Trek the Trails of Lehigh Valley
Carly Busfield • Content Developer
Tucked away in the heart of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, hidden among the hills, rugged hiking trails await exploration. The winding paths are shaded by towering trees, and the adventurous can face a variety of obstacles due to the varied terrain.
The Lehigh Valley area is full of stunning nature views and hiking trails, filling the area with a lot of outdoor eye candy. Hikers discover a calm haven from the busyness of daily life. Many locals of the Lehigh Valley have formed organizations and hosted outdoor-based activities throughout the area. These activities include hiking, biking, walking, kayaking, and more in nature.
The difficulty level of trails in the Lehigh Valley varies, from pleasant walks appropriate for beginners to tough routes appealing to more seasoned hikers and adventure seekers. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, this diverse location has a trail for everyone's ability level and preferences.
The Lehigh Gap Trails, located near the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania, are a popular network of hiking trails with a variety of routes and difficulty levels. With trails flowing through forests and mountainous terrain, they offer magnificent views and chances for outdoor enthusiasts to appreciate nature.
Trail Guide:
Read this Trail Guide to find hiking routes ranging from levels of difficulty, length, and kid-friendly. These trekking spots lay scattered across the Lehigh Valley, all unique from one another with ranging beautiful, natural beauty.
EASY:
- Henry’s Woods Trail
Where: Jacobsburg State Park
Length: 1-2 miles
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Explore the 1.6-mile loop trail in the vicinity of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. It takes an average of 35 minutes to complete and is generally regarded as an easy route. This is a major attraction of Jacobsburg State Park; it's only a short drive from the significant Pennsylvanian cities of Bethlehem, Easton, and Allentown. You will probably meet other visitors while exploring this popular walking, jogging, and hiking route. It is lovely to explore at any time of year and is open year-round. Dogs are allowed, however they need to be kept leashed.
- D&L Trail via Farmersville Road
Where: Bethlehem, PA
Length: About 5 miles
Kid-Friendly: Yes
See the various birds soar around this out-and-back trail near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It takes about an hour and a half to accomplish this route. This is a popular track for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still find privacy during the quieter times of day. The optimum months to visit this trail are April to September.
- Ironton Rail Trail
Where: Coplay, PA
Length:12-13 miles
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Visit Coplay's Ironton Rail Trail, which is roughly 13 miles long.This is ideal for a brief jaunt or a run through the woods near a lake, as well as some parks with pavement or gravel surfaces. This is a great spot for bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking. The best months to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but they must be leashed.
MODERATE:
- Bethlehem South Mountain Loop
Where: South Mountain Park
Length: 3-4 miles
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Explore a loop track that runs across Lehigh University's two mountains, which is perfect for mountain bikers and popular with locals. The paths provide stunning hiking options and are rich with local flora and trees. This unmarked trail is accessible year-round and features a visible walkway for the majority of the journey.
- Alpine Street, Upland, Trout Run Trail Loop
Where: South Mountain Preserve
Length: about 4 miles
Kid-Friendly: No
This loop includes the Alpine Street Trail, Upland Trail, Trout Run Trail and Alpine Street Trail.The route is mostly wooded and crosses over some small streams. The best views are from the point where the trail travels through a power line clear cut area. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
- Trexler Border Trail
Where: Trexler Nature Reserve
Length: about 9 miles
Kid-Friendly: No
The border trail traverses hilly terrain, passing through forests and large open meadows, with some breathtaking views along the way. This reserve provides tranquil routes and different habitats for a calm escape into nature's splendor. This trail is located in the Trexler Nature Reserve, near Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. It is typically regarded as a moderately difficult route and is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, as well as mountain biking.
HARD:
- Haycock Mountain via Top Rock Trail
Where: State Game Lands 157
Length: 1-2 miles
Kid-Friendly: No
This is a shorter, but challenging route near Kintnersville, Pennsylvania with winding through woods and large diabase boulders, which radiate from volcanic rock. Ideal for visits from April to October, dogs are welcome, with some areas allowing them off-leash.
- Highlands Trail: Riegelsville to New York Border
Where: Riegelsville, PA
Length: about 124 miles
Kid-Friendly: No
The Highlands Trail spans 150 miles from Storm King Mountain in New York to Riegelsville in New Jersey, connecting scenic areas in both states. It is ideal for hiking, birding, and camping, and provides seclusion from the outside world.
SHARE WITH FRIENDS !
Don't Stop There...Check Out More Of Social Guides Content!
