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Details

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Kyle Sullivan, Jeffrey Cocci, Lisa Lombardo
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001MyHt
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join us for a hike at the scenic Trexler Nature Preserve - a hidden gem located in Lehigh County!
This 1,495 acre natural preserve is the largest park in Lehigh County and a diverse natural gem for residents to celebrate. General Harry C. Trexler (1854-1933) contributed greatly to the growth and quality of life in the Lehigh County. General Trexler purchased 1,108 acres, in Lowhill and North Whitehall Townships to create a game preserve to protect bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. In 1933, General Trexler gave the land to Lehigh County in his will and it became the Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve. Today, the Trexler Nature Preserve continues General Trexler’s legacy and vision. Additional land was added to expand the preserve to 1495 acres. A 2006 Master Site Plan outlined a vision to carry the preserve into its second century. In 2020, Lehigh County partnered with the Wildlands Conservancy, the Trexler Trust, the state and community groups on an updated Master Site Plan to enhance the future of the Preserve for the County. Today, the Trexler Nature Preserve offers residents opportunities to explore and experience nature as General Trexler envisioned. The hills offer spectacular views of the Lehigh Valley. Over eighteen miles of trails offer wildlife observation, bird watching, hiking, walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities for enthusiasts at all levels. The Covered Bridge Trail is ADA accessible and provides access to the Jordan Creek for fishing. . Trexler Nature Preserve offers something for everyone!
We will meet at the gravel/dirt parking lot that is on the LEFT shortly after entering the main road used for the Lehigh Valley Zoo (the parking lot for Trexler is BEFORE you actually enter the Zoo entrance - there will be a sign pointing to the LEFT for Trexler). From the parking lot, there is a very short walk to the Trexler Nature Preserve Border Trail, which is the main trail we will be on during the hike. There are several lookouts/viewpoints, hills, and other points of interest along our route... Possibly even free-roaming bison/elk! There is also a bathroom at the (approximately) 5 mile point.
*** Please use the GPS coordinates in your GPS app/device for the parking lot meeting point!!!: 40.654588, -75.630745

There are several routes/variants for the hike that will cover 6.3 miles, 7.7 miles, and 9.3 miles total of 1,040 feet, 1,132 feet, and 1,362 feet (respectively) of elevation gain. We will decide which route/variant along the way based on pace, weather, and overall desire of the group. All routes/variants will be a loop hike - the start and finish point are at the same location at the parking lot.
This hike is marked as "Moderate" only because of several short sections that are steep - otherwise, this hike has only gradual elevation gain at most. We will take breaks as needed during/after any steeper sections. Please wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes with good grip, and trekking poles would be helpful for the short steeper sections for those who have them (but not necessary). If it has recently rained, trials may be muddy. Bring plenty of water (at least 1 liter) and snacks. Hike may be canceled due to inclement weather. Hike leader will contact you the day of for cancellation.
Join us afterwards for post hike lunch at The New Schnecksville Family Diner at 4527 PA-309, Schnecksville, PA 18078.
This trip is intended to be a 20s/30s affinity trip. Participation is limited to those who identify with this age group. If you have any questions about eligibility or the nature of this trip, please contact the trip leader(s) by email for more information.
Please note: In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other Chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

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