The best traffic-free bike rides in Lehigh Gorge State Park

This guide features 11 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Lehigh Gorge State Park, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty. You'll find 3 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options.

The primary no-traffic routes, particularly the Lehigh Gorge Trail, feature a generally smooth, packed gravel or dirt surface. While suitable for touring bikes, wide tires are recommended for the most comfortable experience. The trail offers a predominantly downhill ride when traveling south from White Haven to Jim Thorpe, with a slight 2% uphill grade if cycling northward.

Yes, the routes in Lehigh Gorge State Park are rich with natural beauty. You can discover beautiful waterfalls such as Buttermilk Falls, located north of the Rockport Access, and Luke's Falls, situated south of the Rockport Access. The deep, steep-walled gorge carved by the Lehigh River itself is a striking feature, with rugged rock outcroppings and lush vegetation.

Lehigh Gorge State Park offers stunning scenic vistas throughout the year, but it is particularly spectacular during the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant display. The park boasts over 130 varieties of tree species, making autumn an especially popular time for cycling. Spring and summer also offer pleasant conditions with lush greenery.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, you can enjoy the Buttermilk Falls – Lehigh Gorge Trail loop from Lehigh Gorge State Park Rockport Access, or the Lehigh Gorge Trail – Buttermilk Falls loop from White Haven. These routes allow you to start and end at the same point, often incorporating sections of the main Lehigh Gorge Trail.

Many sections of the Lehigh Gorge Trail are well-suited for families, especially the predominantly downhill ride from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. The generally smooth, packed gravel surface and lack of vehicle traffic make it a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of various ages and skill levels. Consider routes like the Abandoned Coal Tunnel – Bridge view loop from Jim Thorpe, which is rated easy.

Key access points with amenities like restrooms and seasonal potable water include White Haven, Rockport, and Jim Thorpe. These locations typically offer parking facilities. Additionally, convenient shuttle services are widely available throughout the area, facilitating one-way journeys along the Lehigh Gorge Trail, particularly for those wishing to experience the downhill ride from White Haven to Jim Thorpe.

The no-traffic cycling routes in Lehigh Gorge State Park incorporate significant historical elements. The trail itself follows old railroad beds and features remnants of historical canal locks, which are testaments to the region's industrial heritage. You can also explore the Abandoned Coal Tunnel, a fascinating highlight along some routes.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Lehigh Gorge State Park, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's stunning natural beauty, the peaceful, traffic-free environment of the Lehigh Gorge Trail, and the convenience of shuttle services that enhance the one-way downhill ride. The diverse scenery, especially the fall foliage and waterfalls, is frequently highlighted.

Lehigh Gorge State Park is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, provided they are on a leash and owners adhere to park regulations, including cleaning up after their pets. It's always a good idea to check the latest park rules on the official DCNR website for any updates or specific restrictions.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on the Lehigh Gorge Trail. However, it's always recommended to check the official Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website for Lehigh Gorge State Park for the most current information on regulations, trail conditions, and any potential advisories. You can find more information at pa.gov.