The best gravel rides in Lehigh County

Lehigh County offers nearly 30 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes, with the majority being moderate, providing a good balance for most riders.

You can expect a diverse landscape, from rocky and wooded hillsides to fertile farmlands and scenic river valleys. The region features prominent waterways like the Lehigh River and its tributaries, offering varied backdrops. Trails often follow former railway lines, providing relatively flat sections, while other routes climb into the South and Lehigh Mountains for more challenging terrain.

Yes, Lehigh County has several options suitable for families. The extensive network of rail-trails, such as sections of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) and the Ironton Rail Trail, are generally flatter and well-maintained, making them ideal for a leisurely family ride. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the Saucon Rail Trail – Saucon Rail Trail loop from Upper Saucon.

Many gravel routes in Lehigh County are designed as loops. For example, the D&L Trail loop from Walnutport offers a moderate ride along the historic D&L Trail. Another option is the D&L Trail loop from Northampton, which also provides a circular experience.

Lehigh County's trails often run alongside the Lehigh River and its tributaries, offering beautiful water views. You can also explore areas like the Trexler Nature Preserve, which provides stunning vistas of the Lehigh Valley. The Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway are also a notable sight along some routes.

Absolutely. Many routes follow river valleys, and some pass by lakes. For instance, the Hanover Canal Park – Laubach Island loop from Northampton will take you near Catasauqua Lake at Hanover Canal Park. You can also find trails around Leaser Lake Park, which has its own dedicated Leaser Lake Trail.

The gravel biking routes in Lehigh County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained rail-trails, and the scenic beauty along the rivers and through wooded areas.

Yes, for more experienced riders, Lehigh County offers several difficult routes. The Ironton Rail Trail – Views of the Lehigh River loop from Hanover Township is a longer, more challenging option. Another difficult route is the Views of the Lehigh River – Buttermilk Falls loop from Walnutport, which includes significant elevation changes.

Lehigh County offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, making them ideal. Summer can be warm but is still popular, especially on shaded trails. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice, particularly on less-maintained paths.

Yes, many popular trailheads and parks in Lehigh County offer dedicated parking. For example, Cedar Beach Park is a known parking spot, and larger preserves like Trexler Nature Preserve also provide facilities for visitors accessing the trails.

Absolutely. Lehigh County is rich in history, and many gravel routes, especially those along the D&L Trail, follow historic canal and railway corridors. You can encounter landmarks like the Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway or visit the Haines Mill Park and Museum, which are accessible from some routes.

Yes, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) is a significant feature, offering 165 miles of trail that stretches beyond Lehigh County. You can access various loops from within the county, such as the Laubach Island – Delaware Canal State Park loop from Bethlehem, which connects to parts of this extensive trail system.