Pocono Northeast
NEW YORK/PHILADELPHIA METROPOLITAN AREA
OPEN SPACE RESOURCE LIBRARY
POCONO NORTHEAST
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CARBON COUNTY
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
Member run and managed
Acreage: 750
Map: http://lgnc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/LGNCtrail-map.jpg
Parking:
Osprey House, Paint Mill Road: Lat 40°47'3.75"N Long 75°36'33.39"W
Along D&L Trail, north side: Lat 40°47'21.59"N Long 75°39'9.76"W
End of Pine Tree Lane: Lat 40°47'12.52"N Long 75°39'15.09"W
Trails:
Note that trails are both in Lehigh and Carbon County.
Lehigh and New England Trail: 2.75 miles. This trail begins at the Osprey House and climbs on a narrow track to the bed of the old LNE railroad, abandoned in 1962. The former trestle site offers outstanding views, as does most of the rail bed north and west. The trail continues to the preserve boundary to the west. For more, see Long Distance Trails: Lehigh and New England Railroad.
Woodpecker Trail: 0.25 mile. The Woodpecker Trail connects the Prairie Warbler Loop at the tree line above the Osprey House and the Appalachian Trail.
Charcoal Trail: 3/4 mile. This trail connects the Prairie Grass Trail with the North Trail in State Game Lands 217. It follows an old charcoal road route used by the colliers of the past. The trail passes by charcoal hearths.
North Trail: blue blazed. See Lehigh County, State Game Lands
D&L Trail: A section of this long trail passes through the preserve on the abandoned right of way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. See Long Distance Trails.
Bobolink Trail: 0.12 mile. This trail connects D&L Trail with LNE Trail.
Prairie Warbler Loop Trail: 0.2 mile. This short trail passes below transmission lines and offers Lehigh River views, as well as of the Osprey House.
Prairie Grass Trail: 0.75 mile. The trail connects the Charcoal Trail with the Chestnut Oak Trail and the LNE Trail. It passes through an area where the edge of Blue Mountain had been denuded of vegetation due to the zinc smelting in nearby Palmerton. In the early 2000s, this area was planted with warm season grasses to help restore it to it's natural state.
Three Ponds Trail: 0.25 mile. This trail can be a bit confusing because it connects with the D&L Trail in three places, and once with the LNE Trail. It is sometimes wet, and mostly level except the route to the LNE Trail. Avoid the cabin to the west which is private land.
Chestnut Oak Trail: 0.5 mile. This steep trail connects the Prairie Grass Trail with the Double G Loop Trail, and passes through dense Chestnut Oak. These trees have become very rare, though they once dominated the hardwood forests of the northeast.
Double G Loop Trail: 0.5 mile. This trail forms a loop off of the LNE Trail and makes a connection with the Chestnut Oak Trail. It is probably the most wooded trail in Lehigh Gap Nature Center, climbing above Interstate 476 near the Lehigh Tunnel.
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State Game Lands 168
Managed by PA Fish and Game Commission
Acreage: ?
Parking:
Gravel road on rail bed off Rt 248 (Northampton County): Lat 40°46'59.98"N Long 75°36'15.52"W
Trails:
Appalachian Trail: A portion of the famous AT runs through SGL 168. It follows mostly ridge top except for descents in Wind Gap, Little Gap, and Lehigh Gap. Probably the most scenic point on the PA Appalachian Trail is Lehigh Gap where the past zinc smelting has denuded Blue Mountain of trees, allowing for unobscured views. See Long Distance Trails.
Winter Trail: 2.1 miles, blue blazed. This trail is named probably for it's safer bypass to the AT during times of snow and ice. The AT heading up from Lehigh Gap would have extreme exposure in adverse weather. A fantastic short loop can be made with the AT and Winter Trail. From the AT on top of Blue Mountain, Winter Trail descends with a bit more tree cover, following in part an old woods road. It too has open views making it an interesting route. It switches back on a path of talus slope, and is reminiscent of trails out west. It passes an old spring house before reaching an abandoned spur of the Lehigh and New England Railroad. It turns left on the rail bed and follows it to the former site of the Lehigh Gap Trestle, where the LNE main line crossed. The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is in view across the river, as well as portions of the former Lehigh Canal below. The trail follows the rail bed back to the parking area, and is sometimes wet.
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State Game Lands 217
Managed by PA Game Commission
Acreage:
Parking:
Along Rt 873 (Lehigh Co): Lat 40°46'52.33"N Long 75°36'31.41"W
Lehigh Furnace Gap Road: Lat: 40°46'10.70"N Long: 75°41'38.57"W
Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blazed. A section of the AT runs through SGL 217 from Lehigh Gap to near the Berks County line. Some sections are rather boring, with more incredible features being off the trail, while others, mainly to the west such as Bake Oven Knob, the Cliffs, and Baer Rocks are fantastic. See Long Distance Trails.
North Trail: 1.5 miles, blue blazed. See Lehigh County State Game Lands 217
LEHIGH COUNTY
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
Managed by
Acreage: 750
Map: http://lgnc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/LGNCtrail-map.jpg
Parking:
Osprey House, Paint Mill Road: Lat 40°47'3.75"N Long 75°36'33.39"W
Trails:
Note; for more of the trails, see Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Carbon County.
Lehigh and New England Trail: The trail begins at the Osprey House and makes it's way up hill on a narrow track to reach the old railroad bed of the LNE line, abandoned in 1962. It continues into Carbon County to the preserve boundary. See Long Distance Trails: Lehigh and New England Railroad for more.
Prairie Warbler Loop Trail: 0.2 mile. This short trail passes below transmission lines and offers Lehigh River views, as well as of the Osprey House.
Woodpecker Trail: 0.25 mile. The Woodpecker Trail connects the Prairie Warbler Loop at the tree line above the Osprey House and the Appalachian Trail.
Charcoal Trail: 3/4 mile. This trail connects the Prairie Grass Trail with the North Trail in State Game Lands 217. It follows an old charcoal road route used by the colliers of the past. The trail passes by charcoal hearths.
North Trail: 1.5 miles, blue blazed. See Lehigh County, State Game Lands
D&L Trail: A section of this long trail passes through the preserve on the abandoned right of way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. See Long Distance Trails.
