The D&L Blog

Make the Most of Fall on the D&L Trail

The colors are changing, the temperatures are cooling, and fall adventures are calling along the D&L Trail. Whether you’re walking, biking, volunteering, or exploring a new section of trail, there’s plenty happening this season. Catch up on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and news from across the Corridor in the Fall 2026 edition of Dirt on the Trail.

In this Issue

Seasonal Announcements
Upcoming Events & Reminders
Trail Update
Five Fun, (and mostly free) Things to Do along the Trails this Fall
That’s a wrap on the 2026 Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit!
Celebrating 17.76 and Continuing Toward 165
Make D&L RaceFest Your Next Fall Adventure
Web Map Updates

Seasonal Announcements

Written by Liz Rosencrans, DLNHC Director of Trails & Conservation

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” —Sarah Addison Allen 

The dog days of summer are fading into the cool evenings and breathtaking colors of Fall in the Corridor! If the heat has kept you in the air conditioning the past few months, now is the time to get out on the trail and enjoy all that this season has to offer. Dig into this edition of Dirt on the Trail to hear about the numerous outdoor activities and events you can join in October and November – as well as a very exciting opportunity along the future D&L Trail route in Luzerne County! 

Upcoming Events & Reminders

Sip Through History at D&L WineFest

Join us for an afternoon of local wine, beer, live music, and history at the inaugural D&L WineFest on Saturday, October 3, at Crossing Vineyards and Winery! Your participation helps support DLNHC and our mission to preserve and celebrate the places, landscapes, and history of eastern Pennsylvania. While enjoying the festivities, stop by and discover local Trail Friendly Businesses and vendors.

Secure Your Spot

Other Upcoming Events

• 2026 Trail Tender Events – Join DLNHC and our partners to clean up the D&L Trail this year through litter pick up and vegetation trimming along the trail and around historic remnants like canal locks and railroad turn tables. Our next cleanup is on Sunday September 27^th in Bethlehem Township. 
• Looking for a test run as you gear up for the 2026 D&L RaceFest Presented by St. Luke’s? Sign up for Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual 10K Trail Run (and 2-Mile Scamper) event on October 24^th along the D&L Trail – and help raise funding for a D&L Trail Friendly Business along the way! 
• Get Your Tail on the Trail this fall – Find your next opportunity to get active, explore somewhere new, and log more miles toward the 2026 GYTOT 165-Mile Challenge.

As you plan your fall excursions throughout the Corridor, don’t forget to “fall”ow the below tips and tricks for a safe and enjoyable trip. 

• Keep your Peepers open for the Leaf Peepers– the changing colors of fall are some of my absolute favorite views along the Corridor – and I’m not the only one! Many locations along the D&L Trail are ideal for spotting the beautiful seas of yellows and oranges revealed by fall foliage. The Poconos Fall Foliage Forecast anticipates leaf peeping season will hit its peak around mid-late October this year. Views can be so mesmerizing that many individuals stop abruptly in the middle of the trail to look up! Use caution when riding the trail this October, remember to give a verbal warning when passing others, and step off the trail if you want to stop to take in the views.  

• Hunting Season is active and includes Sundays– the D&L Trail is bordered in some locations – especially in the Anthracite Region, by state game lands and areas where hunting is permitted. Look for hunting season signage on your trail section and always dress yourself and your pets in bright clothing. Rifle season in PA is November 28^th to December 13^th, but archery and other firearms may be present throughout the fall and winter seasons. For more information, please visit this website. 

• Its Event Time – Almost as plentiful as leaf peepers are the number of fall events that take place throughout the Corridor during the cooler months of fall! From Oktoberfest and Harvest Festivals to running and biking events, you won’t run out of things to do this season. Check out our event calendar for ways to recreate or volunteer with the DLNHC and don’t forget to sign up for our St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest set for November 15. 

Trail Update

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the Luzerne Gap on the D&L Trail thanks to the inclusion of a trail easement in the proposed sale of the former rail corridor in Luzerne County.  

