Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails

The trail is predominantly flat with a well-maintained, crushed limestone or gravel surface. While generally smooth, some sections might have slightly larger, bumpier crushed red limestone. This makes it an easy and enjoyable path for various users.

The trail spans over seven miles in total, with a main segment covering four scenic miles. It currently exists in two disconnected sections totaling 5.6 miles. This particular komoot tour covers approximately 12.4 km (7.7 miles) and is an out-and-back route, taking around 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete.

You'll experience a diverse natural landscape, winding through forests and meadows. A significant highlight is the Dreck Creek Reservoir, where the trail runs alongside, offering serene water views and a scenic overlook with a picnic table. Much of the trail is tree-lined, providing shade, and you'll also encounter beautiful rock cut areas. The route also passes through Butler Preserve.

Yes, its flat, even terrain and well-maintained surface make it an ideal path for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. It's suitable for hikers, runners, cyclists, and even those with strollers.

Parking facilities with trail maps are available along the route. Look for designated parking areas near the main trailheads to begin your adventure.

The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer provide lush green canopies, while autumn showcases a spectacular display of fall foliage. It's also suitable for winter activities like cross-country skiing, making it a great option in any season.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails or Butler Preserve. It's a community asset freely accessible to the public.

Yes, the trail features five permanent exercise stations located along the first mile for those looking for an additional workout. You'll also find amenities such as benches, picnic tables, and mile markers along the route. It's also a popular spot for geocaching.

Yes, the route is part of the larger Greater Hazleton Rail Trail system. Future plans aim to expand it significantly and integrate it as a critical connection within the larger Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) system, linking to historic sites like Eckley Miners' Village and Lehigh Gorge State Park.

The trail occupies the former corridor of the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Schuylkill rail line, which once served the local coal mining industry. After decades of disuse, it has been transformed into a multi-use pathway that promotes healthy lifestyles and reconnects people with nature.