By
wcook
in
9/9/2009 12:39:06 AM
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This "trail" really consists of 4 trails. Ones is not even listed.
The southern starting point of this trail shows a spot a few miles south of walnutport/Slatington. The best advice is to drive into from 145 Walnutport, head towards Slatington and as soon as you cross the river, there is parking next to the Pizza parlor on the right or a big parking lot on the left.
1) If you head north(right side of the road), take the west side of the river if you want some incredible views. Be advised though that about 2 miles into the west side trail, you will hit some really bad trail right after the airport. the stones are the big 2 inch chunk type found along most railroads. Tough it out for about 1/4 mile for the best part of the whole trail. You will come to a point where the trail splits off to the left and goes straight up hill. Take this if you want to see the whole valley, go straight if you want to stay near the river. The ride is pretty rough though. Not a whole lot of fun. When you come back, if taking the high route, pass the exit coming back down, and continue to the end of this trail. this leads to the highest spot your going to get access to on a bike. There is an antenna mounted at the end, and a big rock jut, that is great for some cool photos.
2) if you head north again, but this time take the right side of the Lehigh, its a really nice stroll down mostly macadam. It has a lot of nice spots that are very pretty in the fall etc.. The views are basically water level river to the left and canal to the right. The trail ends at the bridge down by 873. Kind of tame.
3) Now if you head south from the parking lot go off to the left if you want to take the old canal tow path. Basicall a tame little ride to nowhere. Views are all nice, but basically woods and canal.
4) A trail that isn't even marked is the one that heads off to the right. it looks like a little alley as it follows past the backyards of a whole bunch of older houses. There is a dog that is usually tethered to back of one of these homes, so be on the look out. He scared the crap out of my wife the last time we went that route. Once you get away from the homes, this trail turns into a really nice ride through the woods and follows trout creek. As it comes to road crossings, dont give up, keep looking for the trail on the other side. Usually it will be located near the stream. One point it actually looks like you have to go though a persons backyard as the trail is very faint. But dont worry, its state land. Stay on the trail until it ends in Slatedale.
That wraps up this entire trail system. As I write this though, they are actively working to expand the system all the way down to Laurys Station.
By
wcook
in
3/29/2009 11:18:55 PM
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Be aware this trail is more difficult if your coming from Northhampton. If you like to get the work done first as I do, come up into Bath because all the grade is in that direction. So when you turn around, the trip back is a breeze. not a whole lot of scenery, but it is nice. There is a nice park along the way (Bicentenial) so if you have kids, you can stop and let them play, while you rest up. Most of the trail is recessed, so the views are limited. Some farm country and a few bridges, but that's about it.