The best walks and hikes around Allentown
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hikes
Hiking around Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers diverse terrain ranging from flat, easy paths along waterways to moderate trails with elevation changes. The region is characterized by prominent features like the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, which are often bordered by trails. Woodlands, open meadows, and limestone geology contribute to varied landscapes, providing opportunities for scenic views across the Lehigh Valley.
Best hiking trails around Allentown
- The most popular hiking route is Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop — Lehigh Parkway,…
Last updated: July 21, 2026
5.0
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6
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4.15km
01:04
20m
10m
The Sherwood Forest, Bones, and North Side Path Trail Loop offers a delightful, low-key escape into nature, perfect for when you need a quick refresh. You'll wander through pleasant wooded…
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711m
00:11
0m
0m
The North Side Path in Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers an incredibly gentle and brief outdoor escape. This easy hiking route is perfect for those seeking a quick stretch of the legs,…
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4.0
(1)
15
hikers
9.96km
02:34
50m
50m
The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop offers a moderate hiking experience, stretching 6.2 miles (10.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 151 feet (46 metres). You can expect to…
14
hikers
4.08km
01:05
40m
40m
The Upper Trexler Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, guiding you through a pleasant mix of open meadows and wooded sections. You'll walk on primarily flat, paved multi-use…
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4.05km
01:02
10m
10m
If you're looking for a peaceful, accessible escape right in Allentown, the Cedar Creek Path delivers a charming experience. This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) route, with a negligible 27 feet…
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Tips from the Community
Trexler Memorial Park is delightful, with Little Cedar Creek flowing through the grounds, creating a lovely central pond. It features 2.5 miles of hiking trails and is a popular location for hikers, runners, and dog walkers. The main loop trail is about a mile long, or you can combine it with other well-marked trails for an extended hike. It's the perfect location to enjoy a shorter hike and immerse yourself in nature.
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Cedar Beach Park is a scenic tree-filled urban paradise nestled along Lake Muhlenberg. It's a peaceful place for a hike, where you can stroll down the paved trail along the water. The park includes a swimming pool, basketball courts, a playground, restrooms, and several places to stop and enjoy a picnic in the grass or at one of the many picnic areas on the grounds.
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Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is a quiet park with lots of beautiful roses and other flowers, a reflecting pond and a gazebo. It's a great place for leisurely walks and bike rides and offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. The park has two walking loops, with the inner loop featuring ten wellness stations if you want additional exercise while visiting this lovely spot.
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The North Side Path is a beautiful route on mostly gravel that runs along the park's north side, and is part of the loop that continues on the opposite side of Little Lehigh Creek. It's a quiet stretch of trail where you can immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the lovely views of the water.
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This historic bridge, constructed in 1841, is the oldest in the county and stretches 145 feet across the creek. It is a fantastic old bridge, and it is worth a detour to take a walk inside to admire the interior beams and capture some photos. If you want to shorten your hike, you can cross here and head back to the North Side Path.
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Lehigh Parkway is a huge public park in Allentown. It is technically a loop trail that travels on both sides of Little Lehigh Creek, and it is split up into a “North Side Path” and a “South Side Path.” Both sides of the trail are pretty similar, being mostly crushed gravel with a handful of paved parts.
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Bogert's Covered Bridge is a 145-foot-long bridge constructed in 1841. It is the oldest bridge in the county. It is still open to traffic, so it is a nice detour off of Oxford Drive.
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Lehigh Parkway is a huge public park in Allentown. It is technically a loop trail that travels on both sides of Little Lehigh Creek, and it is split up into a "North Side Path" and a "South Side Path." Both sides of the trail are pretty similar being mostly crushed gravel with a handful of paved parts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Allentown?
Allentown and its surrounding areas offer a diverse selection of nearly 20 hiking routes. These range from easy strolls through parks to more challenging moderate trails with elevation changes.
What types of terrain can I expect on Allentown's hiking trails?
The region features a variety of terrains, from flat, easy paths along waterways like the Little Lehigh Creek to moderate trails with noticeable elevation changes and some rocky sections. You'll find lush woodlands, open meadows, and areas influenced by limestone geology.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Allentown?
Yes, many trails are suitable for families. For an easy and pleasant walk, consider the Trexler Memorial Park loop, which is 2.5 miles long and takes about an hour. The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop also offers a scenic, mostly flat experience along the creek, perfect for a longer family outing.
Which trails are dog-friendly in Allentown?
Most trails in Allentown's parks and preserves are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop and the trails within Trexler Nature Preserve are popular choices for hikers with dogs, offering plenty of space and natural surroundings.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Allentown?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop, the Trexler Memorial Park loop, and the Wilderness, Uplands, & Log Trail loop at South Mountain Preserve.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the hiking trails?
Allentown's trails often lead to or pass by notable features. Along the Little Lehigh Parkway, you can discover the historic Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway and Bogert Covered Bridge. The expansive Trexler Nature Preserve offers opportunities to see elk and bison, along with Schlicher's Covered Bridge. For a historical perspective, the nearby Bethlehem Steel Plant is a significant landmark.
Are there any trails with waterfalls near Allentown?
While Allentown itself doesn't feature prominent waterfalls directly on its main hiking trails, the broader Lehigh Valley region, particularly the Lehigh Gorge Trail within Lehigh Gorge State Park, is known for its stunning views of waterfalls and rock cliffs along the Lehigh River.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Allentown?
The hiking experience in Allentown is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, the serene 'creek hike atmosphere' along the Little Lehigh Parkway, and the scenic beauty of the woodlands and meadows throughout the seasons.
Are there any challenging hikes in Allentown?
For a more challenging experience, the Wilderness, Uplands, & Log Trail loop at Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve is a moderate 6.5-mile path with significant elevation gain, offering a good workout and rewarding views of the Lehigh Valley.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Allentown?
Most major parks and preserves in Allentown, such as Lehigh Parkway, Trexler Memorial Park, and Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve, offer designated parking areas for trail access. It's advisable to check specific park websites or trail descriptions for detailed parking information.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Allentown?
Allentown offers scenic beauty throughout the seasons. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer is ideal for shaded woodland trails, and even winter hiking can be enjoyable on clear days, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
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