Lehigh Gorge State Park — Attraction in Lehigh Township

Lehigh Gorge State Park is a true local treasure in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. As someone who has frequented the park, I can say that it’s a place where the community comes to unwind, explore, and connect with nature.

The park’s highlight is undoubtedly the Lehigh Gorge Trail, a 26-mile path that traces the old railroad bed alongside the Lehigh River. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, the trail offers stunning views of the river, dense forests, and rugged rock formations. It's well-maintained and mostly flat, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The changing seasons bring new experiences each time you visit, with vibrant fall foliage, blooming wildflowers in spring, and the serene quiet of a snow-covered landscape in winter.

Waterfall enthusiasts will also find joy in the park, with Buttermilk Falls being a must-see. Although the famous Glen Onoko Falls Trail has closed, Buttermilk Falls still offers a peaceful and picturesque spot to enjoy the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks.

For the more adventurous, the Lehigh River is a hotspot for whitewater rafting and kayaking, providing thrilling rapids that range from Class II to Class III. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the gorge’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Lehigh Gorge is also steeped in history, with remnants of the 19th-century Lehigh Canal scattered throughout the park. These historical markers add an intriguing layer to your visit, offering glimpses into the area’s industrial past.

As a local, I can confidently say that Lehigh Gorge State Park is a place that never gets old. Whether you’re looking for adventure or tranquility, this park has something...

This five star hiking (33 miles) and biking (26 miles) park follows the Lehigh River. Most people consider the Glen Onoko area of the Lehigh Gorge State Park the end of the trail, Other the beginning. Since the trail is slightly more downhill from White Haven to Glen Onoko, it's an easier ride than doing it in reverse. There are several long parking lots, but only a primitive outhouse facility. A hand launch boat ramp is nearby. Nice views of railroad bridges and the nearby mountains make this section visually fun. There's a wood plank bridge you can drive over which makes lots of noise and is a little scary. (The first 3 pictures are of Glen Onoko). The middle area of the park is Rockport. There are several hiking trails here including the relatively hard Vista Trail which leads to a spectacular view, and the Bald Mountain Trail. There are also some nice streams running down to the Lehigh River. This area also has a hand launch boat area. There is a limited amount of parking in this area. (Pictures 4-6) North of this section is the tall Buttermilk Falls. (picture 7). There's also a small parking area to the north where a trail leads to the ruins of a tannery. (pictures 8 and 9). At the Whitehaven end of the park, there's a bike rental place which also offers pick up service for your return trip. This section of the park was recently upgraded and re-opened in 2023. Improvements include four handicap bathrooms large enough to bring your bike with you. Also new is an extra-large boat launch area which can accommodate both the whitewater excursions and the individual boaters. Somewhat inconvenient is the requirement to park vehicles up the hill after disembarking. For oversized vehicles there is a field at the Rt 940 park entrance. (Pictures 10-15). Newsletter at...

Lived within 15 min of here my whole life. Am 46 now. Been here a gazillion times. Glen Onoko falls is very nice. Very, very technical. Have to use your hands at points cuz is steep. Falls trail is "closed". Was up there twice since it closed. Have not seen anyone patrolling. Think u only get a fine if you hurt yourself and have to get rescued. Not sure though. Both times I went up I ran into numerous hikers. I discourage people from walking down the falls side. Is way better to hike up the falls side and back down on either the short cut trail or over to the lookout, then back down. Meets up with the short cut trail. Lookout is very scenic. At the bottom, before going down to the river, there are ruins of the social area associated with the Wahneeta hotel that burned down early 1900s. There are numerous earth/stone stages where bands used to play. An area where the playground was. A fountain which is still very visibly there. And stone walkways which are fading with time. The mountain with the train tunnel is another hike. The tunnel parking lot has numerous trails that go up to the lookout above the tunnel. Is a rock outcropping. Scenic. This is a local treasure so please do not litter. Best hiking shoes are above the ankle for this one. Cuz its rocky and technical. Easy ankle injuring terrain. A few people have died over the years falling off the falls (which there are 3 falls) or the trail itself. So be careful and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Also the rail trail goes up to Wilkes-Barre and ends up in Jersey somewhere. I usually take it to Northampton and back on my gravel bike or mtn bike. Is basically along the Lehigh River the whole way. Easy going and scenic. Sorry I wrote a short magazine worth of words but I wanted to do it justice. Be...