The D&L Blog

Written by Silas Chamberlin

Our “Take a Hike!” series periodically features a favorite day hike or bike on the D&L Trail. The third installment is a hike or bike on the Lehigh Canal towpath, between Allentown and Easton. This is an easy section of trail to walk or ride, as it follows the level, earthen or rolled cinder towpath. Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton combine to form the third most populous urban area in Pennsylvania, but you would never know it from this section of trail.  Enjoy continuous views of the Lehigh River, the watered canal, and various historic sites.  You can customize the length and direction of your trip by using any of the trailheads that provide access to this section.  Enjoy!

In Freemansburg, a biker passes the historic remains of a locktender's house and lock.

Allentown to Easton

Total Distance: 16.2 miles
Rating: easy
Trail Surface: earthen towpath and rolled cinder
Activities: hiking and biking
Trailhead amenities: parking at each trailhead; restrooms at Sand Island (Bethlehem), Riverview Park (Palmer Township), and Hugh Moore Park (Easton)
Click here to download a .pdf map of the trail section.

This section of the D&L Trail runs between the Lehigh Valley's three largest cities.

Park at the D&L Trailhead in Lehigh Canal Park, Allentown (off of E. Walnut Street). Travel east on the D&L Trail, which follows the canal towpath.

Mile
3.67 – enter Sand Island, Bethlehem, continue on canal towpath
4.03 – cross Main Street
4.19 – cross bridge on left to regain canal towpath -or- continue straight to reach restrooms in 500 feet
4.63 – D&L Trail Tenders’ Native Plant Garden and Path on right
7.5 – Freemansburg Trailhead (parking) and Historic Locktender’s House
10.4 – Bethlehem Boat Club; use access road to cross canal and follow canal towpath
11.2 – Rt. 33 Boat Launch (parking); regain trail at east end of parking lot
12.8 – Chain Dam; take path on right to follow river
13.33 – path ends; follow Lehigh Drive for short distance
13.66 – cross bridge over river to Hugh Moore Park; make first left and follow path to regain canal towpath
15.1 – Abbott Street Historic Site; use bridge to cross canal
16.2 – Easton / Forks of the Delaware Trailhead (parking)

Optional: Arrange for pick up or leave a car at any trailhead to customize your trip, or start from Easton and travel west to Allentown.

Did you take this hike or bike? Have you been here in the past? Leave a comment and let us know about it! Send your photos to [email protected].