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Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge

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Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge

Things to Do in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge

Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge is a 756-acre wildlife refuge situated along the Lehigh River and encompassing part of the Kittatinny Ridge in Pennsylvania. This area is notable for its unique ecological restoration history, transforming a former Superfund site into a vibrant ecosystem with diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The refuge's varied terrain, from challenging mountain trails to flat rail-trails, provides a setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling.

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4.6

(46)

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Hiking in Lehigh Gap Wildlife RefugeSee all
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5.0

(1)

17

hikers

Bypass and Woodpecker Trail Loop

8.09km

02:51

360m

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate
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2

hikers

12.7km

03:39

210m

200m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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6.40km

01:41

50m

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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2.37km

01:07

260m

10m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(2)

23

riders

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(1)

20

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(8)

18

riders

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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4.0

(2)

2

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

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Hiking in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge

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Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available at Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. The refuge features over 13 miles (21 km) of hiking trails and provides crucial connections to major cycling routes. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and landscapes.

What kind of hiking trails are in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge offers over 13 miles (21 km) of hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, LNE Trail, and others like Three Ponds Trail and Bobolink Trail. Trails range from challenging terrain with packed dirt and boulders to former rail beds. For more details, see the Hiking in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge guide.

Is the Appalachian Trail accessible from Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, a section of the Appalachian Trail traverses Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge. This part of the trail offers challenging terrain through hardwood forests along the Kittatinny Ridge. It includes descents to the Lehigh River with panoramic views.

Are there cycling routes in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

While internal refuge trails are primarily for hiking, the refuge provides the only connection between the 165-mile (266 km) D&L Trail and the Appalachian Trail. The D&L Trail is suitable for touring, gravel, and road cycling due to its generally flat, crushed stone, and paved sections. The LNE Trail, a former rail bed, is also suitable for some cycling. Find more information in the Cycling in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge guide.

What is the D&L Trail and how does it relate to Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The D&L Trail is a 165-mile (266 km) rail-trail that runs along the Lehigh River. Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge offers a critical connection point between the D&L Trail and the Appalachian Trail. The D&L Trail is generally flat and suitable for various types of cycling, offering scenic and historical rides.

Are there family-friendly trails in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge offers a variety of trails, some of which are more accessible. The LNE Trail, a former railroad bed, provides views of the Lehigh River and restored grasslands and is generally flatter. Visitors can find trails suitable for different activity levels within the refuge's 13 miles (21 km) of paths.

Are dogs allowed on trails in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The provided information does not specify the dog policy for Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge. Visitors should check the official website or contact the refuge directly for current regulations regarding pets.

What natural features can be seen at Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge is situated along the Lehigh River and encompasses part of the Kittatinny Ridge, a significant natural landmark. It features diverse habitats including forests, scrubland, grasslands, three ponds, wetlands, and a riparian zone. The Lehigh Gap itself is one of five major water gaps bisecting the Kittatinny Ridge.

What makes Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge unique?

Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge is unique as the first and only environmental education center in the U.S. located on a restored Superfund site. It has been transformed from a polluted area into a vibrant ecosystem through extensive revegetation. This history of ecological restoration provides a unique outdoor learning environment.

How popular is Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge on komoot?

Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 400 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the refuge have an average rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

Are there komoot guides for activities in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, komoot offers several guides for activities in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge. These include guides for Hiking in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge, Cycling in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge, and Gravel biking in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge.

How can I contact Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The official website for Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge is www.lgnc.org. For direct inquiries, the phone number is +1-610-769-8889. These resources can provide the most current information.

What is the typical terrain like for hiking trails in Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

Hiking terrain varies from challenging sections of the Appalachian Trail with packed dirt, stone, large boulders, and exposed tree roots, to smoother former rail beds like the LNE Trail. The refuge's 756 acres include diverse landscapes from forested slopes to grasslands.

What wildlife can be observed at Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge's varied habitats support a rich diversity of wildlife, including hundreds of native species. Visitors may observe rare species like the Milbert's tortoiseshell butterfly and Blue Grosbeak bird. Bald Eagles and Ospreys are frequently seen, especially along the Lehigh River.

What are the operating hours for Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge trails?

The hiking trails within Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge are open from dawn to dusk. Visitors should plan their activities to ensure they complete their routes before closing.

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