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

Lehigh Gorge State Park offers several dedicated traffic-free gravel bike routes. This guide features 4 curated tours, ranging from moderate to difficult, all designed for an enjoyable gravel biking experience away from vehicle traffic.

The primary gravel biking surface in Lehigh Gorge State Park is the Lehigh Gorge Trail, which features a smooth, crushed quartz stone surface. It's largely flat with a gentle downhill grade of 2-4% when traveling south from White Haven to Jim Thorpe, making for a less strenuous ride. You'll be riding alongside the Lehigh River, surrounded by impressive rock outcroppings and lush forests.

Yes, the trails in Lehigh Gorge State Park are known for their natural beauty, including several waterfalls. You can find Buttermilk Falls and Luke's Falls, both popular spots, especially near the Rockport access. Many sections of the Lehigh Gorge Trail offer spectacular views of the river and the gorge.

Yes, the Lehigh Gorge Trail, which forms the backbone of the park's gravel biking, is generally considered family-friendly. Its mostly flat, traffic-free nature and crushed stone surface make it accessible for various skill levels. The gentle downhill grade from White Haven to Jim Thorpe is particularly enjoyable for families.

While beautiful year-round, autumn is a particularly spectacular time to visit Lehigh Gorge State Park for gravel biking. The park is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, with over 130 varieties of trees displaying stunning colors. Spring and summer also offer pleasant conditions with lush greenery.

Convenient access points with parking are available at several locations along the Lehigh Gorge Trail. Key access points include White Haven, Rockport, and Jim Thorpe. These spots often serve as starting or ending points for rides.

Yes, there are several circular routes that incorporate sections of the Lehigh Gorge Trail and other paths. For example, the Buttermilk Falls – Lehigh Gorge Trail loop from Jim Thorpe offers a substantial circular ride, and the White Haven – D&L Trail loop from Penn Lake Park provides another option for a round trip.

The park is ideal for gravel biking due to its extensive network of traffic-free rail-trails, primarily the Lehigh Gorge Trail. The smooth, crushed quartz stone surface is perfect for gravel bikes, and the consistent gentle grade (especially southbound) provides an enjoyable and accessible experience through a stunning natural gorge carved by the Lehigh River.

The komoot community rates the routes in Lehigh Gorge State Park highly, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the traffic-free environment, the stunning natural scenery of the gorge, the well-maintained gravel surfaces, and the opportunity to see waterfalls and historical remnants along the way.

Yes, as you bike along the trails, you'll encounter remnants of the region's rich industrial past. Look out for old canal locks and rail beds, which are testaments to the anthracite coal industry that once thrived here. The Abandoned Coal Tunnel is a notable historical highlight that can be explored on routes like the Bridge view – Abandoned Coal Tunnel loop from Jim Thorpe.

Lehigh Gorge State Park is generally dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs on its trails. However, it's always best to check the latest park regulations on the official PA DCNR website to ensure compliance and a pleasant experience for everyone.