The Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) National Heritage Corridor’s Trail is one of the longest-spanning rail trails in the Northeastern United States. All 165 miles follow a scenic towpath, whether it parallels the Lehigh River or, once it reaches Easton, the Delaware River. The D&L Trail starts in Bristol and spans through Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
There are 40+ trail options, some including gentle, rolling hills and others are even wheelchair accessible, making the D&L Trail open to all.
The D&L Trail boasts a large variety of wildlife sightings and opportunities for birding. From bald eagles to warblers, the extensive and varied ecosystems along the D&L offer habitat for a diversity of wildlife. Along the Northern section, black bears have been spotted. And all along the D&L, travelers might spot foxes, turtles, and even minks.
The Northern section of the D&L along Bristol supports plants that thrive in more acidic, rocky soil, including mountain laurel, rhododendron, and ferns. Following the path to the Southern sections, the woodland becomes increasingly deciduous, with the canopy being made of oaks and maples.
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor was established in 1988 when congress established it as a National Heritage Area. One of 55, National Heritage Areas or NHAs are places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. The mussion continues today as the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor tells stories, educates the community, and connects people with the places that celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage.
The Corridor passes hundreds of historical sites including Bethlehem Steelstacks, the National Canal Museum at Hugh Moore Park, Lenni Lenape indigenous historical artifacts, and historic agriculture.
Wildlands Conservancy is a strong partner with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Coordor, working alongside them to protect rails-to-trails and greenways. The Delaware & Lehigh Rivers are a crucial environmental marker, and the Lehigh watershed necessitates stewardship for prestine water quality for our local communities. Wildlands is also proud to share environmental education with D&L National Heritage Corridor through the Annual Lehigh River Sojourn, in its 30th year.
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