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State Game Lands 217
Managed by PA Game Commission
Acreage:
(to get to the second map, click on "217A")
Parking
Lehigh Furnace Gap Road: Lat: 40°46'10.70"N Long: 75°41'38.57"W
Trails:
North Trail (Blue blazed): This incredibly scenic trail breaks away from the Appalachian Trail on it's ascent heading southbound from Lehigh Gap. The Appalachian Trail in the section ahead is overall boring, but the North Trail make's it's way over to the north face of the ridge where zinc smelting in Palmerton PA have denuded that side of the mountain of trees. After passing the Devil's Pulpit spur trail, North Trail continues along the ridge offering views of Palmerton, Bowmanstown, the Lehigh River, and the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension exiting from the Lehigh Tunnel. The trail continues with non stop views until it turns off to the left to rejoin the AT near signal towers.
South Trail (Blue blazed): This scenic bypass to the south of the Appalachian Trail offers a more interesting alternative to the AT between Lehigh Furnace Gap and the North Trail junction. While there are are some views, they are not as widespread as those offered on North Trail. Still, the trail is an outstanding route, though much more time consuming than the AT. Hiking over the exposed rocks between blueberry bushes and other scrubby plants may make hikers forget they are in Pennsylvania. Often loose rocks are the only shortfall of this trail.
Devil's Pulpit Trail (Blue blazed, 0.5 mile): This short spur trail leads steeply down hill from North Trail to an outstanding vista into the heart of Lehigh Gap. Visible in the foreground is the former LNE trestle site that once spanned the gap, the river and former Lehigh Canal, Rt 248 with it's bi-level, the railroad tracks, and beyond toward Palmerton. Some old maps show Devil's Pulpit Trail continuing down the steep slope of talus to the LNE Trail, but following this route is extremely dangerous.
MONROE COUNTY
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Cherry Valley extends along the north of the Kittatinny Ridge in its first section within Pennsylvania. Announced in 2008, no land had been bought. It is understood that land has since been acquired, but little can be found regarding where or how to visit. Merits further research.
Website with info: http://www.fws.gov/cherryvalley/index.html
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Managed by National Park Service
Acreage:
Map: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/kittatinny-trails-map
Map: www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/upload/cmsstgDVRR.pdf
Trails:
Railway Avenue: In 1901, a railroad line known as Delaware Valley Railroad was constructed from East Stroudsburg to Bushkill. Originally intended to extend to Port Jervis and other lines, it was never completed beyond Turn Store in Bushkill PA (the foundation for the railroad station is in Delaware Water Gap NRA to the left of Bushkill Road just off of Rt 209). Never a big money maker, passenger service ceased in 1929, and remaining freight service dwindled until 1938 when it was abandoned. Today, much of the right of way is within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Beginning on Creek Road, Railway Avenue is a former street that led to the tracks. Ten homes once stood on this former street, but all were razed due to the Tocks Island Dam project. The trail reaches the old rail line and then turns left, and follows it back to Creek Road. To the north of Railway Ave, the right of way is overgrown and leads to a former bridge site over Little Bushkill Creek. A deteriorating abutment remains. To the south, the right of way is obliterated by Creek Road, but then continues straight where Creek Road continues off to the right. It runs through dense woods, but the mounds where the ties were still exist and are recognizable. Following the rail bed will lead to the former site of a trestle that spanned the Bushkill Creek. Very little of the right of way is hikable to the south. It passes through quarried areas, through the Werry Lake Development, and once passed beneath Rt 209 (the former bridge site has remaining concrete, and is filled in). It then paralleled 209 south to the Marshall's Creek Flea Market, where some of the right of way is visible along the southbound side of the road. Other sections are now parts of golf courses, ir strips, municipal roads, and more. We may present a more detailed guide to this rail line in the future.
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Glen Park
Managed by Stroudsburg
Acreage: ?
Map: http://gnebs1.tripod.com/Glen_Park.htm
Parking
Off of Collins Street: Lat: 40°59'1.82"N Long: 75°10'57.02"W
Trails
There are several trails that loop around through Glen Park, a popular spot with Mountain Bikers. All hikers should use extreme caution because mountain bikers move at fast speed. Please keep out of their way as they approach, and be alert when walking down hill for them approaching from behind.
A section of the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railroad right of way passes through Glen Park. This is the same rail bed that makes up Paulins Kill Valley Trail and Karamac Trail in NJ. It leads along the glen above Brodhead Creek, with Godfrey Ridge high above to the right, to the site of a former trestle that carried the rail line high above the valley.
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Stroud Region Levee Trail
Managed by Stroudsburg
Master plan Map: http://www.srosrc.org/LeveeLoopMasterplan.pdf
Parking: Parking is best from the Wal Mart parking lot of East Stroudsburg. There are many access points to this trail system, but none quite so convenient: Lat: 40°59'31.12"N Long: 75°11'5.53"W
Following the disastrous flood of 1955 Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg installed an enormous amount of levees to protect against future floods.
Some sections of the Levee Trail are open and already in use as a trail, while others have fences across them. The best section currently is along the east shore of Brodhead Creek north of the Main Street bridge. It leads to the East Stroudsburg Senior High School. It is possible to continue walking the creek from here north to Yetter Park.
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NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
Bear Swamp Archery Complex:
Managed by Northampton County
Acreage: 180
Trails
Elevated Trail: This trail leads across Lake Minsi Drive and onto the former Lehigh and New England Railroad right of way. It then descends and heads out to an excellent half mile lollipop loop boardwalk trail.
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Bicentennial Park
Managed by ?
Acreage: ?
Map: None found
Parking:
Park West Lane off Colony Drive: Lat 40°41'6.42"N Long 75°26'27.83"W
Park West Lane, second lot: Lat 40°41'11.51"N Long 75°26'14.00"W
Liberty Lane, off Hanover Street: Lat 40°41'15.03"N Long 75°26'2.95"W
Trails:
There are paved trails through this park leading through open fields and making connection with the Nor Bath Trail which skirts it's northern boundary.
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Northampton County Section)
Managed by National Park Service
Maps: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/kittatinny-trails-map
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/upload/sbHikes.pdf
Trails:
Appalachian Trail: (See Long Distance Trails: Appalachian Trail )
Resort Point Trail (blue blazed) This official AT side trail does not bear a name on the maps, however I refer to it as "Resort Point Trail" because of it's terminus. Resort Point is built on the location of the famous "Kittatinny House", one of the most beautiful and grandiose mansions of the Delaware Water Gap's hay-day. The parking lot still has the concrete base of the fountain where the coaches once pulled up to the building. Caldeno Creek flowed through the kitchen of the building, and some of that foundation structure is still visible just below the lot. The incredible Lower Caldeno Falls cascades below the parking lot, but is visible only from the railroad tracks. Resort Point Trail crosses Rt 611 and ascends on stone steps along Caldeno Creek (wrongly labeled "Caledonia Creek" on most maps, the name is the amalgam of the names of three explorers who first discovered it). The trail turns left away from the creek along a secondary ridge shelf to join the Appalachian Trail. Side trails lead from this trail to the outlet of Lake Lenape at Mt. Minsi Fire Road, and past foundations to the AT near the parking lot on Mountain Road.
