Get Out! Lehigh Valley
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir
Get Out! Lehigh Valley is a healthy outdoor activity program that provides safe, fun activities for you and your family. Explore parks, trails, gardens, rivers and more right in your community!
- Jump to:
- South Mountain Preserve Walk
- Bob Rodale Fitness Park Hike
- Lehigh Parkway Hike
- Ironton Rail Trail Walk
- Monocacy Way Walk
- Lehigh River Bike and Boat Trip
- Jordan Creek Parkway Walk
- Nor-Bath Rail Trail Walk
- Hawk Mountain Hike
- Lehigh River Towpath-Navigators Bike Ride
- Lake Nockamixon Walk
- Pool Wildlife Sanctuary Walk
- Trexler Memorial Park Walk
- Molasses Creek Park Walk
Registration
Register online for any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Wellness benefits
Outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling and paddling are fun and good for your health as well!
Physical benefits of outdoor exercise:
- Improves your immune system.
- Reduces your risk for a variety of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Helps you lose weight and protects against weight gain.
- Reduces the risk for childhood obesity and "nature deficit" disorder.
Mental health benefits of outdoor exercise:
- Boosts your mood and self-esteem.
- Reduces stress.
- Reduces your risk for depression.
Get Out! Lehigh Valley: A Partnership for Wellness
Lehigh Valley Health Network and Wildlands Conservancy partnered to develop Get Out! Lehigh Valley to promote a healthier community. This partnership was a natural fit:
- Get Out! Lehigh Valley supports Lehigh Valley Health Network's mission to heal, comfort and care for the people of our community. Outdoor activity can help you live a healthier life.
- Through Get Out! Lehigh Valley, Wildlands Conservancy can introduce and connect more community members to the land, water, ecological and recreational resources available in the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh River valley.
About Wildlands Conservancy
The mission of Wildlands Conservancy is to protect and restore critical natural areas and waterways, and educate the community to create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations. Wildlands fulfills its vision and mission through involvement with many partners in environmental education and advocacy programs, various land-protection and stewardship strategies, science-informed water quality and ecological restoration projects, comprehensive community-planning efforts, and greenway and recreational-trail development.
Upcoming Events
Date: May 25 (rain or shine)
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2+ hours
Where: South Mountain Preserve Trailhead parking area, 111 Klines Lane, Emmaus, PA 18049
Length: 2.3 miles
We will walk along the South Mountain Gateway Trail and Alpine Street Trail through a mature forest that includes an intriguing geological history and the remnants of a 19th-century mining operation. The walk is easy, with some uphill/downhill sections.
This free event is appropriate for children over age 8. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear or hiking boots, and bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the South Mountain Preserve Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From I-78: Exit at Lehigh Street and go approximately 1.5 miles to E. Main Street. Go straight through intersection and drive 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Klines Lane and drive 0.3 miles to the trail head on the left, at 111 Klines Lane.
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The 20-foot-wide paved trail at Bob Rodale Fitness Park has fast lanes for bicycling and slower lanes for in-line skating and walking.Date: June 8 (rain or shine)
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Bob Rodale Fitness Park pavilion, 1148 Mosser Road, Trexlertown, PA 18087
Length: 1.5 miles
We will walk on a paved, multi-purpose trail through dense woodland and alongside open, slightly sloped fields. Then we’ll take an easy nature walk through a forest trail. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, located across the street from this 100-acre park, hosts local, national and international bicycle racing events from May through September.
This is a free, child/family-friendly event. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear or hiking boots, and bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the Bob Rodale Fitness Park Hike or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From the intersection of Rt. 222 and Rt. 100 in Trexlertown, go west on Rt. 222 for 0.2 miles to Mosser Rd. Turn right and go 0.1 miles to the parking area on the left. Meet at the pavilion, which is 100 yards into the park from the parking area.
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The "Planet Walk" is one the most unusual and interesting attractions in the Lehigh Parkway.Date: June 22 (rain or shine)
Time: 6 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Lehigh Parkway parking area, 2110 Park Drive, Allentown, PA 18104
Length: 2 miles
The Lehigh Parkway is a large public park along Allentown’s Little Lehigh Creek. The park features more than 5 miles of scenic trails, including the oldest covered bridge in Lehigh County, stone walls and staircases built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Planet Walk and the 1741 Hunter’s Log Cabin. We will walk an easy 2 miles on a flat, stone-surfaced, ADA compliant trail.
This is a free, child/family-friendly event. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear or hiking boots, and bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation.
Registration:
The trail in the Lehigh Parkway is a wide, flat, stone-covered path that follows the Little Lehigh Creek through the park.Register online for the Lehigh Parkway Hike or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From I-78, take exit #57. Go north on Lehigh Street approximately 1.0 miles to South Jefferson Street (toward 15th Street). Turn left on South Jefferson and go 0.45 miles to the main entrance, Park Drive, and then to the Lehigh Parkway on the left. Go 1.0 miles to the pedestrian bridge parking area, 2110 Park Drive, Allentown.
