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Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor adventures

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Adventures

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor preserves the historic industrial and cultural landscapes along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers in eastern Pennsylvania, offering extensive outdoor recreation with trails, waterways, and heritage sites.

30,000+
Acres Protected
165
Miles of Trails
500,000+
Annual Visitors
1988
Year Established

About Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

 

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.

Highlights

Highlight

The D&L Trail – a continuous multi-use trail spanning over 165 miles connecting historic towns and natural areas

Highlight

Lehigh Gorge State Park – known for whitewater rafting and scenic vistas along the gorge

Highlight

The historic town of Jim Thorpe – featuring Victorian architecture and mining museum

Highlight

Historic canal locks and towpaths that provide a glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure

Notable Natural Features

D&L Trail

This multi-use trail extends for 165 miles connecting towns, parks, and historic sites along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.

Lehigh Gorge State Park

Offers thrilling whitewater rafting, trail hiking, and panoramic views within a dramatic river gorge.

Historic Canal Locks

Preserved lock systems along the Lehigh Canal illustrate early American industrial engineering and commerce.