Totts Gap Road: This abandoned, former cross mountain road has been closed from the ridge top to National Park Drive on the south side of the Kittatinny Ridge. It's route is badly washed out by can be hiked. A short distance south from the Appalachian Trail it passes by Totts Gap Cave. Two stories exist regarding the origin of this cave. One states that a prospector shot gold dust from a rifle into the rocks to justify a search for the precious stone here, and the second and more likely story was that it was a dynamite test caved used by Ingersoll-Rand.
Slateford Farm Trail:
Map: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/upload/sb1XCTrails.pdf
This trail is vaguely marked with different colored diamonds, and makes it's way around the edge of the historic Slateford Farm property. It connects on it's eastern side with Arrow Island Trail. To the western side, there are odd blazes and obscure routes.
Arrow Island Trail: (white blazed, .9 miles) Arrow Island Trail begins at the Arrow Island Overlook along PA Rt 611. It travels west, heading up hill past an abandoned slate quarry, then terminates at a small parking area on National Park Drive. It connects with the Slateford Farm Trails near the western terminus.
Mt. Minsi Fire Road: This unblazed fire road begins at the Mountain Road parking lot in Delaware Water Gap, PA, and ascends Mt Minsi in a more gradual route, reconnecting with the AT near to the top. The Mt. Minsi Fire Road can be used to make a good loop with the AT. Along the route, the road passes a former native american rock shelter. Several other side roads and trails connect with the AT to make shorter loops near Eureka Creek, Resort Point, and a wetland meadow that used to be Lake Latini. Table Rock Trail also breaks off of this woods road.
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Easton Bike Path/Lehigh Valley Railroad Trail:
Managed by ?
Acreage:
Trails:
See Lower Mount Bethel Township Trail Unblazed. This trail begins on Bushkill Drive, near the Rt 22 underpass. This was a former depot area for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The trail follows the railroad right of way under Rt 22. Then, the bike path turns left over a bridge toward Easton Cemetery. The railroad bed can still be followed ahead for a short distance until businesses are built over it. The bike path turns abruptly right after crossing the cemetery bridge. To the left, a roadway leads up hill to the Easton Cemetery, which has nine miles of roads itself according to a caretaker (this does not count the adjacent Easton Heights Cemetery). The bike path turns right and follows a former roadway on the south side of Bushkill Creek, parallel with Rt 22. The former Lehigh Valley Railroad crosses Bushkill Creek on an undecked girder trestle and rejoins the bike path out to North 13th Street where it currently ends. The railroad continued ahead, but is now within a fenced industrial site. A left turn on 13th Street and another right on Wood Ave leads to Lower Hackett Park where more trails exist.
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Forks Township Recreation Trails
Managed by Forks Township
Mileage: 2.00 (rail trail). Over six possible one way.
Parking: There is very little parking for the rail trail, unfortunately. On street parking must be sought at either end.
This short rail trail is constructed on the mostly abandoned Uhler Branch of the Lehigh and New England Railroad abandoned in 1969. At the southern end of the trail, there are other paths which lead on through developments that could make for longer trips. The longest of the possible routes are described here.
From north to south, the trail begins at Frutchey Hill Road, where there is a very nice old girder trestle over the road and creek. It could make an excellent trail bridge if decked, but for now is is closed off with chain link fences. To the north, the rail bed continues a bit over a half mile to Mud Run Road, which the railroad once crossed on a trestle. Only once section of the trestle is still in place, sitting on a pier. The other half which crossed the road must have been removed for vehicle clearance. Just beyond that site, the railroad becomes active as part of Con-Agra and continues to Martins Creek Junction where it joins the former Lackawanna Railroad.
Trail:
0.00 The trail from Frutchey Hill Road climbs a set of steps from the roadside steeply to the old rail bed. It then follows a shelf high above the Delaware River and Rt 611 below, offering nice seasonal views.
0.75 The trail, after skirting fields only to the right, now follows a line of trees with fields on both sides.
0.32 The trail crosses Winchester Drive and enters a residential development with a golf course off to the left.
1.42 Cross Long Drive.
1.71 The trail crosses Ramblewood Drive. It then arcs away from the rail bed briefly.
1.85 Cross Brinker Lane in the middle of a residential development.
2.00 The trail ends at Winchester Drive. The railroad once continued out to cross Newlins Road, and then has been farmed out of existence through fields. The right of way becomes very overgrown in more fields beyond, and then becomes an active line again, a spur to the Forks Township Industrial Complex. It remains active to Stockertown where it joins other lines. Although this is the end of the official Forks Twp. Recreation Trail, the following is a recommended route to extend your hike or bike trip:
2:00 Turn left on Winchester Drive.
2.08 Turn left onto Scheffield Drive.
2.20 A path through the development cuts away from the road to the right. Turn here.
2.35 Path turns left.
2.42 Meet another path coming in from the right. Turn hard right on the other path and cross Vista Court. The path ahead continues south to Frost Hollow Road.
2.52 Cross Lower Way followed by Middle Way and Upper Way.
2.67 Reach another fork in the paths. To the right, the path leads to fields, possible future development. Follow it to the left parallel once again with Winchester Way.
2.77 Path turns away from Winchester Way skirting ball field, then cross Vista Drive.
2.92 The path crosses Richmond Road and enters fields.
3.00 The path diverges once again. To the left, it dead ends at Park Ridge Drive. Continue straight with a parking lot on the right.
Parking coordinates off of Appian Way: Lat: 40°43'36.91"N Long: 75°13'14.17"W
3.20 After passing a ball field, the trail turns hard left to the south.
3.48 After passing near more homes, the path ends at Meco Road. Turn right onto the road.
3.57 Cross Sullivan Trail, a main road. Continue on Meco Road.
3.63 Another development trail crosses the road here.
OPTION #1
Turn right on the path, which soon makes a hard left turn at 3.70 miles. Continue in an open area between developments.
4.03 Reach Wagon Wheel Drive. Continue across.
4.15 Another path intersection. To the left, the path dead ends at Meco Road. Turn right and pass a stand of trees.
4.28 Turn hard left near homes. Path ahead ends at Ben Jon Road. The path skirts homes followed by town houses.
4.77 Reach Kesslerville Road. Turn left. The path follows the road.
4.90 Reach Bushkill Drive. Cross and turn left on the road. Watch traffic. Parallel Bushkill Creek.
4.97 Reach Penn's Grant Path, which follows an old road. Turn left.
5.00 Cross Bushkill Creek on an old bridge. Just ahead, Penns Grant Path crosses the Palmer Bikeway, a long rail trail connecting the Easton area with Tatamy, PA.
