The best walks and hikes in Northampton County

Northampton County offers a diverse selection of over 25 hiking routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find everything from easy strolls to more moderate day hikes, with 18 routes classified as easy and 9 as moderate.

Yes, Northampton County has many easy trails perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Graver Arboretum loop — Northampton County is a gentle path through beautiful plant collections. Another great option is the Minsi Lake Nature Trail loop — Stroudsburg, which offers scenic views around the lake.

Yes, several trails in Northampton County offer circular routes. The Graver Arboretum loop — Northampton County and the Minsi Lake Nature Trail loop — Stroudsburg are both excellent examples of circular paths, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Northampton County's trails showcase a rich variety of landscapes. You can expect to see winding rivers like the Delaware and Lehigh, lush forests, and tranquil lakes such as Minsi Lake. Trails near Blue Mountain and South Mountain offer expansive views, while areas like Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge provide diverse habitats for wildlife.

Absolutely. The region is rich in history, particularly along the Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) Trail, which traces the historic route coal took from mine to market. The Karl Stirner Arts Trail — Easton also offers a unique blend of art installations and natural scenery along Bushkill Creek.

While hiking in Northampton County, you can explore several interesting attractions. The Bethlehem Steel Plant offers a glimpse into industrial heritage, and the Delaware Canal State Park provides scenic canal-side walks. You might also encounter the Jacobsburg Creek in Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, a beautiful natural feature.

Many trails in Northampton County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, trails in state parks and county parks, like those found in Jacobsburg State Park or along the Nor-Bath Trail, welcome leashed dogs. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.

While many trailheads are best reached by car, some areas within Northampton County's more urban centers, like Bethlehem or Easton, may have trails with closer access to public transport routes. For example, the Monocacy Way to Monocacy Park Complex — Bethlehem is located within the city and might be more accessible.

Most major trailheads and parks in Northampton County offer designated parking areas. For instance, Gollub Park provides parking for access to trails with views of the Delaware River. Wy-Hit-Tuk Park and Wayne A. Grube Memorial Park also serve as trailheads with parking for the D&L Trail and Nor-Bath Trail, respectively. County parks generally have ample parking facilities.

The hiking experience in Northampton County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from peaceful river valleys to scenic mountain views, and appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for various ability levels.

Yes, for those seeking a longer or more challenging experience, Northampton County offers moderate trails. The Appalachian Trail — Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge provides a significant challenge with notable elevation changes. Another option is the Jacobsburg State Park loop — Easton, which is a moderate 7.7-mile route through forests and along Bushkill Creek.

Absolutely. Northampton County is defined by its waterways. You can hike along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers on sections of the D&L Trail, or explore trails alongside Bushkill Creek in Jacobsburg State Park. The Minsi Lake Nature Trail loop — Stroudsburg offers beautiful views around the 117-acre Minsi Lake.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for hiking in Northampton County. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, while fall offers stunning foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but be prepared for warmer weather and potential humidity. Winter hiking is also possible, especially on lower elevation trails, but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions.