D&L Trail: Bethlehem-Easton Loop

The trail primarily features a crushed stone or crushed cinder surface, with some paved sections near Easton. While generally smooth, you might encounter occasional rough patches. As it follows historic canal towpaths and railbeds, the grades are typically gentle, making for a comfortable ride.

This touring bicycle route typically takes around 3 hours and 56 minutes to complete. This duration is for the full 52.65 km (approximately 32.7 miles) loop, assuming a moderate pace.

Yes, this section of the D&L Trail is generally considered to be of relaxed difficulty, making it suitable for most active participants, beginners, and families. The gentle grades, characteristic of canal towpaths and railbeds, avoid steep climbs.

Ample parking is available at various trailheads along the route. Popular access points include Allentown Lehigh Canal Park and Bethlehem Sand Island. These locations offer convenient starting points for your ride.

You'll experience a blend of woodland and urban scenery, with the picturesque Lehigh River on one side and the historic Lehigh Canal on the other. Highlights include views of the iconic Bethlehem Steel stacks, now a cultural hub, and parks like Hugh Moore Park in Easton and Sand Island in Bethlehem. The route also passes through sections of Delaware Canal State Park.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the D&L Trail, which is part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. It's free for public use.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the D&L Trail. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash at all times and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

Spring and fall are often considered the best times to cycle the D&L Trail. The weather is usually mild, and the scenery is vibrant with spring blooms or autumn foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures and potential humidity.

Yes, this route incorporates significant sections of the D&L Trail and the Two Rivers Trailway. It also briefly connects with the 9-11 Trail (Pennsylvania thru route) and the South Bethlehem Greenway, offering opportunities to explore further.

Yes, particularly within the parks along the trail, such as Hugh Moore Park and Sand Island, you can find amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and restroom facilities. The trail also connects to the cities of Bethlehem and Easton, providing access to urban services.

The trail follows the historic Lehigh Canal, so you'll encounter remnants of 19th-century industrial history, including canal locks, locktender's houses, and ruins of gristmills. Hugh Moore Park is home to the National Canal Museum, and the Freemansburg Canal Education Center is another notable historical site.