Dirt on the Trail, Summer '25 - D&L

Dirt on the Trail, Summer ’25

Jun 26, 2025 | Written by Daniel DiBella

Posted in Trails

Summer on the Trail

In this Issue

Seasonal Announcements
Seasonal Alerts
Pedaling with Purpose: Meet Trail Patroller Marc Swanson
Web Map Update
Paddle through the Heart of the Corridor
Trail Friendly Businesses Shine Bright This Summer
Carbon County D&L TrailFest
Move More This Summer with the 165-Mile Challenge
Meet Tony Pierucci: DLNHC’s New Executive Director

SEASONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

The heatwave is here and summer is in full swing! With the height of trail season upon us, DLNHC has been busy meeting trail users and supporting events across the Corridor. In this edition, you’ll get an insider introduction to our new Executive Director through questions posed by our Trails & Conservation team, interviews with land and water trail users, tips for getting the most out of your D&L Trail visit, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

National Trails Day 2025 at Children’s Festival

The past three months have been a whirlwind – and there’s more to come!

DLNHC staff hit the D&L Trail in all 5 counties of our Corridor at 7 locations on National Trails Day (6/7). From greeting trail users at your local trailheads to celebrating at a hootenanny – we had a blast and hope you did too!

It’s been a season of sojourns – guided paddling trips – along the waterways of the Corridor. The Lehigh River Sojourn kicked it all off from June 7^th – 10^th with the 2^nd Greenways Jamboree held in the middle – Brit shares highlights from the event and an interview with first-time sojourners below. The following weekend, paddlers enjoyed the 30^th Annual Delaware River Sojourn along the 2025 River of the Year. Coming up at the end of July is the Susquehanna River North Branch Sojourn with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region that takes place north of the D&L Trail’s terminus in Wilkes-Barre.

Did you miss the 2025 Annual State of the D&L Trail where we shared all you need to know as you plan your D&L Trail adventures this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Check out the insider tips on our website where you can view the presentation slides and find a recording of the session.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar to visit us this weekend for the Carbon County TrailFest on Sunday, June 29th at the Lehighton Outdoor Center – Alice shares all the activities you can look forward to, as well as some new Trail Friendly Businesses to visit during your trail travels.

We have two more D&L Trail Tender events this year – join us in August along the Delaware Canal or in September in Lehigh Gorge State Park to help clean the trail and trim vegetation.
- Looking for a waterway cleanup? You can join MMY Paddle Boards for their Waterway Clean Up & Social Paddle at the Lehigh River Rte. 33 Boat Launch on Sunday June 29^th at 10AM. Find pricing and registration here!

Seasonal Alerts

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

Despite the heat, the summer months are some of the busiest on the D&L Trail. Keep the below tips in mind before you head out to keep the good times rolling.

The early bird gets the… trailhead parking space – parking locations along the trail fill up quickly on summer days, especially the weekends. Plan ahead and have a backup parking area in mind.

Know Before You Go – you all hear this from us every season, but that’s because it’s the number one tip for having a great trail visit! Remember to research the trail section you’re visiting to avoid closures, check trail friendly business hours, and triple check the weather. Packing extra water and snacks is always a good idea to stay hydrated and avoid the post adventure “hangry” attack.
- Need help planning your trip? Check out our trip planning resources, or contact us by phone or email with any specific questions—including detour information (610-923-3548, TCAssociate@delawareandlehigh.org)

Practice Trail Etiquette – give yourself a refresher on Trail Etiquette before you hit the trail. Summer is the season of new trail users learning the lay of the land, and some seasoned users that may need a reminder. Stay alert and pass along knowledge wherever you can to make the D&L Trail an enjoyable space for all.

Get out on the D&L Trail and stay cool this summer with brisk bike rides and fun in the water, or as we like to say, Mother Nature’s air conditioning.

Pedaling with Purpose: Meet Trail Patroller Marc Swanson

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

“It gives riding a purpose again”, Marc Swanson, Trail Patroller – Spring Class of 2025

Our Trail Volunteers are vital for maintaining the D&L Trail – and we wouldn’t be able to do it without them. One of our key programs is D&L Trail Patrol, where volunteers act as the eyes and ears for DLNHC and our ~30 trail landowners. Whether it’s reporting trail damage or noting when dog waste stations need refilling, our patrollers serve as a vital communication link between DLNHC and the public. Thank you to all our D&L Trail Volunteers!

