Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) stretches approximately 165 miles along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers in eastern Pennsylvania, encompassing parts of Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, and Luzerne counties. This Corridor highlights the region’s significant role in America's Industrial Revolution, especially through its historic canals, railroads, and coal mining legacy. The geography traverses river valleys, forested hills, and urban centers, combining natural beauty with important cultural landmarks. Ecologically, the Corridor supports riparian habitats, mature forests, and diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and native fish species in the river systems.
Visitors can explore over 165 miles of multi-use trails that make up the D&L Trail, popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with scenic views of waterways, historical towns, and remnants of 19th-century industry. The water routes along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers offer kayaking and canoeing opportunities showcasing serene natural environments and historic canal locks. Notable landmarks include the historic Lehigh Gorge State Park, the restored canals and locks, and the vibrant communities of Jim Thorpe and Easton, Pennsylvania. The Corridor also connects to state parks and wildlife refuges that provide additional outdoor experiences.
The D&L National Heritage Corridor attracts history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families alike, blending recreational opportunities with educational programs on local heritage. The area’s accessible trailheads, visitor centers, and preserved sites offer year-round activities while promoting conservation and community involvement. As an authorized National Heritage Area, the Corridor fosters partnerships to protect its landscapes and promote sustainable tourism and outdoor engagement.