OPTION #2
From mile 3.63 above; turn left on development path and continue south with homes both left and right.
3.90 Cross Zucksville Road. Enter Forks Twp. Community Park. Continue parallel with a ball field access road and around a parking lot.
Community Park lot coordinates: Lat: 40°43'3.04"N Long: 75°13'31.41"W
4.08 Intersect with another trail. It does not matter whether you turn right or left. The path makes a perimeter around Forks Community Park. For the purposes of this guide, mileage will follow the nicer left fork to the east.
4.30 The trail passes tennis courts. It passes more parking at 4.36.
4.40 Turn left skirting a line of trees along the south side of Community Park. Another path to the left crosses a road and ends at the buildings to the left in 0.17 mile.
4.60 The path rejoins with the west fork. Continue straight leaving Community Park. Pass between lines of homes.
4.80 Cross Wagon Wheel Drive and skirt a retention pond.
4.97 Reach the corner of Hedgerow Court and Heather Lane. The trail parallels Heather Lane west. Skirt another retention pond to the north.
5.15 Reach Mitman Road. From here, there are two more options.
OPTION #3
Turn left on Mitman Road.
5.40 Cross Arndt Road. Continue on Mitman Road. A few more paved paths are to the east at a school, but are rather insignificant from a greenway standpoint.
5.67 Mitman Road makes a ninety degree angle left. It then begins to descend.
5.92. Reach Bushkill Drive. Carefully cross, then cross a bridge over Bushkill Creek to a bar and restaurant area on the other side. Turn right through the parking lot parallel with the creek.
6.05 End of the parking lot. Continue on a path that soon joins the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right of way. Continue on the rail bed along Bushkill Creek upstream.
6.43 Reach the developed trail. Ahead, the trail ends, but is planned to continue north to join the Palmer Bikeway. To the left, the trail leads into Hackett Park. (See Wilson Bikeway on this page)
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Forks Township Community Park
Managed by Forks Township
Acreage:
Trails:
Perimeter Trail: This paved trail simply follows the perimeter of Forks Community Park.
(See Forks Twp Recreation Trails on this page)
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Gertrude B. Fox County Park
Managed by Northampton County
Acreage: ?
Map: None found
Parking: ?
Trails:
Other than a few informal trails along Monocacy Creek, we haven't seen anything. Informal paths lead from the former Lehigh and New England Railroad tracks, but it is difficult to access much of this park because it is caked between the tracks to the south and Rt 22 to the north.
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Hackett Park:
Managed by ?
Acreage: ?
This park is separated into two sections, Upper and Lower. It has ball fields, as well as the Wilson Bike Path.
Wilson Bike Path (Unblazed): This trail follows mostly the former right of way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad from the northern part of Easton south to 25th Street Area, Wilson. The trail's northern terminus is on Edgewood Avenue just west of it's intersection with Bushkill Drive. The trail follows the abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad briefly, and then turns right, gradually heading up hill into Hackett Park. The rail bed can be followed ahead to some businesses across from Bushkill Drive to the south, which have their own bridge over the creek. The trail follows the higher route away from the rail bed to avoid passing through a large industry.
After entering Hackett Park, the trail follows an open field, then turns left through a line of trees parallel with Hackett Ave, through a Frisbee Golf course. It then crosses Hackett Ave and follows an old road down hill. It switches back, continues to descend, and then crosses Rt 22 on a pedestrian bridge. After crossing, it passes through the open area of Lower Hackett Park. The trail then turns right to parallel Wood Ave before crossing it, and regaining the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right of way.
Soon, the trail crosses Northampton Street near a Taco Bell restaurant, then passes the former Dixie Cup factory. The trail soon reaches 25th Street, where a narrow girder bridge once carried the railroad across. Now, the trail descends and turns slightly to the right, around a Walgreens that has been built on the former railroad. The trail continues shortly to cross William Penn Highway and pass behind the Home Depot. Ahead, it connects with the Palmer Rail Trail, which departs to the right, and continues to the Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail. The Wilson Bike Path continues from here south, with an access to Tamlynn Court, and then crosses Freemansburg Ave. It continues on the other side a short distance to end at 25th Street.
The former Lehigh Valley Railroad bed continues on to the east from here, but is not developed as a trail. It is extremely difficult to follow due to heavy brush, and very dangerous as it crosses undecked bridges, and passes along the edge of a high wall. The line joins the Lehigh Valley main line after crossing an incredible curving half mile long trestle over the Lehigh. Please do not trespass.
Trail:
0.00 Beginning at Edgewood Ave across from a commercial building, the trail starts. To the north, the abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad right of way is not yet developed, but is proposed as a trail. It is only 1.1 mile north of this point.
0.08 The trail turns right and ascends the hillside to Hackett Park. The rail bed ahead leads a short distance to another access point at a restaurant. It is cut off beyond because it goes through an industrial site blocked by chain link fences.
0.20 The trail enters an open area in Hackett Park.
0.35 The trail arcs to the left through a line of shrubs. It then takes a sweeping route along the Frisbee Golf course toward Hackett Ave.
0.60 Reach Hackett Ave. The trail crosses at a parking area and descends slightly. It follows an older paved road, so the surface may not look the same.
0.70 Near a dirt refuse dump area, the trail makes a hard left turn and continues down hill.
0.90 Another hairpin turn
1.00 Cross Rt 22 on a pedestrian overpass. Beyond, the trail makes some hard turns and heads south toward Wood Ave on an access road. Parking area on the right.
1.15 The trail turns left and parallels Wood Ave.
1.30 The trail crosses Wood Ave on an angle and begins to ascend back to the old Lehigh Valley Railroad right of way. There is access to the municipal park off of Northampton Street ahead. After regaining the railroad bed, the trail curves high above Wood Ave.
1.70 The trail comes out at the rear parking lot of a distribution center for bread.
1.80 Cross Northampton Street. There is a Taco Bell on the right. The trail continues through an urban setting. The famous Dixie Cup Factory, now abandoned will be on the left, with it's signature Dixie Cup still on top.
2.12 The trail descends from the rail bed and reaches 25th Street. The girder bridge over 25th Street was removed around 2003. Cross 25th street and follow the paved path to the right of the Walgreens.
2.25 Reach Easton Ave and cross. The paved trail continues on the other side. It passes behind a large box store on the left.