This past National Trails Day (NTD) the D&L Trail was packed, despite the rain. The DLNHC team was out on the trail across the Corridor, engaging with trail users, sharing information, and witnessing our volunteers work their magic! I was overjoyed when I saw reports flood in over a group chat sharing photos of a dedicated Trail Patroller helping a bicyclist fix a flat tire at the Rockport Trailhead – a location that is 9 miles from the nearest town and potential fix if you don’t have a patch kit on you. Needless to say, this volunteer made a trail user’s day, and I wanted to know more. I sat down with Marc Swanson, one of our newest Trail Patrollers, to hear about his eventful NTD, what enticed him to become a DLNHC volunteer, and what Marc gains from the program.

Who is Marc Swanson?

Marc was raised in New York and came to the Lehigh Valley for college in the 70’s where he met his wife, Caryn, and long-time friends, including DLNHC Board Chair Dick Hughes. He got a job in Bethlehem at the Fuller Company and after years of commuting from a small town between Bethlehem and New York City, where Caryn worked, the two relocated to the valley when they welcomed their first child. Marc traveled across the globe for his job, but when he was home, he would commute by bike. He’d been a cyclist since he was a kid and has fond memories of building “franken bikes” with friends scavenging parts from old bikes. After recently retiring, Marc quickly filled his free time with part-time jobs at Trek Bicycles Pottstown and the Iron Pigs, as well as volunteering with DLNHC.

How did Marc discover the D&L Trail and Trail Patrol?

Marc’s a long-time user of the D&L Trail. Marc and his two sons would ride the trail regularly with the Boy Scouts since there’s “no traffic – no cars… it’s nice to be able to ride on a trail with others and just take your time and not always be training or going fast… the nice thing about riding the trail is it’s more relaxing – it’s more leisurely than the other riding I’ve done”.

Marc later became more involved with DLNHC at events like the Taste of the Corridor and volunteering at the St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest. Once he retired, he decided it was time to “put some purpose to one of my hobbies” and after chatting with DLNHC staff at a member happy hour, he signed up for the Spring 2025 D&L Trail Volunteer Training.

What does Marc gain from volunteering?

Marc captured this trail washout in a recent volunteer report. Caused by prolonged erosion, damage like this can render sections of the trail unsafe or impassable until repairs are made.

“Having something like (the D&L Trail) in my backyard is fabulous – and being able to do something to help ensure that it’s going to stick around for a long time makes me feel good”

For Marc, being a Trail Patroller is a local activity that keeps him healthy, satisfies his passion for biking, and gives him an avenue to help others. Marc enjoys talking to people and patrolling lets him meet new folks on the trail, hear about their experience, and share tips to improve their trip – “Being able to take some of the things I’m learning at the bike shop and transfer knowledge to other people on the trail is cool”

Trail patrollers don’t just observe the trail, but its surroundings. Being a patroller gave Marc a reason to stop and read the signs along the trail, letting him rediscover pieces of the route that he’d been riding for years. Marc said there’s “so much to discover really, so much to learn… a lot of times we’re more interested in cycling than we are in stopping and reading the information that’s out there. Since I’ve been doing Trail Patrol there’s been more of a reason to stop and read the signs to make sure they’re in good shape”.

What’s Marc’s style of patrolling?

Some volunteers patrol a “home stretch” near their house or their favorite section of D&L Trail. Marc’s taken a different approach – he patrols as he works towards his goal of riding all the open sections of the D&L Trail from Black Diamond to Bristol. He tackles the trail in 20-mile out and back sections and so far, he only has a few more sections to go!

If he had to pick a “home stretch” it would be the Allentown Canal Park to Freemansburg section. But if he was to pick a favorite section, it would be within the Lehigh Gorge State Park north of Jim Thorpe.

How was Marc in the right place at the right time on NTD?

It was a coincidence! While it’s easy to picture Trail Patrollers like a neighborhood trail superman – out patrolling at all hours looking for trail users in need of help – they’re really just trail users themselves that happen to put on their volunteer vest and offer help where they can.

