Allentown Hiking Club Meetup Group

We will cover many of the 18 miles of trails this park offers. Trails of varied surfaces are through meadows and forests with rolling hills. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring at least 2 liters of water plus lunch/snacks. Heavy rain or snow will cancel and the Meetup will be updated accordingly.

We will meet at the large, triangular parking lot, just south of the park's Environmental Education Center, on Belfast Road.

Meet at the Illick's Mill parking lot at 100 Illick's Mill Rd. in Bethlehem where we will begin our 2 mile walk either on the Monocacy Trail or along city streets to the Central Moravian Church (73 W. Church St.) for a Bach at Noon concert. The concert is free, but voluntary donations are appreciated. After the concert, there will be an optional 30 minute behind the scenes tour at the church and there will be two leaders to lead each group back, both those who want to go directly back to the cars as well as those who want to stay for the tour. After the event, we will follow the same route to walk back to our cars. Bring snacks to be able to eat on the move as the weather conditions may not allow a stop for lunch. The Monocacy Trail is flat and has a good walking surface (paved, gravel, grass), though it may be muddy. Steady rain or snow or icy conditions on the morning of the event will cancel the hike portion of this event, but participants can meet in the balcony of the church for the concert. Bring snacks and water.

Let's get an early start to the day and enjoy a peaceful Lehigh Parkway. We will meet at the Allentown Fish Hatchery and complete a series of figure eights all along the Little Lehigh Creek. You can complete the entire distance or turn around and head back early depending on the distance you are comfortable with. Sneakers are fine as the terrain is both paved and crushed stone, though the trails could very well be muddy. Bring water and perhaps snacks if you think you will be hungry and dress for the weather conditions.

Please arrive by 8:45am for a 9:00am departure.

This is a loop hike of the switchback railroad and through Jim Thorpe. This rugged hike will start at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. We will hike on historic rail beds with a graded ascent to a vista followed by a steep descent back into town. And a swingset! Please bring 2+ liters of water plus lunch and snacks and wear sturdy hiking boots. Trekking poles are recommended.