Lehigh Gap Nature Center
Get Directions
Park Overview:
Just north of the Appalachian Trail in eastern Pennsylvania lies a side of the Kittatinny Ridge with a well-blazed network of multi-tiered hiking trails in an area under environmental restoration
Park Description:
In 2002 the Lehigh Gap Nature Center purchased over 750 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge to the west of the Lehigh River and in Lehigh Gap of eastern Pennsylvania, just north of the where the Appalachian Trail passes through. Much of the land, degraded by years of industrial pollution from zinc plant emissions of sulfur dioxide, is now undergoing revitalization. Other parts had remained a productive habitat , including ponds, bottomland wetlands, a 2.5 mile riparian zone, forested slopes, cliffs, and savanna at the higher elevations
Trails Overview:
The Center has developed a blazed network of multi-tiered hiking trails -- from river level to mountain ridges – that provides miles of panoramic views into the Lehigh Gap and Pocono region. Individually the 12 trails are short, from one-eighth of a mile to just under three miles. Two long distance trails pass near or through, a 1.50-mile Appalachian Trail segment and a 2.75-mile segment of the Delaware & Lehigh (D&L).
In all, the system offers 13 miles of interconnected and loop trails. The North Trail, which roughly parallels the Appalachian Trail segment to its north, is not included in this official calculation. It adds another two miles roughly.
Use the Web Map link on this site to view a trail map, which includes a written synopsis of each trail.
Click for a detailed description of a hike in the park.
Park Acreage:
750.00 acresMunicipality:
SlatingtonJust north of the Appalachian Trail in eastern Pennsylvania lies a side of the Kittatinny Ridge with a well-blazed network of multi-tiered hiking trails in an area under environmental restoration
In 2002 the Lehigh Gap Nature Center purchased over 750 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge to the west of the Lehigh River and in Lehigh Gap of eastern Pennsylvania, just north of the where the Appalachian Trail passes through. Much of the land, degraded by years of industrial pollution from zinc plant emissions of sulfur dioxide, is now undergoing revitalization. Other parts had remained a...
Park Acreage:
750.00 acresMunicipality:
SlatingtonContact Information
Web Link:
Lehigh Gap Nature CenterPhone:
(610) 760-8889Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
To Lehigh Gap Nature Center Osprey House Parking:
Take I-78 West from New Jersey into Pennsylvania, then continue on I-78 West to exit 71 for PA-33 N toward US-22/Stroudsburg. Continue on PA-33 North for 6 miles. Take the PA-248 exit toward Wilson. At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto PA-248 W/Nazareth Rd. Continue to follow PA-248 W for 19 miles. Turn left at the traffic light and cross the bridge on PA 873. Googlemaps will instruct to turn right after the bridge at an AT parking lot but there is no access taking that route. Instead, continue after crossing the bridge and stay on PA 873 South for 0.25 mile then make a sharp left turn on Paint Mill Road following the signs for the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
- 8649 Paint Mill Rd., Slatington, PA 18080 – GPS Coordinates: 40.777764, -75.608093
Directions to this location and others also available at the Center’s web site, use the link under Contact Information.
- Appalachian Trail Parking, Walnutport, PA 18088 – GPS Coordinates: 40.783643, -75.604654
Support the trails with a donation!