The D&L Blog

Winter Snowprints on the D&L Trail

In this Issue

Seasonal Announcements
Celebrating A Year of Progress 
Trail Update
Connecting Ribbons of Green in the Lehigh Valley 
Trail User Counts from Across the Corridor
Start the New Year by Getting Outside and Active
Web Map Updates
Other Opportunities Along the Trail

SEASONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

Snow much fun on the D&L Trail

Welcome to Winter, D&L Trail users! At this point, all three regions of the Corridor have woken up at least once to a blanket of white covering the landscape. With the changing weather and colder seasons come new ways to explore your local trails and natural areas – some of which are only possible in the shortest of windows. Dig into the articles below to discover how to make the most of winter months in the Corridor including First Day Hike opportunities near you.  

This winter we’re expecting colder than usual temperatures with potential for lighter snow in the north and heavier snow in the south for eastern Pennsylvania. Don’t let the cold keep you indoors– these conditions are perfect for walking, hiking and fat tire biking. When there’s enough snow on the ground you can explore the D&L Trail by cross country skiing, snowshoeing (if there are at least 6 inches of snow), and even snowmobiling in Lehigh Gorge State Park (between White Haven (MM 130.2) and Penn Haven (MM 114.2)). When the conditions are right, stop by the National Canal Museum in Easton to rent a pair of snowshoes to use around Hugh Moore Park.  

Don’t forget these seasonal tips that will make your adventures comfy and safe. For more winter planning insights — visit REI’s Cold-Weather Hiking Tips.   

• Check the conditions – know what the weather looks like for the day (temperature, precipitation), the road conditions, sunset times, and check the evening temperatures in case you get caught out later than expected. Be prepared for ice/snow and muddy conditions after melting events. 

• Winter hiking can be slower – traversing snow or ice means you’re making safe and conscious steps and can move slower than you would on a warmer day. Remember to account for a slower pace when you’re planning your trip.  

• Dress in layers from head to toe – dress in a base, mid, and shell layers to keep you warm and sheltered from the cold/wet. Cover your head, hands, nose, cheeks and ears to avoid wind burn, and bring a bag so you can peel off layers as you warm up.   

• The sun doesn’t hibernate – don’t leave your sunscreen and sunglasses at home! You can still get sunburned in the winter, and light can reflect off of snow, burning your nose, chin and neck. Keep sun protection in your winter bag so you’re always prepared.  

• Remember a light – there is less daylight in the winter and our average sunset is between 5-6PM from December to February in eastern Pennsylvania. Keep a headlamp or flashlight in your winter bag and make sure your spare batteries are in a pocket close to your body to keep them warm. Did you earn the GYTOT 165-mile Challenge this year? Your new flashlight tool is a great essential to keep handy for winter activities! 

• Warm snacks, warm you – food and water intake are just as important in the winter. Keep your food and water in a warm place, or pack hot drinks in a thermos, to avoid freezing and to raise your body temperature when you stop to recharge.   

• Know the signs of cold injuries – get familiar with the signs of frostbite and hypothermia so you can quickly seek treatment if needed. Check out the signs to look for in the REI Tips linked above. 

As we approach the end of 2025, please consider making a donation to our End of Year Fundraising Campaign. Your gift today enables us to respond to the areas of greatest need along the D&L Trail, expand educational opportunities, preserve historic artifacts, and sustain daily operations at DLNHC.

Make a Donation

Happy Holidays from everyone at DLNHC! 

Celebrating A Year of Progress 

Written by Dan DiBella

2025 was a busy and impactful year for Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC). From community projects to volunteer milestones and trail improvements, our work continues to connect people to the D&L Trail and preserve the rich history of our region. Learn more about what we accomplished in 2025: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor: A Year in Review

Trail Update

2025 D&L Trail Ownership Council Annual Gathering

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

It takes a lot of people and resources to build and maintain the D&L Trail. To get specific – it takes roughly 30 local landowners including municipalities, state agencies and nonprofits as well as multiple partners including DLNHC.  

Every year we gather these partners that make up the D&L Trail Ownership Council to recap our group efforts from the past year and plan for the year ahead including projects, programs and events. This year we had a great gathering at Lehigh Gap Nature Center – the first time we’ve met in person since 2020 – and shared all of our hard work. We celebrated projects like re-opening of the Lumberville Aqueduct and Pedestrian Bridge, the City of Easton emergency trail repair under 3^rd Street, and updates to the Take Action webpage that welcome new trail users to the D&L Trail in multiple languages. Many of our municipal landowners have also completed park and transportation plans this year that lay the groundwork for improved conditions and trail connections. Keep your eyes open in early 2026 for multiple trail project announcements and a list of events that will have you busy all year! 