For nearly three decades, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) has worked toward a vision of connecting communities across northeastern Pennsylvania through the D&L Trail. One of the most significant remaining gaps in that vision is the connection between Ashley Borough and the Susquehanna River, providing direct access to downtown Wilkes-Barre and creating stronger links to neighboring trail systems throughout the Wyoming Valley.  

Today, we have a rare opportunity to help make that vision a reality thanks to the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and Luzerne County including a call for trail easements – including the proposed route for the future D&L Trail between Ashley Borough and downtown Wilkes-Barre – in their recent RFP to sell the LCRA’s rail corridors.

Click here to learn why this matters and how you can help us Take Action before the sale closes around October 9th! 

Five Fun, (and mostly free) Things to Do along the Trails this Fall 

Written by Brit Kondravy, DLNHC Conservation Manager

With forested mountains, rolling farmland, and charming trail towns, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is hard to beat in the fall. October brings brilliant autumn colors, along with plenty of visitors hoping to experience them. But with a little planning, you can avoid some of the crowds and find your own way to enjoy the season along the trails. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Delaware Canal Region  

Canal-O-Ween

Join Experience Yardley for Canal-O-Ween™, an enchanting celebration that lights up the heart of Yardley with nearly 500 glowing Jack-O-Lanterns, each a unique work of art from a spirited Carve-O-Thon™.   

The 2026 Carve-O-Thon™ will be on Sunday, October 25th from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Seasoned artists and enthusiastic amateurs alike are welcome to participate. Pumpkins are provided and prepped by volunteers – all you need to bring is your imagination. This free, family-friendly event is a fantastic way to connect with the community and contribute to the wonder of the season. 

The 2026 Canal-O-Ween™ festivities will begin sundown on Sunday, October 25th, and continue through Saturday, October 31st. As the sun sets each night, dedicated volunteers bring these creations to life, lighting the way for a breathtaking stroll along the Delaware Canal.  

• View the ½ mile walking route here  

• Parking options: For both events, there will be limited parking at the open lot on the corner of Fuld Rd and Morgan Ave (see jack-o-lantern on map below). You can also refer to the Yardley Borough’s free parking map here. 

• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and dress for cool fall weather 

• Pair your walk with a local trail-friendly business, such as Vault Brewing Company 

Frolic in the Fields at Trauger’s Farm Market 

Trauger’s is a 60-acre family owned and operated fruit and vegetable farm located in Upper Bucks County, along the banks of the Delaware River and D&L Trail. Pick a pumpkin, take in the rows of flowers, or purchase a treat from the market during your visit. The farm can be accessed by trail or roadside. 

Nearby trail access – Durham Aqueduct (mm 49.2): located 1 mile from Trauger’s Farm Market

Lehigh Valley Region 

Leaf Peep Paddle

The Lehigh River Water Trail is 72-miles long and spans across Luzerne, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton Counites, from White Haven to the City of Easton. The Lehigh Valley section features rolling hills and forested riparian corridors. This makes it perfect for leaf-peeping from the water. 

For those with their own registered canoe, kayak or paddleboard – I recommend launching from the Route 33 Boat Launch. This trailhead offers several amenities, including ample parking, paved ADA boat launch, porta-john, and easy access to the D&L Trail (perfect for creating your own peddle and paddle). 

Route 33 is upstream from the Lehigh River Chain Dam, which creates slow-moving slackwater that’s easy to navigate while paddling up or downstream. I suggest taking a loop around Turkey Island. The south side of the island is an undiscovered gem! 

Those without a watercraft may be interested in following options: 

• Join Historic Bethlehem River Tours for a guided tour, kayaks and equipment provided 

• Join MMY Paddleboards for a guided tour, paddleboards and equipment provided/available for rent.  

Anthracite Region

Hike to Bake Oven Knob for the Fall Raptor Migration 

Situated along the Appalachian Trail within PA State Game Lands 217, Bake Oven Knob offers a must-see overlook on the crest of the Kittatinny Ridge above Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County. In autumn, it becomes a hotspot for viewing migrating raptors.    

