The D&L Blog

HAPPY 15^TH ANNIVERSARY-D&L TRAIL-CARBON COUNTY SECTION

By Joe Mogilski

The date was June 5, 2010, which happened to be National Trails Day. The place was Jim Thorpe, PA. On this date there was a ceremony in which local officials celebrated the opening of a 1.25-mile section of trail between Jim Thorpe, PA and Lehigh Gorge State Park. County commissioners and state officials cut the ribbon signifying that this section of trail was open.  Little did anyone know at that time what the impact would be!

This section closed a trail gap that within 9 years, all the entire D&L Trail in Carbon County would be finished.

Prior to this opening, bicycle shuttles had to be picked up on the access road to Lehigh Gorge State Park, instead of going into the town of Jim Thorpe. This trail opening got rid of that need.

Personally, I started to run daily on this section of trail. It has its own unique beauty, and the view of the Lehigh River from the Nesquehoning Bridge is spectacular! I also began to volunteer to help with trail maintenance. In addition, I would give visitors a brief history of the area and share additional trail information. Whenever I see people walking their pet dogs, I would say “Hi, pooch!”

As time went on more and more people used this section of trail. Walkers, bicycle riders, runners, and fishermen were evident!  Bicycle shuttles increased and a few years ago, bike trains were introduced.

Other trail sections soon opened in the county over the decade and once the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge opened in Jim Thorpe in August 2019, it gave visitors more options to ride/walk on the trail in Jim Thorpe.

Besides outdoor recreation, the trail has improved the local economy considerably. One can see bicycles parked outside of local businesses and restaurants.

And it all started in 2010, with the opening of the Carbon County Trail Section!

Happy 15^th Anniversary!

Help us continue building and maintaining this incredible resource — become a supporter today!