Connecting Ribbons of Green in the Lehigh Valley 

Written by Brit Kondravy, DLNHC Conservation Manager

Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape is a proactive, partnership approach to regional landscape conservation in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Our diverse group of partners work together to enrich the quality of life of the Lehigh Valley citizens and visitors by providing ribbons of green throughout the two-county, densely populated area to help keep communities vibrant and connected with hundreds of miles of trails and greenway corridors. Two recent developments within the landscape will aid in our mission to connect and protect ribbons of green throughout the region:

Bauer Preserve: The 43.36-acre site in Stockertown is Northampton County’s 23rd park and expands its Parks and Conservation Areas system to more than 2,400 protected acres. It was permanently preserved through federal Highlands Conservation Act funding. DLNHC Conservation Manager Brit Kondravy attended the ribbon cutting on November 13^th. Speaker PA DCNR Secretary Dunn pointed out how trails within the watershed, including the Two Rivers Area Trailway, will expand THE LINK Trail Network, connecting communities to greenway and trail opportunities. The Two Rivers Trailway was conceived as a way to connect to the City of Easton with Appalachian Trail. However, gaps still exist along the Trailway, particularly in and near the Stockertown area. This property sits just off Main Street and adjacent to Stockertown’s borders with Forks Township and Tatamy. It includes agricultural production land, Little Bushkill Creek and a confluence, a private railroad crossing, a quarry and numerous active Great Blue Heron rookeries.  

Scattene acquisition: This wooded, 7-acre streamside property off Route 191 in the Monocacy Creek watershed was sold to Northampton County for preservation and will henceforth be known as the Scattene Conservation Area. The site will connect Monocacy Meadow and Hahns Meadow Park, a 15-acre Lower Nazareth Township preserve that traverses the Monocacy Creek south of Hanoverville Road. The acquisition helps protect and connect the Monocacy Greenway, which contains preserved land and parks, such as the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area and Johnston Park, as well as Bethlehem’s Monocacy Way Trail. 

Community Resources 

Lehigh Valley Greenways Plan: A Regional Greenways Plan for Lehigh and Northampton Counties

Lehigh Valley Trails Inventory – 2013: Lehigh and Northampton Counties

Trail user counts from across the corridor  

Written by Alice Wanamaker, DLNHC Economic Development Manager

D&L Trail Use Data 

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridors’ (DLNHC) trail count program offers a snapshot of average trail use throughout the Corridor. Data is collected from a mix of Eco-Counters and TraFX counters located at various points in each region. Our trail counters are tended by both staff and volunteers and provide data that is used by DLNHC, D&L Trail Landowners, and our partners throughout the Corridor. Below is a look at the 2025 calendar year, a snapshot of trail use this year through November.  

2025 Trail Use Key Takeaways 

Overall, trail use has stayed about the same compared to 2024. Use was highest in 2020 and 2021, when total counts and average daily use were much higher at many locations. Busy areas like Glen Onoko, Slatington, Washington Crossing, and Hugh Moore Park saw especially heavy use, with more than 250 users per day on average and very high peak days. 

Since that time, trail use has gone down slightly but is still higher than it was before the pandemic. The data also shows clear differences between the three regions. Anthracite has the highest total use at 106,967 and a strong average of about 120 users per day, showing steady activity over time. Lehigh Valley has the lowest total at 73,996 and a lower daily average of about 111, suggesting fewer users or fewer days of data. Delaware Canal falls between for total use at 83,895, but it has the highest daily average at about 122 users per day. Overall, Anthracite leads in total use, Delaware Canal shows strong daily activity, and Lehigh Valley continues to contribute steadily. The data also highlights Washington Crossing, Glen Onoko, and Slatington as some of the most heavily used sections of the D&L Trail. 

2025 Trail Count Locations

Black Diamond, Tannery Road, White Haven North, White Haven South, Glen Onoko, Slatington, Hugh Moore Park, Tullytown, Washington Crossings.

The data includes counts through November for most locations.

