The D&L Blog

Blog Post By: Pam Coleman, D&L Landmark Towns and Trail Towns Coordinator

What do Catasauqua and New Hope have in common? They are both Trail Towns along the D&L Trail. As municipalities located along the D&L Trail, they offer amenities for trail users such as dining, lodging, and cultural attractions. They also offer an easy access to the D&L Trail by local residents for their recreational use and a healthy lifestyle. Why are trail users so important to Trail Towns? According to a recent study of 9,000 trail users in the Northeast US by Rails to Trails Conservancy, “Trail users in urban areas spend an average of $383 per year on goods such as bikes, gear and clothing. In urban and suburban areas, a majority of trail users are using the trail at least once or more weekly, and contributing between $4.02 and $16.53 to the economy per trip.”

For trail users, these communities offer more than just a place to fix a tire or grab a cold drink, they also offer chance to explore the local heritage. Whether trail users are learning about the early roots of the steel industry in Catasauqua or viewing the same scenery that inspired the American Impressionists in New Hope, the D&L Trail offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that will keep it fresh and exciting, visit after visit.

By helping each community to strengthen their local economies, interpret their own local culture and connect to the D&L Trail, the D&L is fulfilling its mission to connect people to nature, culture, communities, recreation and our industrial heritage.