Trexler Nature Preserve — Attraction in North Whitehall Township

Was okay, will try other trails and hope for better.

Downside is it was over a 2 hour drive each way for us. The trail map and online photos make it sound like ypu might catch a glimpse of animals from the outside trail. We got there around 3PM and the zoo closes at 4 so the zoo was out.

We did the double blue blaze Elk Viewing trail. Im npt sure where or when this possible viewing happens. When you get to the top of the hill you can see the zoo from really far up. Theres was a section behind for animals under veterinary care, which was empty, which is a good thing. I hope thst means they're sll healthy.

We started the trail parked by the Schicher's Covered Bridge. You immediately start uphill but its not too steep. Id say it earns its moderate rating but my wife and i are by no means in good shape and we made it. The rest of the trail at that point is downhill or flat. Id rather starr uphill than finish uphill. Map says the trail is 1.7 miles. It seemed to go pretty fast.

The map makes it seem like you pass by areas for bison and elk. Im not quite sure where cause it all just looks like forest.

It wasnt a good trail but not s bad one either. You see one of the covered bridges. You get up close with the stream a little bit. Theres a overlook at the top of the hill.

We also ran into nobody alkng the trail. Only a handful of people by the stream.

Theres also a spot where its paved across the stream, they call The Ford. You can drive across. We walked scross and got our feet wet before noticing the sign daying not to. Im not sure why, its an inch or 2 deep and not exactly a raging rapid.

We'll try some other trails and the zoo someday, just with tempered expectations.

Im wondering if the 8.4 mile long red blaze Trexler Border trail is good for biking. Trails like that we wish we knew people who could drop us off at one point then pick us up at another so we wouldnt have to...

ADDENDUM: There are A LOT of reviews for the Trexler Nature Preserve that should not be on here. A lot are talking about the Zoo, which is a completely separate thing. The Nature Preserve is a completely free park with loads of nature trails for hiking, biking, and various spots for picnicking and relaxing, as well as spots for splashing around in the creek and fishing.

Much of the area is a nice tree and grassy area, with various trails twisting and turning around the area. Good area for hiking/jogging. Various spots for just sitting and enjoying the views, or picnicking. Jordan Creek twisting in and around the area is good for splashing around, or even in some spots good for short hikes up or down the middle of it for a refreshing jaunt on warmer days (not to mention the Ford crossing for driving through the creek). A few spots for somewhat level hiking/jogging, but many trails can be rather hilly. The hilly trails would be good for getting your heart and lungs pumping more in a short time and breaking a good sweat. The little bit of more level areas would be good for biking (all though they could use some kind of easier access to loop around for the trail that goes up around the north end of the zoo towards one of the covered bridges), and they have some areas designated as mountain biking trails, but you need to be well in shape and very skilled in dealing with steeper hills and possible rough spots. Some trails aren't quite as visible as you might hope. One section currently has mostly barren hillsides, which appear like remains of trees/brush were torn down and broken up and scattered about, which attributes to some trails not being very visible, and is not very attractive. Hopefully they'll work on cleaning it up a tiny bit real soon, and planting little clusters of native trees, bushes, and perennials to help fill it in and make it look more natural and get some of those trails...

Visited the Central Range only. Great hiking and views. I recommend researching topography and trails before going so you know where you'd like to park. Lots of ravines and trails along the contours of the slopes so be prepared for elevation changes if you are going to hike these. We met with icy conditions due to recent snow/sleet, so we opted only for fairly level trails. Also, note the one-way roads in the interior. Makes a loop. The map on the website for the preserve shows the topography, the trails, the ford, overlooks, but not the one-way directions on roads--use Google maps for that. Also, one of these roads has the opportunity to drive across a ford in Jordan Creek. Can only ford the creek when river flow permits this safely... the gate was closed when we were there and the stream was pretty high. One-way roads mean the ford is approached from the west.

Parked near and hiked to the Nature Center for grand panoramic views. Because of the icy trails we decided not to hike down to the creek, but rather moved the car to a small parking area on the west side of Jordan Creek (long drive along perimeter roads to get there) and hiked the red/white covered bridge trail as a loop, made possible by the pedestrian bridge at the ford and Geiger's Covered Bridge.

Would make a good drive-through visit as well, with the scenic terrain and views at points of interest.

We noticed at the Geiger's Covered Bridge there is a trail (Geiger's Covered Bridge Trail) marked as ADA accessible. On the website map it shows the whole loop is ADA. On the west side of the creek the trail has a slight slope (1-4% grades) and is on a bluff above the creek, on the east side the trail is close to level with the creek for most of the way toward the ford. The steeper parts are nearest the ford. Start from Geiger's Covered Bridge and decide how far you wish to go on either side...