The D&L Blog

Written By Rayne Schnabel and Silas Chamberlin

On October 7, sixteen of the Moravian Hall Square “Happy Hikers” got their tails on the trail, during a morning walk on the newest section of the D&L Trail in Carbon County.  This 1.4-mile section links Lehigh Gorge State Park with downtown historic Jim Thorpe, where there were plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy after the trip.

The Happy Hikers and their mascot, Mya, pose at the Nesquehoning Trestle.

On the morning of the walk, the steep slopes of the Lehigh Gorge were bursting with deep oranges and reds and framed the swiftly-running waters of the river.  The weather was crisp but just right for walking.  Along for the journey was honorary Happy Hiker, Mya, a collie who always enjoys the outdoors but was especially happy to tag along for this nice walk, and  Rayne Schnabel, the D&L’s Director of Advancement & Administration, who was glad to spend some time on the tail with her mother, her puppy, and this fun group of trail walkers.

The Nesquehoning Trestle offers views of Lehigh Gorge and, in the distance, Historic Jim Thorpe.

A highlight of this section was the Nesquehoning Trestle pedestrian bridge, which crosses the river just south of Glen Onoko.  As the hikers crossed the trestle, everyone was mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the gorge and the river below.  Gloria Roberts, a member of the group, said she was thrilled to be on the recently completed trail section.  She and the other Happy Hikers looked forward to lunch and shopping in Jim Thorpe after their walk.

The Happy Hikers ended their walk in Historic Jim Thorpe.

“The trail transitioned very nicely from the Glen Onoko park into Jim Thorpe.  The walk was very scenic, level, and a suitable distance with restroom facilities.  Fall foliage was at its peak, and we ended in town for a rewarding lunch at Molly McGuire’s Pub,” says Amy Baskar, who is in charge of planning Moravian Hall Square’s fitness activities. “We had a beautiful day and will return when the rhododendron are in bloom!”

This is the perfect time to make like the Happy Hikers and “get your trail on the trail!”