North American raptors – or birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures – migrate in search of food to survive the winter months. This journey often ends thousands of miles south of their summer breeding grounds. The Kittatinny Ridge plays a critical role in guiding and powering these long-distance flights. The mountain serves as a ‘road map,’ pointing migrating raptors away from the coast toward their wintering grounds. At the same time, it generates winds that help raptors conserve energy as they fly. The ridge’s vast stretches of forest also provide important habitat for migrating birds to rest and refuel. 

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Count continues each August through November under the leadership of Lehigh Gap Nature Center. 

You’re invited to join the count or simply view the birds from Bake Oven Knob with or without binoculars. 

Click Here to View Parking and Trail Information

Bike to Jim Thorpe 

Skip the crowds and park at the Hofford Mill in Weissport for a delicious bite to eat before biking to Jim Thorpe along the D&L Trail. This 4-mile stretch of trail follows the Lehigh Canal, past historic structures and greenspace, to Downtown Jim Thorpe. It’s an excellent way to access the historic Borough while avoiding traffic and parking fees. You could also park and ride from the Lehighton Spur Trailhead, located next to Lehighton Outdoor Center – a trail friendly business offering smoothies, bike rentals, and outdoor apparel.  

Click Here to Start Planning Your Next Trip

We hope the trails of the Corridor help you create unforgettable memories this season – from glowing pumpkin walks and river island paddles to hawk count hikes and farmers market finds. Share your journey with DLNCH by tagging D&L Trail!  

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit!

Written by Alice Wanamaker, DLNHC Economic Development Manager

From September 16–18, more than a hundred trail professionals, municipal planners, conservationists, and outdoor advocates gathered at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces. 

The energy over the three days was contagious, proving that greenways and trails are much more than scenic paths; they are vital engines for economic stability, public health, and local heritage. 

The summit was built around four major themes: Policies and Planning, Community and Access, Funding and Impact, and Local and Heritage Highlights. Attendees participated in breakout sessions exploring how regional and interstate trails shape our communities. 

A highlight of the Summit included a panel of local leaders who took the stage to emphasize just how much the outdoor industry drives Pennsylvania’s growth.  

Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski highlighted how open spaces and trail networks boost local tourism and community health. Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds welcomed guests to the City, invited them to explore the many outdoor spaces and thanked them for the work they do to continue to improve access to outdoor spaces throughout their communities.  Tina Smith (Northampton County Community & Economic Development Director), Samantha Pearson (Lehigh County Department of Community & Economic Development Director), and Sierra Fogal (President of the PA Outdoor Business Alliance and business owner) teamed up for an inspiring panel on how expanding access to outdoor recreation directly improves quality of life and fuels business growth.  

The summit didn’t just stay inside a conference room! Attendees laced up their sneakers and put on their bike helmets for mobile workshops across the Lehigh Valley. These tours gave participants a firsthand look at regional trail development projects and offered a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow conservation professionals out in the field. 

An exciting moment of the summit was a sneak preview delivered by Helena Kotala, Program Manager at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). She introduced PA Trail Finder, an upcoming interactive website designed to help residents and visitors discover the state’s massive trail network. Whether you want to hike, bike, paddle, cross-country ski, or just explore, this tool will connect you with a trail that matches your exact interests. Keep your eyes peeled, it’s scheduled to debut later this year! 

Organizers with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) summed up the spirit of the event perfectly: “By sharing real-world case studies and launching new planning tools, attendees return to their communities equipped to build stronger, more connected outdoor networks.” 

The 2026 Eastern Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit was funded in part by WeConservePA and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program funded through the Federal Highway Administration, funded in part with financial assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Environmental Stewardship Fund and sponsors: Northampton County, The Link Trail Network, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., Wilson Consulting Group, Earth Conservancy, Lehigh County, Gilmore & Associates, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Simone Collins Landscape Architecture, Kate’s Real Food, Woodland Design Associates, Inc., Endless Mountains Heritage Region, NV5, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, Discover Lehigh Valley, Wildlands Conservancy, Campbell Thomas & Co., Studio 9 Design, Just Borne, LaBella PC, and Strauss & Associates.