All events are rain or shine.
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Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Time: 6 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Ironton Rail Trail, 3853 Chestnut St., Coplay, PA 18037
Length: 2 miles
The former Ironton Railroad (IRT) has been transformed into a safe, historic, year-round recreational resource for local residents and visitors. We will walk approximately 2 miles on the ADA-compliant- grade 10-foot-wide paved section of the IRT. We will pass by the historic Saylor Cement Kilns, view the Lehigh River and walk along the proposed route of the Delaware and Lehigh National Canal Trail.
This walk will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The walk is appropriate for children of all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife observation. This event is free.
Registration: Register online for the Ironton Rail Trail Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, drive north on Route 145 (MacArthur Road) for 3.8 miles to Chestnut Street. Turn right and drive 0.5 mile to the Ironton Rail Trail Chestnut / Ruch St. trailhead at 3853 Chestnut St. on the right.
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Date: Saturday, July 18, 2013
Time: 6 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Illick’s Mill Fox Environmental Center, 100 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Length: 2 miles
We will walk along the Monacacy Creek from Illick’s Mill Park to the Burnside Plantation. The trail along the tree-lined creek is a flat, easy walk. The 1748 Burnside Plantation offers historical walks on its grounds, and Illick’s Mill Park (Gertrude Fox Environmental Center) also has walking areas.
This walk will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The walk is appropriate for children of all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the Monacacy Way Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, go south on the Center Street (Route 512) exit. Go 1.5 miles to Illick’s Mill Road. Turn right; go 0.1 mile to the parking area on the left. We will meet in the parking area.
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Lehigh River Bike and Boat Trip
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 4+ hours
Where: Western end of Sand Island, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Length: 4-mile bike ride on the Lehigh Canal Towpath and 4-mile paddle on the Lehigh River
Participants will ride bicycles on the Lehigh Canal Towpath 4 miles to Allentown Canal Park. The towpath has a flat, 8-foot-wide crushed-stone surface. We will then paddle down the Lehigh River in canoes, returning to Sand Island. All equipment, including bicycles, helmets, canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices will be provided, as well as professional river guides. Bring lunch or pack snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. This event is rain or shine; $15-per-person fee.
Registration: Register online for the Lehigh River Bike and Boat Trip or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for this event.
Directions: From Route 22, take Route 378 south and go 2.2 miles to Exit #2 (Eighth Avenue). At the yield sign bear right onto Eighth Avenue. Go 0.8 mile to its end at Lehigh Street. Go left on Lehigh Street 0.6 mile to Main Street. Turn right; go 0.1 mile across the bridge. Turn right; go 0.2 mile to the boat launch area.
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Date: Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013
Time: 6 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Jordan Creek Parkway, 1401 Lehnert Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
Length: 2 miles
We will walk on a paved and crushed-stone trail along the Jordan Creek. The parkway will be a major part of the off-road Jordan Creek Greenway Trail, now under construction between Allentown and the Trexler Nature Preserve, a distance of 12 miles. The parkway features large wooded tracts, an extensive trail system, a disc golf course and several bridges that cross the Jordan Creek. This is a child/family event. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation. This event is free.
Registration: Register online for the Jordan Creek Parkway Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, exit at 15th Street. Go north on Mauch Chunk Road for 0.6 mile and turn right on Scherersville Road. Go 0.6 mile to the trailhead parking lot on the left. (Scherersville Road turns into Lehnert Road as it passes from South Whitehall Township to Whitehall Township.)
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Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013
Time: 6 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Nor-Bath Rail Trailhead, 700 Savage Road, Northampton, PA 18067
Length: 2 miles
We will walk on the trail through a scenic semi-agricultural area of Northampton County between the towns of Northampton and Bath. The rail trail has a crushed-stone surface, is wheelchair accessible and is a multipurpose trail allowing walking, mountain biking, inline skating and cross-country skiing. The original Nor-Bath Railroad was founded in 1902 to carry cement from the Universal Cement Co. in Bath to the major railroad line connection in Northampton.
The walk will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear or hiking boots are recommended. The walk is appropriate for children of all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or camera for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the Nor-Bath Trail Walk or any other Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-420-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, go north on Route 145 (MacArthur Road) 4.6 miles to Route 329.Turn right and continue 3 miles to Savage Road, and go right 0.6 mile to the trailhead.
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Date: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2+ hours
Where: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA 19529
Length: 2 miles
From the sanctuary entrance, we will walk on the Lookout Trail to the South Lookout and then on to the Bald Lookout. The trail is a half-mile flat, easy stone surface to the Bald Lookout. The next half-mile is much more of a challenge – the trail is rocky and there are rock steps to climb up to the North Lookout. We will stop at the Bald Lookout and move forward with those who want to take on the challenge of the last half-mile. September is one of the times of the year that hundreds of raptors migrate over Hawk Mountain, making it one of the top bird-watching areas in the world. If you want to do only the first part of the hike, it is rewarding because the South Lookout offers a spectacular view with plenty of opportunity to view the migrating raptors.
