Easy hikes and walks around Allentown

Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley offer several easy hiking trails. This guide features 7 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Yes, many of the easy trails around Allentown are loops, offering a convenient way to explore without retracing your steps. For example, the Bridges Loop Trail in Lehigh Parkway is a popular choice, known for its picturesque wooden bridges.

Easy hikes in Allentown feature diverse terrain, from flat, paved paths along waterways like the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River to gentle ascents through lush wooded areas and open meadows. You'll find a mix of natural surfaces and well-maintained trails.

Absolutely. Many trails are ideal for families, offering gentle grades and scenic views. The Lehigh Parkway, with routes like the Bridges Loop Trail, is particularly popular for its accessible paths and natural beauty. Trexler Nature Preserve also offers ADA-accessible sections like the Covered Bridge Trail.

Many of Allentown's parks and preserves welcome dogs on leash. Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Nature Preserve are generally dog-friendly, offering ample space for you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors. Always check specific park regulations before you go.

The region is rich in natural beauty. Along the Little Lehigh Creek, you'll encounter picturesque wooden bridges and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) offers historical landmarks alongside the river and canal. Trexler Nature Preserve is home to elk and bison, and areas like South Mountain Preserve feature babbling brooks and diverse wildlife.

While many trailheads are best reached by car, some parks within Allentown, such as Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Memorial Park, are more centrally located and may be accessible via local bus routes. It's advisable to check LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) schedules and routes for specific trailhead access.

Most major parks and preserves offering easy hikes, such as Lehigh Parkway, Trexler Nature Preserve, and Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, provide designated parking areas. For example, Lehigh Parkway has multiple parking lots along its length, making access convenient.

The Lehigh Valley offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases spectacular fall foliage. Summer provides shaded trails in wooded areas, and even winter can be enjoyable for a crisp walk, especially on well-maintained paths.

The easy hiking trails around Allentown are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the scenic beauty of the waterways and woodlands, and the well-maintained, accessible paths that make for a relaxing outdoor experience.

Yes, the Wildlands Conservancy's Black River Sanctuary, though it features some challenging elevation, offers rewarding views of the Allentown skyline from its Horizon Trail. While not entirely 'easy' in all sections, specific viewpoints might be accessible with less strenuous effort.

Many of Allentown's parks are equipped with picnic facilities. Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Memorial Park are excellent choices, offering pleasant settings along the water or amidst green spaces where you can enjoy a meal after your easy hike.