2.45 Reach a trail junction with another paved trail: This Palmer-Bethlehem rail trail follows a branch of the former Central Railroad of NJ and connects with it's former main line, as well as the Lehigh Canal Trail, which is part of the larger D&L Trail.
2.58 Another side path to the right allows access from a development. The path weaves from the rail bed ahead a bit.
2.70 Regain the railroad bed.
2.85 Cross Freemansburg Ave. There is a nice little burger place to the left.
3.00 End of the trail. The rail bed ahead continues, badly overgrown and washed out. It also crosses large, dangerous undecked bridges. Despite all of this, it is proposed to be extended as a rail trail, which will include a half mile long trestle to South Easton. We are awaiting further information regarding this development.
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Lower Mount Bethel Trail
Mileage: 4.85
This trail connects the little community of Del Haven with Lower Mount Bethel Park in Riverton PA. It makes a connection with the Tekening Preserve of Martins Creek PP&L. The surface is crushed stone except for the section in Tekening, and it is mostly unmarked, save for the occasional sign.
Southern terminus parking
Lat: 40°46'55.52"N
Long: 75° 7'59.81"W
The parking area is located at the corner of Bush Drive and McDermott Road in Del Haven, just south of Riverton PA.
Trail:
0.00 The trail begins at the northeast corner of the parking area, at the ball fields in Del Haven. It heads out to the north of the fields, past a shed.
0.16 Reach and cross Del Haven Road. The trail turns left and parallels the road closely along open fields.
0.35 The trail crosses the entrance to a farm road, then continues under the shade of some trees along Del Haven Road.
0.55 The trail crosses a paved driveway and continues, more out in the open.
0.80 The trail turns sharp to the right where Del Haven Road reaches Belvidere-Martins Creek Highway. It now begins to parallel that road along open fields.
1.15 The trail, still parallel with the highway, passes by a farmstead. After crossing it's access road, continue along a line of trees, still along the highway.
1.40 The trail begins to turn away from the highway into the fields to the right.
1.50 The trail crosses over several sections of puncheons, set where run off may occur from the fields to the right.
1.70 Enter the woods and begin to descend.
1.75 The trail crosses a brook. The dept changes very much from season to season. Concrete cylinders have been erected in the water to allow for hikers to hop across. During flood level waters, this section of trail may be impassable. After crossing, gradually climb through scrubby succession area.
1.85 After the trail levels off a bit, it turns slightly left through open area.
2.10 Cross an access road. This open section of the trail offers views of the Martins Creek PP&L plant. Many mistake this as a nuclear facility due to the large cooling towers, but it is not. Nuclear reactors would be housed in round, smaller structures, not cooling towers.
2.25 The trail comes very closely parallel to Depues Road. To the right, this road leads to PP&L's boat launch for the Delaware River, which is below Foul Rift.
2.45 After a sweeping turn in the road and trail, both reach the intersection with Foul Rift Road. The trail crosses the road, and parallels it to the right. It soon enters a section of woods along the road.
2.80 For the purposes of this guide, the mileage will continue along the Woodland Trail to Scenic River Trail. Head into the woods, and turn right on the blue blazes at just over 3 miles. Descend and follow the trail past rock outcroppings and overlook deck. See Tekening Preserve for more details.
4.65 After turning away from the Delaware River, the Lower Mount Bethel Trail turns right at an opening away from the blue blazed Scenic River Trail, to the edge of a field.
4.75 The trail turns right from the field into the woods and descends. Continuing straight along the field leads to a visitor's center (not often open) 0.1 mile ahead, run by Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. Restrooms available.
4.80 The trail reaches Lower Mount Bethel Township Park where there is parking at 4.85 miles and ball fields.
(Lat: 40°49'33.10"N, Long: 75° 5'15.42"W)
From Lower Mount Bethel Township Park in Riverton, the Belvidere Riverton Free Bridge is only 0.2 miles away, which has an excellent pedestrian walkway. The bridge was opened in 1903 after the "Pumkin Flood" which destroyed the original covered bridge.
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Martins Creek Preserve/Tekening Preserve
Managed by Pennsylvania Power and Light
Acreage:
Map: http://www.pplweb.com/NR/rdonlyres/D7742BA7-CFBD-4697-BBFF-47710BECA1D9/0/mc_trail_map.gif
Parking, Belvidere-Martins Creek Highway:
Lat: 40°49'29.74"N
Long: 75° 5'27.82"W
Parking, Foul Rift Road:
Lat: 40°48'11.21"N
Long: 75° 6'26.72"W
Fantastic little park along the Delaware River bluffs above Foul Rift.
Trails
Ridge Trail (orange blazed non standard metal markers 1.3 miles): Ridge Trail begins from the Scenic River Trail a short distance from the parking lot on Belvidere-Martins Creek Highway, to the right. It passes through young successional forest followed by fields. Some visible fields may be in cultivation, but the ones closest to the trail are growing over with low lying scrubby vegetation. The trail passes by stone rows, and makes it's way onto a nice ridge with winter views down toward the Delaware. In the warmer months, wine berries are plentiful on this trail, as well as the yellow flowers of jewel weed.
The trail descends over rolling terrain with some nice water bars in place, and terminates at the red blazed woodland trail.
Scenic River Trail (blue non standard metal blazes, 2.1 miles): From the main parking area on Belvidere-Martins Creek Rd, Scenic River Trail follows a wide old woods road. Ridge Trail (orange) breaks off to the right, and the unmarked connector trail to Lower Mt. Bethel Township Park leads to the left. The trail then descends slightly and follows a high shelf along stone rows above the Delaware River. It continues south as the bluffs grow much higher. Two connector trails lead to the right to make possible shorter loop hikes while the trail follows the river. Scenic River Trail crosses a very nice wooden foot bridge over a small tributary, and continues south. The Delaware River grows more turbulent as it enters Foul Rift, considered by many to be the most dangerous point on the Delaware. During the American Revolution, a general by the name of Hoops, ironically, installed metal rings into the edge of the cliffs for boats to hook onto, in an effort to make the Delaware more navigable. Some of their remnants can still be found, but climbing down these cliffs is dangerous and not advisable.
The trail continues along the river until reaching a wonderful view point down stream of Foul Rift, the Martins Creek power plant (actually in Roxburg area). It then turns into a more rocky foot path as it turns away from the river. It passes through rocky outcroppings, and a side path leads down to a vernal pool lined with stones. Woodland Trail joins from the right, followed by Yellow Trail before the Scenic River Trail ends at a parking lot along Foul Rift Road.
