The best cycling routes in Lehigh County

The D&L Trail: Bethlehem-Easton Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding along the Lehigh River through a mix of shaded woodlands and urban landscapes. You'll pedal on a mostly crushed stone surface, tracing the path of a historic canal towpath, with views of industrial heritage like the old Bethlehem Steel stacks and natural features along the river. The route provides a unique blend of history and nature, making it a captivating ride for those who appreciate diverse scenery and a relaxed pace.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is generally accessible. While specific public transport access points aren't detailed, you can typically find parking near the trailheads in Bethlehem and Easton. This moderate 32.7 miles (52.7 km) loop, with 1155 feet (352 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 56 minutes, is well-suited for a family friendly cycling outing. Hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended due to the varied terrain.

This section of the D&L Trail is rich in historical significance, being part of the larger Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. You'll encounter historic canal locks and aqueducts, and pass by Hugh Moore Park, home to the National Canal Museum. The trail's ability to connect natural river corridors with towns like Bethlehem and Easton provides a unique perspective on the region's past and present, offering more than just a bike ride.

This touring cycling route from Bethlehem offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and tranquil river scenery. You'll start near the towering chimneys of the former Bethlehem Steel Plant, then follow the D&L Trail along the Lehigh River, transitioning into picturesque river views, wooded forests, and quaint towns as you reach the Delaware Canal State Park. The trail largely consists of crushed gravel or packed dirt towpath, with some paved sections, providing a journey through history and nature.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the route being a moderate 28.6-mile (46.1 km) loop that takes about 3 hours and 26 minutes to complete, with a gentle 438 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain. A hybrid or mountain bike is recommended due to the varied surfaces, which can include rougher patches and potential mud after rain. Numerous towns along the way offer convenient spots for food and rest.

The historical significance of this route is a major draw, tracing paths vital to the nation's industrial revolution. You'll encounter historic canal features like locks and aqueducts, and the opportunity to cross into New Jersey via bridges to connect with the D&R Canal Path adds a unique dimension. This makes it an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a ride rich in both natural beauty and historical context.

The "Views of the Lehigh River loop from Laurys Station" offers a challenging yet rewarding touring cycling experience, winding through rolling hills and alongside the scenic Lehigh River. This difficult 38.0-mile (61.2 km) loop, with its 1046 feet (319 metres) of elevation gain, will take you about 5 hours and 31 minutes to complete, immersing you in a landscape of lush farmlands, dense woodlands, and river valleys, with occasional glimpses of Blue Mountain and South Mountain. Be ready for a mix of paved and potentially unpaved, difficult sections that demand good bike handling skills.

To tackle this route, you'll need very good fitness, as the elevation gain and varied terrain make it a demanding ride. Starting from Laurys Station, plan your day to allow ample time to enjoy the journey without rushing. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the area is well-regarded by local cyclists, suggesting accessible starting points for this popular loop.

This route is part of a larger network of Lehigh County trails, many of which follow historic canal and railroad corridors, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and regional heritage. Laurys Station itself has historical significance, adding another layer of interest to your ride. It's a top choice for experienced touring cyclists seeking a substantial challenge and scenic rewards in the Lehigh Valley.

This easy touring cycling route near Allentown offers a unique blend of natural scenery and historical intrigue. You'll cycle along mostly paved surfaces, enjoying a mix of urban-adjacent and serene green spaces, with the highlight being the fascinating Ruins of pottery building. This 12.9-mile (20.7 km) loop has a gentle 302 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable ride for almost anyone, and typically takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete.

Accessing the trail is generally easy, as the wider Lehigh Valley region is known for its network of accessible paths and repurposed rail trails. While specific parking information for the starting point isn't detailed, you can usually find convenient access points in the Allentown area. This route is suitable for a casual outing, and you can enjoy it at various times of day, especially when the weather is favorable.

The trail's namesake, the Ruins of pottery building, provides a direct connection to the area's rich past, having served Moravian settlers as a pottery, and later as a cloth-making workshop and housing. This historical context, combined with the region's broader history of repurposed rail trails like the Ironton Rail Trail, makes for an engaging ride that goes beyond just exercise. It's a great option for those interested in cycling trails Allentown PA with ruins and historical sites.

If you're seeking a delightful and accessible touring cycling route, the Ironton Rail Trail – Coplay Creek loop from Northampton delivers a blend of natural beauty and industrial history. This easy 11.7-mile (18.9 km) ride, with a minimal 326 feet (99 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes just over an hour, making it perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll cruise along mostly paved paths, enjoying views of the Coplay Creek and the Lehigh River, while passing through the pleasant wooded areas of Whitehall Parkway. The route's highlight is undoubtedly the impressive 90-foot-high brick cement kilns at Saylor Park, offering a unique historical backdrop to your ride.

Accessing this popular cycling trail is convenient, with multiple parking areas available along the route, often equipped with essential amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. Given its easy difficulty and well-maintained surface, the Ironton Rail Trail is suitable for touring bikes and cyclists of all ages. While generally accessible year-round, visiting during the spring or fall can offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, making it an ideal choice for family-friendly bike trails near Northampton PA.

What truly sets this trail apart is its rich historical narrative, tracing a former railroad corridor that once transported iron ore and cement. Beyond the striking Saylor Cement Kilns, you'll encounter ruins of other historical structures, connecting you directly to the region's industrial past. The trail's flat grade and integration of historical landmarks make it a unique educational and engaging experience, distinguishing it among other cycling routes in the Lehigh Valley.