The best traffic-free bike rides in Lehigh County

Lehigh County offers a wide selection of traffic-free gravel biking experiences, with over 20 routes specifically curated for a peaceful ride away from cars. These routes range from easy to difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels.

You'll find a diverse mix of terrain. Many routes utilize former rail-trails, offering flat, crushed stone paths ideal for smooth riding. Other trails venture into forested hillsides and river valleys, providing gentle elevation changes and scenic views. The region's landscape includes rolling farmlands, wooded areas, and river corridors like the Lehigh River and Jordan Creek.

Yes, Lehigh County has several beginner-friendly options. Many sections of the D&L Trail are relatively flat and well-maintained, perfect for those new to gravel biking. The Lehigh Parkway also offers well-maintained crushed gravel paths along the Little Lehigh River, providing a scenic and accessible ride.

Lehigh County's trails often feature beautiful natural scenery and interesting landmarks. You might encounter the picturesque Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway, explore the expansive Trexler Nature Preserve, or ride alongside the tranquil Leaser Lake. The Jordan Creek Parkway also offers scenic views along its waterways.

Absolutely. Many of the rail-trails and park paths are ideal for families, offering flat, wide surfaces away from traffic. The D&L Trail and sections of the Ironton Rail Trail are particularly popular for family outings, providing safe and enjoyable environments for riders of all ages.

Many trails in Lehigh County are dog-friendly, especially those in parks and preserves. It's always best to check specific park regulations, but generally, dogs on a leash are welcome. For example, the Trexler Nature Preserve and Lehigh Parkway are popular spots where you'll often see people enjoying the trails with their canine companions.

Parking is generally accessible at various trailheads and parks throughout Lehigh County. For instance, you can find parking at Cedar Beach Park, which provides access to trails like the Lehigh Parkway. Many rail-trail access points also have dedicated parking lots.

Yes, several excellent loop options are available. For example, the D&L Trail loop from Walnutport offers a moderate 34 km ride. Another great option is the Laubach Island – Delaware Canal State Park loop from Bethlehem, which covers about 45 km.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Lehigh County, with an average score of 4.68 stars from 40 reviews. Riders frequently praise the peaceful, traffic-free environment, the well-maintained crushed stone paths, and the beautiful scenery along rivers and through natural preserves. The variety of trails, from easy rail-trails to more challenging routes, is also a common highlight.

If you're looking for a longer ride, the Ironton Rail Trail – Views of the Lehigh River loop from Hanover Township is a challenging 103 km route. Another substantial option is the Saucon Rail Trail – Saucon Rail Trail loop from Hellertown, which spans approximately 48 km.

Yes, if you enjoy the D&L Trail, you'll likely appreciate the Saucon Rail Trail and the Ironton Rail Trail. These trails also offer extensive crushed stone paths, scenic views, and a traffic-free environment, providing a similar experience of exploring the region's natural beauty and historical corridors.