Celebrating 17.76 and Continuing Toward 165

Written by Tiffany Serra, DLNHC Trails & Conservation Coordinator

Over the summer, we launched a brand-new Get Your Tail on the Trail challenge, the 17.76 Challenge. Throughout July, participants were challenged to log 17.76 miles in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. More than 925 participants unlocked the badge and earned a commemorative coin as their prize.

The challenge also gave participants opportunities to connect their miles with our region’s history. On Tuesday, July 7, our History Hikes: Bethlehem & Lehigh Canal, took participants on an approximately two-mile walk along the D&L Trail from Bethlehem Sand Island Trail Head, exploring remnants of the Lehigh Canal and Bethlehem’s industrial past along the way. It was a great example of what Tail on the Trail is all about: getting active, exploring the outdoors, and discovering the history in our own backyard.

If you missed out on the 17.76 Challenge, don’t fret! We’re still in the midst of our annual 165 Mile Challenge. Join more than 700 participants who have already unlocked the badge this year! There’s still time to log 165 miles on our website, unlock the badge, and earn a Get Your Tail on the Trail branded sunhat.

Looking for a little encouragement to finish the Challenge? Check out our Health & Heritage Series and join like-minded folks to learn about local history and the environment, get active, or simply enjoy a social walk! Our next walk explores Historic Easton Cemetery and the Karl Stirner Arts Trail on September 26 at 9 a.m.

Why 165 miles? That’s the length of the D&L Trail! Whether you walk, run, bike, paddle, or roll along the D&L Trail, explore other trails and outdoor spaces, or even log miles on a treadmill, every mile gets you closer to your goal. Complete all 165 miles to unlock the Challenge badge and earn a Get Your Tail on the Trail branded sunhat as your prize!

Keep the momentum going! Remember to log your latest miles toward the 165-Mile Challenge, then check out our Events Calendar to discover new places to explore, upcoming activities, and even more opportunities to add to your mileage.

Make D&L RaceFest Your Next Fall Challenge

Written by Dan DiBella, DLNHC Communications Coordinator

Last year, I experienced my first D&L RaceFest… from behind a camera lens. If you participated in the 2025 race, you might have spotted me along the trail, camera in hand, capturing runners and walkers as they made their way toward Easton. Since joining DLNHC in April 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some pretty incredible experiences across Eastern Pennsylvania, but RaceFest stands out among them. Whether it was the pre-race jitters in the air, experiencing the scenic course firsthand, or feeling the energy at the finish line as participants celebrated reaching their goals, there was something special about the entire day.

This fall, you’ll have the chance to experience that RaceFest energy for yourself. On Sunday, November 15, 2026, D&L RaceFest presented by St. Luke’s returns to the Lehigh Valley, bringing runners, walkers, relay teams, volunteers, and spectators together for a day on the scenic and historic D&L Trail.

Now in its fourth year, D&L RaceFest is becoming much more than the Lehigh Valley’s marathon. Of course, the races are still at the heart of the weekend, but there’s more happening around them this year. With four different ways to take on the course, a new Weekend Passport to help you explore the Lehigh Valley, and new opportunities to challenge yourself, it’s becoming a weekend worth sticking around for.

Four Fantastic Races

Not sure which RaceFest event is right for you? Start by thinking about the kind of challenge you want to take on. Maybe 26.2 miles has been sitting on your bucket list for years. Maybe you like the idea of a marathon, but would rather share those miles with a few friends. Or maybe 13.1 feels like the right goal, whether you plan to run it or walk it. There’s no single way to experience RaceFest, so find the challenge that feels right for you.

