The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Allentown
4.5
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387
hikers
15
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Allentown, Pennsylvania, traverse a diverse landscape characterized by prominent waterways, extensive woodlands, and open meadows. The region features the scenic Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, often bordered by trails, alongside areas with unique limestone geology. Hikers can experience varied topography within the Lehigh Valley, offering picturesque views and natural attractions. This area provides a range of experiences suitable for families exploring the outdoors.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Allentown
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop, a 6.2 miles (10.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 34 minutes to complete. This moderate route features picturesque wooden bridges and opportunities for wildlife sightings along the Little Lehigh Creek.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bogert Covered Bridge loop from Allentown, a moderate 4.8 miles (7.7 km) path. This trail follows the Little Lehigh Creek and passes the historic Bogert's Covered Bridge.
- Local hikers also love the Upper Trexler Loop, a 2.5 miles (4.1 km) trail leading through woodlands and open meadows, often completed in about 1 hour 4 minutes.
- Hiking around Allentown is defined by waterways like the Little Lehigh Creek, extensive woodlands, and open meadows, with routes offering options for easy family walks and moderately challenging paths.
- The routes in Allentown are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 12 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Allentown's varied terrain.
Last updated: September 27, 2026
4.0
(1)
17
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 complete this scenic route in about 2 hours and 33 minutes. As you hike, the path winds alongside the Little Lehigh Creek, providing a peaceful escape within an urban setting. Tall trees line the route, creating a pleasant, shaded atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the historic Bogert Covered Bridge, a key landmark along the way.
This well-maintained trail is a popular choice for hikers and is accessible throughout the year. You will find it easy to start your adventure, as parking is generally available near the trailhead. The route also provides convenient amenities like restrooms and water fountains at various points along your journey. Consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience.
This route is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical elements, making it a unique urban oasis. Beyond the picturesque creek, you will encounter an old train trestle and stone retaining walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail is also known for its wildlife, so you might spot deer as you explore. It's a great option for a refreshing outdoor activity close to Allentown.
15
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 pathways, enjoying views of established trees, grassy areas, and a central pond fed by Little Cedar Creek. It's a great option for a relaxed outing where the scenery gently unfolds around you, perhaps even revealing glimpses of an old orchard.
This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) hike, with a minimal 118 feet (36 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. It's a popular spot for hikers, runners, and dog walkers, indicating its broad appeal. Parking is free within Trexler Memorial Park, and there are no entrance fees, making it a convenient and budget-friendly choice for a quick outdoor escape.
Situated within the sprawling Trexler Memorial Park, this trail is known for its lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a community favorite. The fact that dogs are welcome on leash adds to its family-friendly appeal. It's an ideal route for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a short, refreshing walk without significant challenge.
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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 (8 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly paved and winds through a beautiful park setting. You'll enjoy strolling past the colorful Malcolm Gross Rose Garden and the tranquil Muhlenberg Lake, all while following the gentle flow of Cedar Creek. It's a perfect choice for a relaxed walk, a beginner hike, or a family friendly outing that takes just over an hour.
Planning your visit to the Cedar Creek Path is straightforward, as it's a well-integrated part of the city's park system. Parking is readily available at Cedar Beach Park, making trailhead access simple. This multi-use path is suitable for all seasons, though the gardens are particularly vibrant in warmer months. There are no permits or fees required, so you can simply show up and enjoy a refreshing walk whenever you like.
The Cedar Creek Path is more than just a trail; it's a vital green corridor and a natural buffer for Cedar Creek, a high-quality trout stream. The path connects to other local trails, like the Youth Exercise Trail, offering options for extending your outing if you wish. It’s a testament to how urban green spaces can provide significant recreational value and natural beauty, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
19
hikers
7.74km
02:00
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
2.15km
00:34
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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 family-friendly hiking trails are there around Allentown?
There are over 10 family-friendly hiking routes around Allentown featured in this guide, ranging from easy strolls to moderately challenging paths. In total, the komoot community has mapped 14 such routes, ensuring plenty of options for families to explore the region's natural beauty.
What kind of terrain can families expect on these trails?
The family-friendly trails around Allentown offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find paths winding along prominent waterways like the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, through extensive woodlands, and across open meadows. Some trails feature interesting limestone geology and picturesque views of the Lehigh Valley. Many are relatively flat, while others, particularly in areas like the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve, offer moderate elevation changes.
Are there any stroller-friendly hiking options for families with very young children?
Yes, for families with strollers, routes like the Cedar Creek Path offer relatively flat and well-maintained surfaces, ideal for a leisurely walk. The Lehigh Parkway also features many sections suitable for strollers, allowing easy access to nature.
What are some easy, short hikes suitable for young children?
For shorter, easier walks perfect for young children, consider the Upper Trexler Loop, which is just over 4 km long, or the Trexler Memorial Park loop from Muhlenberg College, which is even shorter at around 2 km. These routes offer gentle paths and engaging natural surroundings without being too strenuous.
Are there any trails with interesting landmarks or attractions for kids?
Absolutely! The Lehigh Parkway is rich with points of interest. You can explore historical elements like Bogert's Covered Bridge, or visit the Lil' Le-Hi Trout Nursery. The Trexler Nature Preserve, while not directly on a featured route in this guide, is also a great place to spot elk and bison, and features Schlicher's Covered Bridge. You can also find the Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway along many of the trails there.
Are the family-friendly hiking trails in Allentown dog-friendly?
Many of the trails in Allentown are dog-friendly, especially those in the Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Nature Preserve. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them. Specific regulations can vary by park, so checking local signage is recommended.
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Most major parks and trailheads in Allentown, such as Lehigh Parkway, Trexler Memorial Park, and Trexler Nature Preserve, offer dedicated parking areas. For example, the Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop has several access points with parking available along the parkway.
Are there any trails accessible by public transport?
While many trails are best accessed by car, some areas within Allentown's park system, like parts of the Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Memorial Park, may be reachable via local bus routes. We recommend checking the LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) schedules and routes for the most up-to-date public transport options to specific trailheads.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Allentown?
Allentown offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn is spectacular with vibrant fall foliage, especially along the Lehigh Valley trails. Summer is pleasant, though it can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Winter hiking is also possible, with trails offering a serene, snow-covered landscape.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Allentown?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.35 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the scenic beauty of the Little Lehigh Creek and Lehigh River, and the abundance of green space. Many appreciate the variety of trails suitable for all ages and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for family outings.
Are there any trails with waterfalls or unique natural features?
While large natural waterfalls are not a primary feature of the family-friendly trails listed, the Hassen Creek Nature Trail at Fogelsville Dam Park is known for its beautiful scenery, including a man-made waterfall. The region's limestone geology and glacial boulders, particularly in areas like the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve, offer unique natural points of interest for curious young explorers.
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