Woodland Trail (red blazed non standard, 0.9 mile): This short trail makes it's way through some young forest near to fields, but out of sight from them. It follows pretty level terrain to the Scenic River Trail (blue), and continues out to the parking area on Foul Rift Road at the pavilion.
Yellow Trail: This short trail breaks away from Woodland Trail to continue through former farm lands, and rejoins the other trails after passing some very large rock outcroppings.
Lower Mount Bethel Trail: Tekening Preserve makes up the center section of this longer trail which connects other area park lands. (See Lower Mount Bethel Trail on this page)
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Meuser Park:
Managed by ?
Acreage: ?
This small park on Northampton Street has a few paved paths. It is also skirted by the Wilson Bike Path. (see Hackett Park on this page)
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Minsi Lake Wilderness Area:
Managed by Northampton County
Acreage: 300
Trails:
South Dam: While not an official trail, hikers will find it interesting and beautiful walking along the south dam of Minsi Lake. The route offers breathtaking views of the Kirkridge section of the Kittatinny Ridge and the Nelson Vista on the Appalachian Trail, as well as wonderful views of the lake.
Lehigh and New England Railroad bed/East Shore Drive: This road was built on the former Lehigh and New England Railroad (1886-1962), and can be used to close a loop hike around Minsi Lake from the western parking lot to the eastern, in conjunction with a short road walk on Lake Minsi Drive to the south dam.
Trail along north shore: A trail leaves from the western boat launch and connects to the eastern boat launch, with a spur trail leading south to the lake mid way. Another spur trail leads north out to a road.
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Mt. Bethel Fens Preserve:
Managed by The Nature Conservancy
Acreage: 2000
Preserve located off of Million Dollar Highway. Part of the former Lehigh and New England Railroad follows the north boundary.
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Nor-Bath Trail
Managed by Northampton County
Mileage:
Map: None found
Parking:
Along Clear Springs Drive, western terminus: Lat 40°41'2.82"N Long 75°29'4.86"W
10th Street: Lat 40°41'19.55"N Long 75°28'11.79"W
Bicentennial Park, Park West Lane: Lat 40°41'11.51"N Long 75°26'14.00"W
Bicentennial Park, Liberty Lane, off Hanover Street: Lat 40°41'15.03"N Long 75°26'2.95"W
Near ball field, Jacksonville Road: Lat 40°42'21.57"N Long 75°24'23.97"W
Keystone Park, Bath PA one mile north of trail terminus. No other trails here: Lat 40°43'26.31"N Long 75°23'47.13"W
This trail follows the abandoned Northampton and Bath Railroad between in's namesake towns. The line was seven miles long, and one of the ones abandoned shortly after becoming part of Conrail in the late 70s. It was purchased by Northampton County for use as a park in 1979.
Description:
0.00 For our purposes, the mileage begins at a parking area along the north side of Clear Springs Drive. There is no parking directly at the trail head a short distance away. Also, it is possible to reach in a very short distance the D&L Trail. The two nearly connect. To get there, simply follow Clear Springs Drive south to Lerchenmiller Drive. It is possible to stay off of the road, on wide grassy swaths or through parking lots for safety. Turn left on Main Street in 0.4 mile, then right on Tenth Street under the railroad tracks. The road turns ninety degrees to the right where there is a tiny parking lot and access to the D&L Trail 0.6 miles from the parking area on Clear Springs Drive.
To begin the Nor Bath Trail, cross Clear Springs Drive carefully and walk the grassy swath on the other side. The former Nor Bath Railroad, tracks still in place, is to the right. It is still used here as an industrial spur, which ends just a head.
0.10 Reach the formal beginning of the Nor Bath Trail. Turn right across the tracks and into some woods. The first section of this trail bears little resemblence to a railroad, and probably deviates from the right of way. The trail is paved and parallels the road.
0.47 Access point to the road on the left
0.64 The trail curves to the left and crosses a new development. It follows the edge of the street as a blacktop sidewalk, and crosses a second road.
0.80 Cross Phyllese Drive and enter tree line, leaving the development
1.02 The trail reaches a parking area for a small park and then crosses 10th Street. The trail has changed from pavement to crushed stone and enters more rural settings.
1.30 Farm land on the left, new development on the right
1.55 An access trail leads to the south to some new ball fields and such. It's length has not yet been scouted by Metrotrails.
1.95 Cross East Bullshead Road on a rehabilitated old railroad bridge
2.05 Cross a farm lane
2.28 Cross Weaversville Road.
2.57 Park on the right
2.90 Paved connector trail to the right leads into the park where there is parking and restrooms seasonally
3.38 The trail continues in a line of trees with expansive fields both north and south
3.90 Some sort of commercial site on the right
4.18 Cross Rt 987 at grade. Use caution. The trail continues northeast through more farmland expanse.
4.78 Cross Rt 329, Jacksonville Road. The trail parallels Rt 987, Nor Bath Road on the left.
4.93 Baseball diamond on right of trail
5.27 Here is an access road to a large industrial quarry site on the right. The trail has become less used in this area, and here just sort of disappears without even a sign. There are plans to extend the trail to the town of Bath, not far away. It was here that the Nor Bath Railroad made it's connection with a branch of the Lehigh and New England Railroad. From Bath south, this line is still active for freight to Bethlehem, following the valley of the Monocacy Creek all the way. Following Rt 987, it is one mile further to the town of Bath, passing the quarry operations.
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Palmer Bikeway
Managed by Palmer Township
Mileage:
Parking
Tatamy, northern terminus on Uhler Rd: Lat: 40°44'31.64"N Long: 75°15'0.53"W
This rail trail follows closely to the Bushkill Creek through Palmer Township. Although the trail officially ends in Bushkill Park to the south, it is only a short distance to the Wilson Bike Path to the south. Similarly, another trail can be picked up just north of Tatamy in Stockertown, and can be hiked eight miles north to Pen Argyl.
The trail follows the abandoned right of way of one of the Lehigh Valley Railroad's branch to Stockertown. The usually paved surface of the trail can be a bit much at times, but it's pretty well done.
Trail:
0.00 The trail begins on the corner of Uhler Road/Main Street and Bushkill Street in Tatamy.
0.17 The trail leaves the railroad bed to the left around the outside of an industrial site.
0.35 The trail regains the railroad right of way.
0.43 Cross Bushkill Street and continue parallel with a driveway.
0.53 The driveway turns away as the trail continues along Bushkill Creek.
0.77 Cross Water Wheel Lane in a new development. There is a recreation area and more parking available here. The trail continues in an open area below the homes.