• St. Luke’s D&L Marathon – If 26.2 miles is calling your name, this is your chance to go for it. You’ll start in downtown Allentown, follow the D&L Trail through historic Bethlehem, and eventually make your way to the finish line in Easton. Along the way, you’ll experience all three of the Lehigh Valley’s major cities on a USATF-certified course that is also a Boston Marathon qualifier.
• St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay – Like the idea of taking on a marathon, but not quite ready for 26.2 miles on your own? You don’t have to be. Get a few friends, family members, coworkers, or classmates together and share the miles as a team. With up to five runners and legs ranging from 3.4 to 7.1 miles, there’s room for different experience levels on the same team. And if a little friendly competition helps motivate you, gather your coworkers for the Corporate Challenge or put together a team with fellow students.
• D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run – If 13.1 miles feels more like your kind of challenge, the Heritage Half takes you from historic downtown Bethlehem to Easton. After making your way to Sand Island, you’ll pick up the D&L Trail and follow the Lehigh River toward the finish line at Scott Park. With a gentle downhill grade and plenty of late-fall scenery along the way, it’s a great setting to work toward that 13.1-mile goal.
• D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk – And yes, you can walk a half marathon! If running isn’t your thing, but finishing 13.1 miles sounds like a goal worth working toward, this category was made with you in mind. You’ll follow the same course and receive the same swag and amenities as the runners, but you can take on the challenge at a walking pace. Sometimes crossing that finish line isn’t about how fast you get there, but about getting there in the first place.

Not Sure You’re Ready? Start with a Plan

Thinking about taking on a marathon, but wondering if you’re really ready for 26.2 miles? You’re not alone. If you’re anything like me, just the thought of running a marathon, or even a half marathon, might make you tired. I’m more of a 5K runner myself, which is why the Marathon Relay sounds right up my alley. It gives runners like me a chance to experience the excitement of the full marathon without having to tackle all 26.2 miles on our own.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our RaceFest Training Resources can help add some structure to your training and give you tools to build strength, endurance, and confidence as race day gets closer. Through our partnership with St. Luke’s, RaceFest participants also have access to the RUNstrong Race Prep performance program, designed to complement the miles you’re already putting in.

The important thing is choosing a challenge that works for you, giving yourself time to prepare, and enjoying the miles that get you there.

Make It a RaceFest Weekend

Race day might be the main event, but there’s no reason the fun has to start and end at the finish line. If you’re coming from out of town, or even if you call the Lehigh Valley home, make some time to explore while you’re here.

New for 2026, the D&L RaceFest Weekend Passport makes it easy to do just that. From November 13–15, RaceFest participants, spectators, friends, and families can use the passport to discover participating businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley offering special discounts, promotions, exclusive products, and other experiences.

Think of it as your guide for what to do between the race festivities. Grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping, or discover somewhere you haven’t visited before. Along the way, you’ll also be supporting the local businesses and communities that surround the D&L Trail and help make RaceFest Weekend possible.

Start exploring the D&L RaceFest Weekend Passport

Coming from out of town? We’ve also lined up hotel options for RaceFest participants, including room blocks and special rates to make planning your weekend a little easier. Take care of your accommodations early, get a good night’s sleep, and save your energy for the miles ahead.

Find a hotel for the weekend

Choose Your Race and Join Us

Four events, three cities, one D&L Trail, and plenty of ways to challenge yourself.

Maybe 26.2 miles has been sitting on your bucket list. Maybe you’ve been talking about putting together a relay team with friends or coworkers. Or maybe this is the year you decide to run or walk your first 13.1. Whatever that goal looks like for you, RaceFest gives you the chance to work toward it alongside hundreds of others who are chasing goals of their own.

And every mile means a little more when it supports the trail beneath your feet. Proceeds from D&L RaceFest benefit Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, helping support our programming and ongoing D&L Trail maintenance.

No matter which starting line you choose, we’ll be waiting for you at the finish. And if you spot me, or one of our other photographers, along the trail, don’t forget to smile for the camera!

Register for D&L RaceFest presented by St. Luke’s

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. 

Trail Advisory: Rodges Run Culvert Repairs (MM 47.2)

• Beginning September 8, 2026, a contractor will be performing repair work on the Rodges Run sub-canal culvert, located just south of the Durham Aqueduct.
• During weekday work hours, trail users should expect intermittent, short-term closures when equipment is being moved along the towpath.
• For your safety, please turn around at any closure point and do not attempt to pass through the work area.
• The trail is currently anticipated to remain open on weekends. Completion is anticipated by the end of the year.

Visit the Interactive Map