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 fifth installment is a trip on the very-popular Walnutport section of the Lehigh Canal.  Trail users can travel 1.9 miles south and 2 miles north from the Walnutport Trailhead but, because the towpath terminates on both ends of this section, you must backtrack to Walnutport.   At the towpath southern terminus, check out what remains of the Bertsch Creek aqueduct. On the northern end, you’ll get views of the Lehigh Gap’s rocky slopes from a new perspective.  For an alternate route, cross the bridge into Slatington, and use that section of the D&L Trail to access Lehigh Gap and the Appalachian Trail.  There are shops for necessities and good places to eat in both towns.  Be sure to check out Sal’s Pizza, located catty-corner to the Slatington Trailhead and just a short walk from Walnutport.

Remains of the Bertsch Creek aqueduct, visible at the southern end of this section.

Total Distance: 1.9 miles south; 2 miles north
Rating: Easy
Trail Surface: earthen towpath
Activities: hiking and biking
Trailhead amenities: parking, portable restrooms, local businesses for food and drink

Click here to download a .pdf map of the trail section.

Park at the Walnutport Trailhead, located off of Lehigh Street.  Travel north or south on the canal towpath, for approximately two miles in either direction.  Backtrack to Walnutport for a 4-mile trip.  Do both sections for an 8-mile hike or bike. Alternatively, cross the bridge into Slatington, and use this rolled-cinder rail trail to access Lehigh Gap or enjoy the Slate Heritage Trail, which follows Trout Creek.

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].