An important note about trail use counts. The count data presented shows the number of uses not individual visits or visitors. Trail users who travel out and back on the same route will pass the counter twice, and two uses will be counted (in most cases). 

There is still time to get outside and help build the 2025 trail count. With the snow we have been having this winter, we encourage you try something new: Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing, or Geocaching.

However, you enjoy the D&L Trail, remember to log your miles using the Get Your Tail on the Trail app or website.  

Start the New Year by Getting Outside and Active

Written by Tiffany Serra, DLNHC Trails & Conservation Coordinator 

Every year America’s State Parks encourage folks to start the new year on the right foot in the outdoors by getting outside and active, whether it’s a hike, snowshoe, or even a swim.  

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a five-county region filled with multiple state parks, open green spaces, and trails. 

Check out some of the First Day Hikes available throughout the Corridor in 2026.

Bucks County  

Delaware Canal State Park 

• 4pm – 6pm, Join the state park naturalists for a ~2.5 mile roundtrip stroll along the towpath to downtown Yardley under the light of the almost full Wolf Moon!  Celebrate the start of the new year through movement, social connection and an appreciation for nature. ***Pre-registration required 

Tyler State Park 

• 1pm – 3:30pm, Easy, it is an easy 2 mile family friendly hike along the paved Woodfield Loop Trail. 

• 1pm – 3:30pm, Moderate, it is a moderate 3.5 mile hike along the unpaved Neshaminy Creek Trail. This hike may be muddy and may require climbing over downed trees Hiking shoes and/or hiking poles are suggested. 

Northampton County 

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center 

• 1pm – 2:30pm, Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2026! Join us for a 3 mile interpretive hike at Jacobsburg. We will explore the fields of the Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Children must be at least 5 years old if walking on their own. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Registration is required. 

• 1pm – 2:30pm, Women in the Wild, Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2026! Join fellow women hikers for a 3 mile interpretive hike at Jacobsburg. We will explore the fields of the Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Children must be at least 5 years old if they walk on their own. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Registration is required. 

Lehigh County 

Black River Sanctuary 

• 10am – 12pm, Join Nicole Landis, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, and Michael Hock, Preserve Manager, for a guided hike beginning promptly at 10:00 AM. Enjoy interpretive stops along the way as you explore winter ecology, land preservation stories, and seasonal wildlife sightings. 

Carbon County 

Beltzville State Park 

• 8am – 10am, Session 1, Join Park Manager Cody Miller for a morning (Session #1) First Day Hike along the Christman Trail. This hike is separate from the park’s afternoon Session #2 First Day Hike, and is limited to 25 participants, so registration is REQUIRED for this morning session. This will be a moderately easy 3 mile hike. Please wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes and dress comfortable. 

• 2pm – 4pm, Session 2, This is a dog friendly hike, and well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome to attend. This hike is approximately 3.5 miles in length, so plan accordingly, bring plenty of water, and wear warm layers and comfortable footwear. This easy hike has durable gravel, grass, and dirt surfaces. 

Luzerne County

Lehigh Gorge State Park 

• 1pm – 2:30pm, Welcome the new year with an easy 2 mile walk at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Meet at the parking lot off PA-940 near I-80. We will walk approximately 1-mile south on the trail to Tannery. Hikers will have the option to continue to Rattling Run Falls, (an additional 2 miles roundtrip) with the leader, or turn around and return. 

Nescopeck State Park 

• 9am – 10:30am, Welcome the new year with an easy 2 mile walk at Nescopeck State Park. We’ll leave from the park office and venture on Woodland Way and Red Rock Trails. This trail is fairly easy but does have roots and rocks, and some gently rolling terrain. 

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. 

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

• Tinicum Park – Virginia Forrest – Lumberville Aqueduct Pedestrian Bridge is open after significant damage during Tropical Storm Ida back in 2021. 

• Hugh Moore Park – Forks of the Delaware – Trail closure at MM 59.15 due to 3^rd Street Bike Project has reopened.  

• Cementon – Northampton – Temporary trail closure at MM 83 reopened on 12/7/2025.  

• Closures at MM 23, MM 44.1, MM 82.19, MM 83 – remain in effect. 

Other Opportunities Along the Trail

$20,000 Small Business Grants Available

Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. Starting today, eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program.  

Applications are open now and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. 

Please help us spread the word about this grant opportunity with your small business community and encourage eligible business owners to apply!

Learn More and Apply