Parking GPS: Lat: 40°43'47.11"N Long: 75°14'48.65"W
0.98 Cross Newlins Mill Road
1.10 After passing the abandoned former alignment of Newlins Mill Road, the rail bed is on a high shelf above the Bushkill Creek and is very scenic. To the right, there will be evidence of old roads and quarrying above the rail bed. An old bridge crosses the creek in this area and is dangerously undecked. Please keep off.
1.60 Palmer Bikeway crosses Penn's Grant Path in Penn's Grant Park. It leads to Bushkill Drive to the left, and to the right out to residential areas. Soon cross a small bridge over a tributary.
1.94 Cross Stocker Mill Road.
2.00 Pass a very pretty private property on the right.
2.40 Pass a small dam on Bushkill Creek on the left of the trail. The trail then ends at Penn Pump Park. Parking at Penn Pump: Lat 40°42'35.11"N: Long: 75°14'49.63"W
Although the Palmer Bikeway ends here, the rail bed continues south. It is proposed to continue the trail south to join with the Wilson Bike Path into Easton area. We present the mileage along the rail bed in hopes that it will soon be developed. The rail bed ahead is overgrown, parallel with Penn Pump Park, which is nicely mowed.
2.70 A path connects the rail bed with Penn Pump Park at the site of a trestle over Bushkill Creek. The trestle has no deck, but railroad ties are in good shape.
3.07 After skirting the backs of many back yards, the rail bed crosses Bushkill Park Drive and immediately crosses another bridge over Bushkill Creek. The right of way continues through pleasant woods.
3.38 The rail bed emerges onto the parking lot of a commercial building and continues across. Railroad rails are still visible in some places through the pavement.
3.55 Edgewood Ave. Across the right of way is now the northern terminus of the Wilson Bike Path.
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Palmer-Bethlehem Rail Trail/Old CNJ
Managed by Palmer Township
Mileage:
Map: http://www.palmertwp.com/boards/recreation/bikepath/BikePathMap.pdf
Parking
The nearest easy parking to the east end of this trail is the Home Depot of Easton:
Lat: 40°40'44.59"N Long: 75°14'53.11"W
This trail follows the abandoned Central Railroad of NJ right of way from the Wilson Bike Path near the Home Depot to the Lehigh Canal and D&L Trail.
Trail:
0.00 The trail begins near the former junction between the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the CNJ. At the beginning, it does not follow the rail bed, but rather is just north of it. You will notice the trail goes up hill slightly.
0.43 Cross Milford Street. Family Thrift Store is just to the right, and is one of the best thrift stores in the area. Pay a visit!
0.60 Cross Greenwood Ave
0.87 Cross Mine Lane Road and skirt a park on the left. The rail bed is on a low fill above the park.
1.27 Stones Crossing. Cross the road and continue.
1.50 Cross Center Ave and continue through residential areas. The trail begins to turn to the left.
2.05 Access to Hodle Ave on the right.
2.20 The trail crosses Freemansburg Ave on a bridge. The character of the trail changes from suburban sprawl to agricultural abruptly!
2.54 Cross a farm lane and parallel Hope Road. The rail bed is in trees with fields to the left.
2.95 Pass under Rt 33.
3.15 The rail bed is on a very nice shady shelf above Hope Road. It is a significant difference from both the suburban and agricultural character earlier along the trail. The trail also noticeably loses elevation here.
3.60 After more curves, the trail passes under Rt 33 again, this way beneath a very high bridge that spans the Lehigh Valley.
4.00 Split in the trail. There are two alternatives. Straight ahead, the trail leads to the former junction site with the main line of the Central Railroad of NJ at 4.38 miles. To the left, the trail leads to a cul de sac at the end at 4.18 miles, the end of Stones Crossing Road.
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Penn's Grant Park
Managed by
Parking: On street
Trail:
Penn's Grant Path: This trail connects Bushkill Drive and the Palmer Bikeway with Corriere Drive or Tatamy Road. It crosses a bridge over Bushkill Creek, then weaves it's way up hill to access points of the park.
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Pen Argyl Trail
Unknown maintenance
Mileage: ?
One of the few things to break the monotony along the Appalachian Trail between Wind Gap and the Wolf Rocks is a strange metal sign which simply reads "Lost? Pen Argyl" with an arrow pointing at this obscure trail.
The trail leads up hill from the AT to the south, and is sporadically blazed in different colors. It makes it's way to the Blue Mountain Water Company Road (which also crosses the AT further west) and seems to end. A closer look reveals a trail continues down the slope from the road. It continues to descend along side of a spring. The trail ends behind a water tower on Reservoir Ave, near the corner of Robinson Ave in Pen Argyl, PA.
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Plainfield Township Trail
Managed by Plainfield Township
Mileage: 7.00
Parking
North end Buss Street, between Pen Argyl and Wind Gap: Lat: 40°51'33.55"N Long: 75°16'20.01"W
South end Belfast Junction: Lat: 40°45'58.11"N Long: 75°16'17.32"W
Except for the northern end, this trail follows the abandoned right of way of the Bangor and Portland Railroad, part of the Lackawanna Railroad system. This line was in service from 1880 until 1981.
Trail, North to South
0.00 The trail begins at a very inconspicuous and unmarked parking area along Buss Street, about a block off of Rt 512. It enters the woods and turns right on a crushed stone path. It then turns right and heads south, skirting homes on the right.
0.50 Pass near to quarries. There are old signs in this vicinity that warn of trucks crossing, though it appears as though nothing of the sort has happened in many years.
0.70 The trail reaches the old railroad bed. To the north, the rail bed terminates where it's cut has been filled over with rock and debris. Continue on the rail bed south.
0.97 Cross a utility right of way. Notice as you walk the small stream that gathers along the edge of the rail bed and continues to grow. This is the head waters of the Bushkill Creek. If the missing sections of trail were completed in Palmer, and between Stockertown and Tatamy, it would be possible to follow the Bushkill Creek all the way from it's headwaters to the confluence with the Delaware.
1.30 Cross Grand Central Road.
2.00 Cross Delabole Road. Although the Bushkill Creek looks inviting to sit beside, signage prohibits this, as it is on private land.
2.25 Cross another small Road.
2.55 Cross Knitters Hill Road.
2.70 Pass beneath overhead wires and enter dense woods.
3.07 Come out of woods, and skirt open areas on the right.
3.35 Cross Getz Road.
3.57 Cross a utility right of way.
4.00 Pass beneath more overhead wires and enter woods.
4.37 Cross Jones Hill Road.
4.82 The trail passes beneath Rt 191. This is obviously a new bridge, because it would certainly not have allowed for a locomotive to pass beneath. On the south side of the bridge there is an interesting metal sculpture on a private lawn.
