Hiking Trails in the Lehigh Valley

1: Alpine Street, Upland, & Trout Run Trails [South Mountain Preserve, Emmaus]

Miles: 3.8-mile loop (Alpine Street Trail is 1.64-miles; Uplands Trail is 1.14-miles; Trout Run is 1.21-miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: Hiking, biking, birding, trail running, dog walking, rock climbing
Entrance: 554 Alpine St, Emmaus, PA

The 440-acre South Mountain Preserve is a go-to destination for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers with multi-use trails. It is a backyard oasis for those looking to fit a workout in and be treated to babbling brooks, spring peepers, and fox sightings while catching their breath. The 550 ft of elevation gain across this 3.8-mile loop is a sure reminder of why “Mountain” is this nature preserve’s middle name.

From the trailhead, take the middle trail of the tree to ascend the Alpine Street Trail’s switchbacks, past the mountain laurel, until about 0.7 miles in. Then, hang a right to get on the Uplands Trail. (Optional: Stay on the Alpine Street Trail to loop back and return to your vehicle.)

You’ll have reached the highest elevation on Uplands, 1.5 miles into the hike. Beautiful glacial boulders line this whole loop, but the largest of them all can be found between the Trout Run and Alpine Street Trails, around the 3-mile point. On the descent, cool down with shade cast by large canopy tulip poplars and oaks.

Over 50 years ago, a handful of forward-thinking citizens put pencil to paper to protect their beloved South Mountain and the beauty it cast upon the Lehigh Valley. In 1973, it became one of Wildlands Conservancy’s first land acquisitions and has since inspired half a century of conservation efforts.

2: Sustenance, Horizon, Spicebush Swallowtail, Queen’s Run, and Perseverance Trail Loop  [Black River Sanctuary, Bethlehem]

Distance: 1.9-mile loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: Hiking, biking, birding, trail running, dog walking, permitted archery hunting only
Hikers are advised to wear blaze orange during archery season.
Entrance: 1300 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA

This loop features two hills along the route, and hikers will encounter some moderate elevation changes. The first hill up the Sustenance Trail to the peak of Black River Sanctuary brings the Allentown skyline into view by way of the Horizon Trail. From there, descend via Spicebush Swallowtail Trail, then make your way back up on Queen’s Run Trail. Finish your descent down the Perseverance Trail to end the loop.

Cool Stuff to See: Keep an eye out on the Spicebush Swallowtail Trail for the beautiful swallowtail butterfly that depends on understory spicebush. And there’s a cool, as in “glacial” and as in “huge,” boulder about 1 mile into the hike.

Located only minutes from downtown Allentown and downtown historic Bethlehem, the Sanctuary is a convenient retreat for the Lehigh Valley community. Black River Sanctuary officially opened in October 2024, making it Wildlands Conservancy’s newest addition to natural spaces in the region.

3: Tulip, Magnolia, and Spicebush Trails [Brenner-Penfield Macungie Mountain Preserve and Reimert Memorial Bird Haven, Macungie]

Distance: 2.1-mile out and back
Difficulty: Moderate-to-Difficult
Activities: Hiking, birding, trail running, dog walking
Entrance: 6691 Sweetwood Dr, Macungie, PA

This is one hike with twice as much nature. The 47-acre Brenner-Penfield Macungie Mountain Preserve and 11-acre Reimert Memorial Bird Haven are connected via the Tulip Trail on this out and back. Expect two steady climbs and descents over the mountain; the challenging elevation is well worth it for the view at the top.

Cool Stuff to See: In the fall and winter, the trail becomes a prime leaf-peeping destination. But it isn’t just a scenic destination – it’s also the site of a beloved local tradition.

For the last 96 years, families have gathered here every Thanksgiving to make the annual trek to sheep rock (found at 0.7 miles into the hike).

Along the way, squeeze between giant boulders with ease. You’ll likely have the trails to yourself with minimal crowds at this location.

4: Klines Lane Trail [South Mountain Preserve, Emmaus]

Distance: 1.4-mile out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Activities: Hiking, biking, birding, trail running, dog walking
Entrance: 1 White Oak Lane, Emmaus, PA

This short trail adds a pristine retreat to your day, whether it’s before or after work, or even a peaceful break during your lunch. The Klines Lane Trail offers a welcome bit of movement of any kind: a quick run, bike ride, or simple stroll to catch your breath.

Its smooth, flat gravel and boardwalk terrains are stroller-friendly and perfect for a relaxed walk with little ones.

5: Red, White, Orange, and Blue Trails [Burkhart Preserve, Emmaus]

Distance: 1.1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Activities: Hiking, birding, trail running, dog walking
Entrance: 4950 South Mountain Drive Emmaus, PA

Find this rustic loop at the B. Leeroy and Elizabeth Burkhart Preserve for a quick retreat to nature. Its gentle wooded hills and narrow trails are maintained in a more natural condition, making it a convenient trip into the woods for trail runners and dog walkers. From the parking lot, follow the red blazes for 0.1 miles. Take a right to follow the white trail markers for 0.1 miles, then find the Orange Trail for 0.4 miles before getting back on the Red Trail for 0.2 miles. Finish the loop with the Blue Trail.

Pro Tip: To navigate the intertwined trails, use the AllTrails app for real-time location and directions.

Cool Stuff to See: The plant life and wildlife here are like those of Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve. The tall tree canopy offers shade for hikers and habitat for birds. Keep your eyes and ears open for great horned owls, Cooper’s hawks, and pileated woodpeckers!

BONUS: Whitetail, Golden-Winged, and Flying Squirrel Trail [Thomas Darling Preserve, Poconos]

Distance: 2.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Hiking, birding, trail running, dog walking, permitted hunting only
Hikers are advised to wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Entrance: 606 PA-940 Pocono Lake, PA 18347

From the parking lot, take the Whitetail Trail to start your adventure through coniferous wetlands and evergreen. The habitat along the Golden-Winged Trail is managed for migratory birds, especially the threatened golden-winged warbler, making it a sought-after destination for birders.

The nesting boxes along this loop might be mistaken for birdhouses, but they are for habitat restoration efforts focused on the at-risk northern flying squirrels, hence the name “Flying Squirrel Trail” that finishes this loop.

The 1,400+ acre Thomsas Darling Preserve is Wildlands Conservancy’s largest nature preserve. It is a testament to collaboration in conservation, with parcels owned by The Nature Conservancy and Tobyhanna Township and managed in part by Wildlands.