Marc and Caryn had purchased tickets a few months prior for the Bike Train that transports trail users from Jim Thorpe up to White Haven so they can ride 24 miles back to town. They were looking forward to a nice ride and Marc decided to put on his volunteer vest since they were on the D&L Trail. Marc spotted a DLNHC newsletter a few days before that noted we’d be at the Rockport Trailhead and they decided to stop and say hello. When they arrived, they saw someone with a flat tire asking “does anybody have a spare tube?” and it was Marc’s time to shine.

It turns out the trail user was out for a trip with their husband, who is a road cyclist. He was introducing them to trail riding, also known as gravel riding, to work them up to road cycling when they got a flat tire. They fixed it, but the patch didn’t hold, and they didn’t have another patch or a replacement tube. With that, the husband was off to the nearest town (9-miles away – 18-mile round trip!) in hopes of finding a new tube while the trail user waited at Rockport. Marc was able to walk them through patching the tire (again) with the patch kit. He left the trail user with a spare patch kit, 9 miles fewer to ride in the rain, and a great story.

If you’re interested in volunteering along the D&L Trail, join us at our last training of the year! Our Summer 2025 Trail Volunteer Training on August 16^th in White Haven will give you the information and tools you need to become a D&L Trail Patroller and/or to Adopt-A-Section of D&L Trail. Registration is required to ensure we have enough tools and food to go around.

WEB MAP UPDATES

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our Interactive Map is updated regularly with information provided by landowners. Please note, an update will remain posted with the original posting date for as long as the incident is relevant.

Please check our Interactive Map for current updates before planning any excursions on the D&L Trail.

There are multiple construction projects throughout the Delaware Canal Region and D&L Trail statuses may change weekly. Please practice patience and safety while navigating around these closures as it takes time to properly rebuild the trail. Closures at MM 44 and MM 31 remain closed to trail users.

For more information about ongoing projects in the Delaware Canal Region, visit DCNR’s website

Wy Hit Tuk Park – Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area – Trail Section Partially Reopened – the D&L Trail is open at MM 53.7 at Canal Road North bridge in Williams Township.

Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area – Durham Aqueduct – Complete, open and improved – the D&L Trail is open at MM 51.3 just north of Mueller’s General Store.

Paddle through the Heart of the Corridor

Written by Brit Kondravy, DLNHC Conservation Coordinator

*(Kathleen and Grace, sitting across from each other in the middle of boat. Behind them is Sharon, a new friend they made along the way!)*

From October to May, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) worked with steering committee members from across the Corridor to plan the 2025 Lehigh River Sojourn – Wildlands Conservancy’s Partnership Event – held June 7-10^th.

A sojourn is a multiday, guided paddling trip on the river, typically held during Rivers Month in June. Pennsylvania hosts 16 sojourns annually, all aimed at connecting members to their local waterways. Sojourners typically start upstream and paddle or float their way downstream. This days’ or weeklong event includes meals, education, entertainment, and optional overnight camping. The goal is to increase individuals’ understanding and appreciation for waterways, and to instill a sense of community around the resource.

The Lehigh River flows through four counties of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in close proximity to the D&L Trail. The river, in conjunction with the canal system, played a crucial role in the industrial history of our region. DLNHC is honored to be one of the many partners working today to protect and promote its conservation and recreational value.

In an email interview with first-time sojourners Kathleen and Grace, DLNHC’s Conservation Coordinator Brit Kondravy learns just how impactful the Lehigh River Sojourn was for an unstoppable mother-daughter duo.

Unstoppable Together: A Sojourn Experience Through the Eyes of Kathleen and Grace

Brit: What made you sign up for the Lehigh River Sojourn?

Kathleen: I was looking for a way to connect with my 12-year-old daughter Grace. We are a resource family for foster kids (and have 4 biological kids) and the dynamics in our home are constantly changing. I wanted to slow down the pace of life for both of us and find a way to spend some quality time together. I wanted to provide an opportunity for Grace to explore something new and have her feel a sense of accomplishment.

What could a sojourn offer that paddling on your own could not?

Kathleen: Beyond jumping in a kayak/canoe on a lake during vacations, this was our first time paddling on a river trip. We needed the experience of others to guide us.

The Sojourn features four separate sections of the Lehigh River, Which was your favorite section to paddle and why?

