You Have to Experience This Ravine Hike in Pennsylvania For Yourself

If you haven’t been to the Lehigh Valley, there’s a good chance that you would assume that it is relatively, well, valley-like. Having grown up near the Catskills, it’s true that the hiking here is not as expansive or diverse as it is at home, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any hikes worth your while. Though there are arguably some more challenging hikes nearby, like Hawk Mountain, or more visually stunning like Bushkill Falls, one of the most unique and family-friendly hikes in the Lehigh Valley area is the Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville, PA. 

The Trexler Border Trail features some surprisingly technical sections, steeper than expected inclines, and almost guaranteed animal viewing. Though it’s of course common to see your typical woodland creatures (squirrels, birds, chipmunks, etc.), that’s not what I’m referring to. This hike almost always promises bison at the top of your ascent, as the 1,108-acre public park has devoted a portion of its land to protecting endangered bison and elk. That said, I have yet to personally spot an elk on my many jaunts, but the bison are always somewhere in view. 

The land also houses the small but mighty Lehigh Valley Zoo, which not only hosts a range of animals but also many seasonal events throughout the year. If you do wish to enter the zoo area, you will have to drive to the opposite side of the mountain. The good news is that the zoo fences are highly secure, so there’s no chance of running into any lions, tigers, or bears on your hike. (Okay, they don’t have any of those, so we’ll go with sloths, lemurs, and penguins—less alarming possible encounters, but you get the idea.) 

The nature preserve has over 18 miles of trails which allow hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding with necessary bridges connecting the trails where they are dissected by Jordan Creek. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for fishing and gentle enough for wading, making it an ideal spot to cool down the kids on hot summer days, or, like many locals, plop down your beach chair and settle in with a good book.

There are a couple of different ways to enter the trails as well as multiple parking areas, and quite a few trail options to choose from, which vary in length and difficulty, making it adaptable for young children or beginner hikers. The area is also well marked and trails are relatively clear, but if you do end up getting lost, you’re not likely to stay that way for long, as the main trail circles back on itself and is generally well populated. Like much of PA, it also features a covered bridge walk, which is paved and ADA-friendly. If you are really looking to challenge yourself, you can enter the Quadzilla 15k, a trail race that takes place on the preserve every July. 

The best thing? It’s free. Since this is a public park, you won’t have to pay a parking or entrance fee, and the land and trails are left largely to your discretion. Because of this, it is especially important that you protect the local plant and wildlife and do your part to leave no trace, continuing to respect the founding intention of land conservation.