The best cycling routes in Northampton 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 36.3-mile difficult touring cycling loop combines the Paulinskill Valley Trail with the dramatic landscapes of the Delaware Water Gap.

If you're looking for a relaxed touring cycling route with a mix of nature and art, the Binney and Smith Preserve loop from Palmer Township is a great pick. This moderate 11.7-mile (18.8 km) ride takes you along the perimeter of the preserve, offering picturesque views of the Bushkill Creek and a forested, streamside environment. You'll also encounter unique sculptures along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, adding an unexpected cultural dimension to your journey.

This accessible route, with just 585 feet (178 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it ideal for a leisurely spin. The trail is mostly paved and flat, suitable for touring cyclists of all abilities. Parking is available at various points along the interconnected Palmer Township Recreation Trail, which forms part of this loop.

The Binney and Smith Preserve itself is a vital wildlife habitat, acting as a floodplain and riparian buffer to the Bushkill Creek. Cycling its perimeter allows you to appreciate this natural setting, home to diverse plant life and species like blue herons and bald eagles. The trail system is part of a larger network, offering many miles of path for extended exploration in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

This easy touring cycling route around Bethlehem offers a unique blend of historical exploration and scenic riding. You'll likely pedal along sections of the Delaware & Lehigh Canal Trail, catching glimpses of the historic Bethlehem Steel site and the impressive SteelStacks, or enjoy the peaceful Monocacy Creek on the Monocacy Way Trail. The route is designed for a relaxed pace, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Bethlehem's industrial and Moravian past, including the intriguing pottery ruins.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available in downtown Bethlehem. Since the route is easy and relatively short at 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with only 239 feet (73 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can easily combine it with exploring the Colonial Industrial Quarter on foot. Aim for a clear day in spring or fall to make the most of the pleasant weather and historical stops.

The Moravian pottery, whose ruins are a focal point, was a significant colonial American enterprise, producing essential items from red clay. This route offers a chance to connect with that rich history, providing a different perspective on the city's heritage than a typical sightseeing tour. It's a great option for those interested in Bethlehem cycling points of interest and a gentle ride.

The Laubach Island loop from Freemansburg offers a charming touring cycling experience along the Lehigh River, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue. You'll ride past the still waters of the old Lehigh Canal system and the vegetated shoreline of Laubach Island itself, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting. The terrain varies from paved sections to natural surfaces with roots and rocks, particularly on the 1.5-mile stretch from Freemansburg to Farmersville Road, adding a bit of character to this easy 11.5-mile (18.5 km) route.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with the Freemansburg Trailhead acting as a key access point. This route is part of the larger D&L Trail network, making it easy to connect to other areas. The Freemansburg Canal Education Center at Lock 44 is a notable historical attraction right on the route, offering insights into the canal's past. Given the gentle 269 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 32 minutes, it's a perfect choice for a leisurely ride.

This loop is a segment of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, rich in history and natural charm. Laubach Island itself was settled in the 1740s, and the trail provides glimpses into the region's industrial past, including views of the historical Bethlehem Steel site across the river. It's a great way to explore the area's heritage while enjoying a pleasant and accessible touring cycling route.

The Billy's Downtown Diner – Delaware Canal State Park loop from Easton offers a delightful touring cycling experience along the historic Delaware Canal Towpath. You'll glide along a predominantly flat surface of crushed stone and packed dirt, enjoying picturesque riverside landscapes and tree-lined paths. Look for historic canal locks and aqueducts that dot the route, providing glimpses into the region's past while you cycle. This easy 9.7-mile (15.6 km) route with only 354 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain is perfect for a leisurely ride, taking approximately 58 minutes to complete.

For planning your visit, consider that the Delaware Canal State Park cycling terrain can be varied; while mostly smooth, some sections may have exposed tree roots, so checking trail conditions before riding is advisable. Parking access points for Delaware Canal State Park bike trail near Easton are plentiful, and the trail's multi-use nature means you'll find amenities like restrooms and picnic areas in nearby towns. This route is particularly enjoyable during spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant.

This loop is a key section of the much larger Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail system, offering rich historical significance as it follows the route once used by mules to pull cargo boats. The interconnectedness of the Delaware Canal State Park trail allows for various looping opportunities, making it a versatile choice for cyclists. It's an excellent option for family friendly cycling near Easton PA, providing a blend of natural beauty and historical context without being overly strenuous.