Daughter/Grace: Day 1 (June 7). Whitewater rafting was my favorite section! I loved the thrill of the harder rapids. Each part of the day felt very exciting! I also liked hearing my mom scream when she was scared!

Brit’s Note: Day 1 featured whitewater rafting through Class II and Class III rapids in Lehigh Gorge, from Drake’s Creek to Glen Onoko.

Kathleen: Day 2 (June 8) was my favorite.

Brit’s Note on Day 2: Starting in historic Jim Thorpe, sojourners paddled through exciting Class II rapids by canoe, backdropped by steep mountains and D&L Trail, for approximately eight miles. A cookout lunch was enjoyed at Riverview Park. Then, sojourners paddled another five miles through easy S-Turns with gentle waves, passing the Kittatinny Ridge, Appalachian Trail, and Lehigh Gap Nature Center on the way to Walnutport.

Kathleen: During this section of the river there were some difficult rapids to navigate. It seemed intimidating at first, but after leaning into the challenge, the thrill of navigating them became one of my favorite parts! It reminded me that challenges in life often bring the deepest joy. As refreshing as the water felt, not capsizing our canoe made us feel even more of a sense of accomplishment! I was thankful for the expertise of those who led us, and they deserve the credit for making the trip feel safe and unforgettable!

2025 Lehigh River Sojourn Through Paddlers: From Left to Right: Steven, Christian, **Grace, Kathleen**, Sharon, and Charlie Reed

Brit: Over 100 people participated in the Sojourn, but only six paddled the entire trip. You were two of those six people. You even camped overnight!. What does it take to be a through-paddler on a multiday sojourn?

Grace: Both physical and mental strength! It was a lot of paddling and rained on us during a part of each day!

Kathleen: Just a willingness to learn something new and a sense of adventure! Even if you don’t have experience, there are guides who are there to help you learn, teach you techniques, and help keep you safe while navigating the river!

Brit: What was the most challenging part of being on the river for 4 days?

Grace: Navigating through the rapids was the most challenging part!

Kathleen: I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the trip! Each day slipped by too quickly- I wanted to stay wrapped between both the excitement and quiet of the river. I tried to soak in all the details and feelings – from feeling the stillness or rush of the river, to seeing and hearing the beauty of nature around us and engaging in sweet conversations happening within our canoe and with paddlers around us. The most challenging part wasn’t the miles or effort needed, it was ending the trip and saying goodbye. It meant letting go of a rhythm, calm, and closeness that I knew I wouldn’t find again in the same way; until our next time out on the river!

Brit: What was the most rewarding part of the entire experience?

Kathleen: It really did provide an opportunity to connect and spend time with Grace. We learned a lot about each other and how we navigate new experiences and challenges. I was impressed with my daughter’s strength- how she held on even through rain and long days (even sleeping in a tent through stormy weather) and did so with excitement and joy. Watching her grit and determination was its own quiet inspiration for me. And just as unexpectedly, the sojourn also brought about connection with some amazing people who live and serve right here in our area. The sense of community formed around us became one of the trip’s greatest gifts; strangers who became friends by the end!

Brit: Did you learn anything during the trip?

Grace: That I can trust my mom to guide us when the rapids came.

Brit: Is there anything that’s stayed with you since completing the journey?

Kathleen: The sojourn took place in an area that I have lived my entire life. Growing up outside of Jim Thorpe (Nesquehoning) and then moving to the Lehigh Valley (Nazareth) to raise my family. I had never taken the opportunity to explore the river until now, at the age of 40. I wish I had taken the opportunity to experience this much sooner! Being on the river gave me an entirely different perspective of my community- It added a touch of beauty that I had never experienced or seen before. Being with others who I had never met also reminded me of the beauty of people living right here in our communities as well. I met so many who work and serve our communities in amazing ways; from protecting the water sources, keeping our communities clean, developing the D&L trails, medical & mental health professionals serving the people in our community, and even those retired who still volunteered their time to local organizations. It was really an honor to meet each person.

Day 2: Kathleen and Grace (shown on right) canoeing towards Walnutport, Day 2.