The hike is free and will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear is suggested, and a walking stick would be very helpful as well. The hike is appropriate for children over the age of 8. Dogs are not permitted at Hawk Mountain. Bring binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the Hawk Mountain Hike or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From I-78 (Exit 29 or 29A), 25 miles west of Allentown, go north on Route 61 for 4.2 miles. Go right on Pa. 895 for 2.4 miles. Go right on Hawk Mountain Road (SR 2018) for 1.9 miles to Hawk Mountain sanctuary on the right. We will meet in the small pavilion by the parking area.
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Lehigh River Towpath-Navigators Bike Ride
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2+ hours
Where: Lehigh River Towpath, 100 Main St., Slatington, PA 18080
Length: 6 miles
We will meet at the Slatington trailhead of the Lehigh and Delaware National Heritage Corridor Trail for a two-hour bike ride along the newly created trail to Treichlers Bridge. The flat, 12-foot wide, crushed- stone surface trail was built on the old Lehigh Valley Railroad bed along the Lehigh River. We will have great views of the river, the Rockdale Cliffs and the countryside. There is a $10 per person fee for this event. It is payable on the day of the event and will be collected before the ride begins.
Registration: Register online for the Lehigh River Towpath-Navigators Bike Ride or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, go north on Route 145 (MacArthur Road) for 13.2 miles to Walnutport. Turn left on Main Street. Go 0.7 mile to the trailhead on the left, at 100 Main St., in Slatington, Pa.
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Date: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Marine Visitor Center Parking Lot, Nockamixon State Park, 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951
Length: 2 miles
We will walk on the bike/hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Nockamixon then winds its way through forest and meadows back to the lake. Great views of the lake are around every turn. This child- friendly walk is on an easy, flat paved path. Leashed dogs are welcome. Sturdy footwear or hiking boots are recommended. Bring binoculars and cameras for wildlife observation and for viewing watercraft. This event is free and will be held rain or shine.
Registration: Register online for the Lake Nockamixon Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 309, turn east on Route 313. Go 4.8 miles to Route 563 north; turn left and go 4.2 miles to Harrisburg School Road. Turn right and go 0.45 mile, then follow Marina Visitors Center signs to the marina area. Turn right (arrow to the bike trail) and go 0.2 mile to the parking area.
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Date: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, PA 18049
Length: 1.5 miles
We will walk on the Flood Plain (Boardwalk) Trail along the Little Lehigh Creek and then follow the Pheasant Run Trail to the Woodland Trail for an easy 1.5-mile walk. We will walk on a wooden boardwalk and trek through a forest, making a loop through mature hardwoods, past ponds and open fields. Birds and other wildlife are always present at the sanctuary. Bring water to stay hydrated and snacks to stay energized.
The walk will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear or hiking boots are recommended. The walk is appropriate for children of all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife observation.
Registration: Register online for the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From I-78, drive south on Cedar Crest Boulevard (Route 29) for 1.3 miles to Riverbend Road. Turn left on Riverbend Road and go 0.8 mile to Orchid Place. Turn right on Orchid Place and go 0.3 mile to the entrance of the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary. We will meet in the Education Center behind the red barn.
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Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Trexler Memorial Park, 200 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104
Length: 2 miles
We will walk on a scenic 12-foot-wide paved path along Cedar Creek, beside a pond and past a historic log cabin and a horse and rider statue of Gen. Trexler. The manor house once planned for the Springhouse Estate would have been built where the statue of Gen. Trexler now stands. The park was also home to a dairy that provided milk to family and friends of the general. Trexler Memorial Park, originally designed in 1916, is now a major part of the City of Allentown’s park system. This is a rain-or-shine event. This is an easy, child-friendly walk on an ADA-compliant trail. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome. This event is free.
Registration: Register online for the Trexler Memorial Park Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route 22, take the Cedar Crest Boulevard exit, and go south on Cedar Crest Boulevard for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Broadway. Go 0.1 mile, turn right onto Springhouse Road and go 0.15 mile to the entrance to the park.
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Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Molasses Creek Park, 2075 Krammes Road, Quakertown, PA 18951
Length: 1+ mile
We will walk along the Molasses Creek through the park area and around the township building, in a rural setting, on a 6-foot-wide paved or crushed-stone path.
This walk will be held rain or shine. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The walk is appropriate for children of all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife observation. This event is free.
Registration: Register online for the Molasses Creek Walk or any Get Out! Lehigh Valley event online, or call 610-402-CARE. Space is limited for some events.
Directions: From Route I-476 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), go right (south) on Route 663 for 0.5 mile. Turn left on Krammes Road for 0.1 mile to 2075 Krammes Road. Molasses Creek Park is on the left.