The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Allentown

There are over 10 family-friendly hiking routes around Allentown featured in this guide, ranging from easy strolls to moderately challenging paths. In total, the komoot community has mapped 14 such routes, ensuring plenty of options for families to explore the region's natural beauty.

The family-friendly trails around Allentown offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find paths winding along prominent waterways like the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, through extensive woodlands, and across open meadows. Some trails feature interesting limestone geology and picturesque views of the Lehigh Valley. Many are relatively flat, while others, particularly in areas like the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve, offer moderate elevation changes.

Yes, for families with strollers, routes like the Cedar Creek Path offer relatively flat and well-maintained surfaces, ideal for a leisurely walk. The Lehigh Parkway also features many sections suitable for strollers, allowing easy access to nature.

For shorter, easier walks perfect for young children, consider the Upper Trexler Loop, which is just over 4 km long, or the Trexler Memorial Park loop from Muhlenberg College, which is even shorter at around 2 km. These routes offer gentle paths and engaging natural surroundings without being too strenuous.

Absolutely! The Lehigh Parkway is rich with points of interest. You can explore historical elements like Bogert's Covered Bridge, or visit the Lil' Le-Hi Trout Nursery. The Trexler Nature Preserve, while not directly on a featured route in this guide, is also a great place to spot elk and bison, and features Schlicher's Covered Bridge. You can also find the Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway along many of the trails there.

Many of the trails in Allentown are dog-friendly, especially those in the Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Nature Preserve. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them. Specific regulations can vary by park, so checking local signage is recommended.

Most major parks and trailheads in Allentown, such as Lehigh Parkway, Trexler Memorial Park, and Trexler Nature Preserve, offer dedicated parking areas. For example, the Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop has several access points with parking available along the parkway.

While many trails are best accessed by car, some areas within Allentown's park system, like parts of the Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Memorial Park, may be reachable via local bus routes. We recommend checking the LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) schedules and routes for the most up-to-date public transport options to specific trailheads.

Allentown offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn is spectacular with vibrant fall foliage, especially along the Lehigh Valley trails. Summer is pleasant, though it can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Winter hiking is also possible, with trails offering a serene, snow-covered landscape.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.35 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the scenic beauty of the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, and the abundance of green space. Many appreciate the variety of trails suitable for all ages and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for family outings.

While large natural waterfalls are not a primary feature of the family-friendly trails listed, the Hassen Creek Nature Trail at Fogelsville Dam Park is known for its beautiful scenery, including a man-made waterfall. The region's limestone geology and glacial boulders, particularly in areas like the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve, offer unique natural points of interest for curious young explorers.