Hearing Kathleen and Grace describe their sojourn experience validates all the effort that goes on behind the scenes to make these logistic-heavy events a reality, year after year. It would be impossible to run sojourns without the time, talent, and treasure of many dedicated partners, sponsors, and community members. The Lehigh River played a crucial role in the industrial history of our region, and DLNHC is honored to be one of the diverse partners working to steward it into the future. Next year will mark the 30^th Anniversary of the Lehigh River Sojourn. We hope you’ll consider journeying with us through the heart of the Corridor on that celebratory river trip in 2026.

Trail Friendly Businesses Shine Bright This Summer

Written by Alice Wannamaker, DLNHC Economic Development Manager

The D&L Trail Friendly Business (TFB) program is growing – not just in the number of businesses joining (more on that later) but also in the range of benefits offered to participating business. We are so excited to continue supporting the incredible work you do by releasing our new Trail Friendly Business window stickers!

These environmentally friendlier stickers are designed to grab the attention of passersby and unite all TFB’s into a group of awesome businesses offering D&L Trail users a wonderful place to shop, eat, stay overnight, learn, rest, and gather.

Program Benefits Include:

A promotional package and information about trail users
A free directory listing on our Trail Friendly Business webpage
Free recognition on D&L Trail Friendly Business map
Regular updates about trail use and available funding in your area
A social media post announcing your designation as a D&L Trail Friendly Business
Social media shares for your events throughout the year
Event partnership opportunities
Access to TFB event and amenity funding and social media shares for events throughout the year.
Social media shares for your events throughout the year

This program is designed to connect D&L trail users with businesses that create a trail-friendly atmosphere.

We’re proud to have welcomed nine new businesses to the program this year, including:

Calm Waters Coffee in Bristol
Dharma Bums in Point Pleasant
Hug in a Mug in Weissport
The Wooden Match in Bethlehem
Vault Brewing in Easton
Bristol Amish Market in Bristol
Yardley Refillery in Yardley
Friends of Washington Crossing Park in Washington Crossing
Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society in Easton

With this designation, these businesses not only welcome trail users and support trails, but also provide amenities tailored to their needs—filling water bottles, providing bike parking, and offering tools for quick repairs and device charging.   All of these things add up and help increase trail-cred!

CARBON COUNTY D&L TRAILFEST

Written by Alice Wannamaker, DLNHC Economic Development Manager

One of the amazing businesses that has been part of the Trail Friendly Business program since the beginning is the Lehighton Outdoor Center, located at 123 Lehigh Street, Lehighton, Pa. They are hosting the first ever Carbon County D&L TrailFest on Saturday, June 29, from 10am-4pm.

This free festival will feature local food, live music, vendors, demonstrations, historical walks, and of course, Trail Friendly Businesses. The festival will highlight the uniqueness of the Corridor and the D&L Trail. We hope to see you there!

For a complete list of Trail Friendly Businesses throughout The Corridor visit https://delawareandlehigh.org/explore-the-corridor/trail-friendly-businesses/

Move More This Summer with the 165-Mile Challenge

Written by Tiffany Serra, DLNHC Trails & Conservation Associate

The annual Get Your Tail on the Trail 165-Mile Challenge kicked off on May 1^st and was marked by the 165 Challenge Kick-Off event at the D&L Sand Island Trailhead held on May 3^rd. Over 80 participants joined us for a walk, run, or bike ride after a group warmup led by St. Luke’s Community Ambassadors.

The 165-Mile Challenge is about getting outside and embracing adventure as you work towards improving your physical and mental health. Log 165 miles on the Tail on the Trail website by November 9^th and you will earn a special prize—along with the satisfaction of improving your well-being.

We have plenty of upcoming opportunities to get active through our Health & Heritage Walk Series. If you’re looking to explore the outdoors and learn something new, visit the Tail on the Trail website to learn more and sign up for each walk.

Prefer cycling? Join us for our Bike into Geology event on July 13th along the Saucon Rail Trail. This 4-mile ride offers a unique chance to discover local geological history and its connection to our region’s industrial past.

Meet Tony Pierucci: DLNHC’s New Executive Director

We’re excited to introduce Tony Pierucci, the new Executive Director of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC)! With a deep passion for trails, conservation, and community engagement, Tony brings a fresh perspective and strong leadership to our mission. To help everyone get to know him better, the Trail & Conservation (T&C) Team asked him a few thoughtful questions about Trails and Conservation. Tony’s responses offer great insight into his leadership style and his enthusiasm for preserving and enhancing our natural and cultural resources.

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