5.53 Cross Engler Road. The trail is paved to Belfast.
6.15 Cross and run closely parallel with Gall Road.
6.60 Bushkill Creek is far below the rail bed shelf. Fences line the left side of the trail. At one point, the creek is some seventy feet below the grade of the trail!
7.00 After reaching the parking area, with a doorway opening to the trail, reach Rt 191. The Stockertown rail trail begins directly across the street to the left (another rail line continued off to the right, but it becomes active shortly ahead) and can be combined with Plainfield Twp. Trail for an eight mile route.
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Riverside and Columbus Park, and the Forks
Managed by City of Easton
Acreage:
Parking
Along Larry Holmes Drive, on the river side: Lat: 40°41'25.79"N Long: 75°12'18.49"W
Trails: From the parking area, paved paths lead both north and south along the Delaware. To the north, the upper path dead ends on Larry Holmes Drive and the sidwalk near the Free Bridge. The lower path leads down below the Northampton Street Free Bridge and continues into Columbus Park where a large statue of Christopher Columbus stands. It then passes a very nice amphitheatre and heads out to the roadways below the Rt 22/Bushkill Street Bridge.The north facing walkway across Rt 22 can be walked, and offers a nice view of the narrows north of Phillipsburg, as well as Getters Island.
To the south, the paths lead along the river to an excellent lookout point of the forks where the Delaware and Lehigh converge. The dam on the Lehigh was originally to provide slack water to the Lehigh Canal. Across the river is visible the Morris Canal Arch where boats would have begun their voyage to Jersey City. A wooden dam across the Delaware once provided enough slack water to pull boats across. The lock for the southbound Delaware Canal is in plain sight, where boats would have begun their journey to tide water at Bristol some sixty miles south.
When developed, these paths will provide part of the route for the Warren Highlands Trail (under development) to reconnect with the main Highlands Trail (which is to follow Delaware and Lehigh Canals, the D&L Trail here) after separating in Allamuchy Mountain State Park in NJ.
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Roseto Memorial Park
Managed by Boro of Roseto
This small "pocket park" has a winding paved path along a very short section of the Lehigh and New England Railroad only a couple hundred feet long. This section was a steep grade line that ran to the Lackawanna line in Bangor from the LNE main line at Bangor Junction just to the north. Much of this former line is now Rt 191 to the south. It diverges from the road again in Bangor, where coal chutes are still visible as it passes through a bank parking lot.
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State Game Lands 168
Managed by PA Game Commission
Acreage:
Map: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_126465_11363_0_43/zoom_maps.aspx?sgl=168&rgn=Southeast&addl_map=SGL_168 (for the other half of the map, click on 168a)
Parking
AT parking WIlkes Barre Tpk, Wind Gap: Lat: 40°51'38.43"N Long: 75°17'33.39"W
Trails:
Appalachian Trail: See Long Distance Trails
Delps Trail: blue blazed.
Winter Trail: blue blazed.
Katellan Trail (Blue blazed): This trail connects the Appalachian Trail with Old Grade Road making possible loop hikes.
Lehigh and New England Railroad Bed: A section of this former railroad line is walkable in State Game Lands from Wind Gap where a road is built over it to Old Grade Road in Katellan.
Lehigh and New England Saylorsburg Branch: Once a spur from the LNE, it breaks away from the former main line just west of Wind Gap and climbs gradually to the edge of Rt 33 where there is a bit of a view. Much of the route ahead is obliterated, but a few sections are recognizable.
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Stockertown Rail Trail
Managed by Boro of Stockertown
Mileage: 1.00
Parking
Lincoln School Park: Lat: 40°45'16.64"N Long: 75°15'46.08"W
Belfast Junction on Rt 191: Lat: 40°45'58.11"N Long: 75°16'17.32"W
Trail:
This rail trail runs from Lincoln School Park north to Belfast Junction, where begins the Plainfield Township Rail Trail. It is rather undeveloped, but all open and very nice to walk.
0.00 Lincoln School Park at Center Street, Stockertown.
0.10 The trail leaves Lincoln School Park. It soon runs parallel with Railroad Alley.
0.30 Cross Industrial Blvd. Use caution. Large building to the left, residential to the right ahead.
0.45 cross an open area.
0.55 The trail comes close to the end of a cul de sac, Ariel Ct.
0.67 Cross a dirt and gravel drive at an angle.
0.86 Devery's Pub and Grill on the right. The parking lot nearly touches the trail. A good place for a lunch stop.
1.00 Reach Rt 191. Across the street was the former site of Belfast Junction, now a parking area for the rail trails.
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PIKE COUNTY
Delaware Water Gap Natrional Recreation Area
Managed by National Park Service
Acreage:
Maps: http://www.nynjtc.org/product/kittatinny-trails-map
George W. Childs Recreation Site (Childs Park): This former Pennsylvania State Park has been annexed to Delaware Water Gap NRA. It was closed from 2011-2012 for repairs.
Trails:
Two trails make their way up and down Dingmans Creek through Childs Park, passing different vantage point of three amazing waterfalls: Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. Well-graded trails follow board walks, cross bridges, and lead to picnic sites. There is an old cemetery across the road from the entrance, and the ruins of the Brooks Mill near Factory Falls. Joseph Brooks, a Welch immigrant, had constructed the old mill in 1826 and employed as many as eighty workers at the site. Unfortunately, like much of the Poconos, the site proved not to be profitable, and the mill was abandoned upon Brooks' death in 1832 and it fell into ruins.
An unmarked and unofficial trail leaves Childs Park area and follows Dingman's Creek down stream to Dingman's Falls. It can be sometimes difficult (see description under Dingman’s Falls on this page)
Dingman's Falls Trail: This short trail leads from the visitor's center along an elevated boardwalk (handicap accessible) past Silver Thread Falls. It continues along the creek to the spectacular Dingman's Falls. From the base of the falls, the trail climbs via stairs up through the gorge, past a small tributary waterfalls, and to the top of Dingman's Falls where it officially ends at an overlook. A smaller falls cascades just above Dingman's Falls.
There is an unmarked and unofficial trail that continues north along the creek from here. It passes through Hemlock forests and reaches the abandoned Doodle Hollow Road. The road is open to the right up hill to Silver Lake Road, and there is parking along the creek here. To the left it is abandoned, and a foot bridge crosses where the former road bridge once was. The unofficial trail continues along the creek north, sometimes with steep ledges to the right. The trail crosses paved county Route 2001 and continues to Childs Park. Old maps show this trail going through, but National Park Service does not encourage people to hike this route.
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