issue (be careful in unsavory conditions and wear the proper footwear)

• May be too frustrating for some due to the terrain/heavy woods/elevation/lack of tee signs & 'next tee' directional arrows - and at the same time not nearly challenging enough for others because of lack of diversity, variation, length

• Heavily used/incredibly worn gravel tee boxes

• Neglected & deteriorating

South Mountain was my introduction to disc golf & is my 'home course' so consider me a biased reviewer.

Back when this course was first built, it was one of just a few in the Lehigh Valley. Therefore it was given great care and
well maintained by the now defunct 'Barking Spiders' disc golf club - basically some of the 'cons' listed in the reviews here were at one time 'pros' (tees, signage, etc). But that is no longer the case. As the years have rolled by and more courses have been built in the surrounding area, South Mountain has been left by the wayside. Which is a shame because I really like this course for what it is - a short, technical, heavily wooded course that for the most part flows well, plays quick and gives a decent workout due to all of the elevation changes. It also has a nice balance of left/right/straight holes and when some of the baskets are in their long or alt. positions, it can be a challenge to make par since accuracy is the name of the game here (all holes are par 3 regardless of pin placement/tees used).

For those visiting from out of town, it's easily added to a 'courses played' list with its quick, straightforward play, easy access off major roadways and close proximity to other area courses. But don't confuse this with a destination course. If you're looking to just tackle the highly rated, world class courses in the region (Nocky, Jordan, Little Lehigh, Tinicum and Blue Mountain when available) then you'd be better off skipping this one as it may disappoint in comparison. However if you're local and haven't yet discovered this course, I recommend giving it a play as it offers a unique dynamic which complements the other valley courses.

Even with the neglect, deterioration and surplus of area course choices, this place still gets a good amount of play. The 2010 Lehigh Valley Disc Golf Ice Bowl is being played there this Saturday, Jan. 30 so that may give some indication of the regard the valley players still hold for this place.

South Mountain DG will always be special for me as I remember all the good (and sometimes frustrating) times learning the game, playing with groups of friends and meeting new people. Overall I give it a 3.5 discs as my sentimental, nostalgic memories, while fading, haven't gone away entirely and I still to this day enjoy playing here.


Side note - A year or so ago, I was having a casual discussion at work with a contractor and I mentioned playing disc golf at this course. He proceeded to tell me about how, back in the early/mid 1980's, he and his buddies used to play disc golf here (with Frisbees - you know the Wham-O type) and created their own object course. He mentioned how that layout is spray-painted on the water tower at the top of the mountain (check it out if/when you play here). I just thought this was an interesting piece of history showing how people have been enjoying various mutations of DG here for some time now and encourage others to continue this tradition.

This primarily wooded course will test your technical game (be prepared to drive with mids, hit your gaps, and be able to have good long upshots from a standstill)
2 Basket locations per hole, and some holes are mutliple tee pads.
Course is for Dg'ers only
Bathrooms
A pavilion to use for relaxing, lunch, tourney

Lack of signs is the major downfall here, print out a map to have any shot. There are paths to baskets, but no "next tee" signs.
Wooded Post signs are old and sometimes show a distance to the two baskets (only one in at a time, you may see two baskets nearby, but they would be different holes, please refer to map)
Natural tee pads can be uneven

There are a lot of rocks on this mountain. While it is fairly short having 18 par 3's, it is a good workout. Bring appropriate shoes. You can get a quick round in with a buddy in just over an hour. Plenty of parking availaible and you won't have long waits on holes.

This course is very shaded, so consider this a nice alternate on hot, sunny days to a more open Little Lehigh. Hole 7 has a pro tee, and an AM marking that you might miss if you aren't looking for it that is on the pavement.
Open holes on 14, 17, and 18. 18 is a great downhill hole (I prefer the long basket) with two tee pads. It has a OB road behind the basket. Great hole to finish on (when in long). Many people play from the lot up to the Practice basket as an onofficial "19", but be careful with cars.
This course is a great compliment to the open Little Lehigh located nearby. It should be included as part of a great day of DG with Little Lehigh and Jordan Creek. If you can only play one, it shouldn't be this one (unless you really prefer wooded courses, but even than I'd suggest Jordan). If you can play several, this course goes well with all the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

Great Elevation Changes
Lots of Trees
Wild Deer and Chipmunks
Variety of Shots

Dirt Tee Pads
Rocky Terrain
Telephone Poles in Play

I use to live in this area and this was my favorite course to play. It really improved my game. If you can make it to the pin in one shot it feels truly satisfying. I currently live in central Texas and I still contemplate driving all the way up there to play this course once more. Before I die I will throw South Mountain DGC again.

South Mountain is easy to get to from two major highways, I-78 and US-22 and is right off of PA-378. Like so many of the other Lehigh Valley courses, South Mountain is a DG oasis within the urban sprawl.

Although the course is almost entirely wooded, there is enough variety to the different holes to make the course interesting. This includes some significant elevation changes as well as numerous fairway shapes.

South Mountain can be technically challenging. With the exception of two holes (maybe three), you won't be able to rip a monster drive, but you will need to use some well-thought technique to get to or under par. Once you can chase the dust bunnies out of your head and see the lines you need to throw, there are several birdie and ace runs.

Each hole averages around 300' and is a par 3 which makes South Mountain a quick play.

The concrete tee pads are in fantastic shape (with one exception) and the baskets are still holding up well. Freshly-painted tee markers help to spot the tee pads.

There are several holes where you may find yourself putting into the wrong basket or having difficulty finding the next tee box.

Although I did indicate a variety of wooded holes, and a quick play, because the hole length is roughly the the same for each hole, there is a spot of tedium by the time you get to the back nine.

If you have a big arm and like throwing for distance, this course isn't for you. If you play with finesse or you want to hone your midrange and approach game, come to South Mountain. The rugged course is a nice compliment to some of the longer courses in the Lehigh Valley and is great for fast, technically-oriented play.

risk is almost non existant once you learn the lines you need to play to get birdies, there are some alternate tees on some holes which provide completely different lines you need to play.

you need a fair amount of luck to get real close as some of the holes are about a 50/50 even if you are on your game there are to many trees on some holes but some like it some dont.

not alot of fun for starters you will spend alot of time hacking trees or sliping on rocks if you arent wearing good shoes

I live close to it. It doesn't take long to play. It's a convenient place to get a round in when you are pressed for time.
Low scores are possible. There are one or two very good holes. The long one down the powerline is very nice, as is hole #2. #16 is a fun downhiller with OB long, and #17 is a short, hard turning uphiller where a good righty two finger with something overstable works well.

Too tight for my liking. Birdies are there, but the element of luck is too predominant. Horribly rocky and very tough on plastic. That's no body's fault- It's on the top of a rocky mountain.
On the whole, either of the other two major Lehigh Valley courses, Parkway and Jordan, are a lot better.
Footing is treacherous- footwear offering ankle support is recommended.
The course was designed by newbie players, and it shows.

Not likely to make any experienced player's favorite list. But I still play here, and it's better than nothing. On further reflection, I've downgraded my rating. It's really not a very "good" course at all.