Trek the Trails of Lehigh Valley

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.