Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor adventure.
This 165-mile National Heritage Area multi-use trail stretches from north to south across five counties in eastern Pennsylvania. Cycle, walk, kayak or travel by rail along parts of this historic transport pathway that used to carry coal and iron, making this corridor the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Follow the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers for much of the southern section and visit scenic river towns with a thriving arts and culture scene such as Bethlehem and New Hope.
Nearly 40 museums dot the route, including the Grundy Museum in Bristol at the southermost point of the corridor, where you can experience life in the late Victorian times. There's also America on Wheels at Allentown which showcases the nation's different means of transport from bicycles to trucks, and the National Canal Museum near Easton where you can learn to harness a mule and steer a canal boat. At the Northern most point take a walking tour of the Wilkes-Barre historical district to learn about different architectural styles.
Hikers fancying a detour can join the Appalachian Trail where it intersects the Delaware and Lehigh Trail at Lehigh Gap. For a great view across to Trenton, New Jersey, hike out to Bowman's Hill Tower, that rises from the hilltop 125 feet in the air a few miles south of New Hope. Take the Switchback Railroad Trail that links Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill, enjoying camping, fishing and boating at Mauch Chunk Lake. Explore camping on public campgrounds along the way or on private land through Hipcamp for a more curated experience.
Thrill seekers can head out to Pocono Whitewater, Biking and Skirmish northeast of Jim Thorpe for action packed adventures.
With camping grounds and interesting activities along the way, this historical corridor provides an excellent route around which to plan your next vacation.