Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Delaware & Lehigh Canal State Historic Park preserves a significant portion of the historic Delaware and Lehigh Canal corridor that once served as a vital transportation route for anthracite coal in eastern Pennsylvania. Spanning approximately 165 miles across multiple sections, the park follows the banks of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, tracing a path through varying terrain that includes river valleys, forested hills, and small towns. The park's core features include remnants of the original canal, towpaths now converted into multi-use trails, historic canal locks, aqueducts, and former industrial sites related to coal mining and transportation. Ecologically, the park supports riparian habitats with a range of native plant species and wildlife such as white-tailed deer, river otters, and songbirds. Outdoor recreation opportunities focus on hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling, with the soft-surface towpath trails providing scenic routes for walkers and mountain bikers. Several sections include access points for canoeing and kayaking on the Lehigh River. Notable landmarks include the restored canal locks at Hugh Moore Park in Easton, the historic Lock 18 in Northampton County, and the Lehigh Canal Towpath, a National Recreation Trail. The park is popular among history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and recreational athletes seeking a combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitor appeal is strengthened by interpretive signage, historic re-creations, and proximity to historic towns such as Jim Thorpe and Easton. The park offers a unique blend of outdoor activity paired with educational experiences related to Pennsylvania’s industrial past.
