Bushkill Park Roller Skating Rink

If you're looking for a relaxed touring cycling route with a mix of nature and art, the Binney and Smith Preserve loop from Palmer Township is a great pick. This moderate 11.7-mile (18.8 km) ride takes you along the perimeter of the preserve, offering picturesque views of the Bushkill Creek and a forested, streamside environment. You'll also encounter unique sculptures along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, adding an unexpected cultural dimension to your journey.

This accessible route, with just 585 feet (178 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it ideal for a leisurely spin. The trail is mostly paved and flat, suitable for touring cyclists of all abilities. Parking is available at various points along the interconnected Palmer Township Recreation Trail, which forms part of this loop.

The Binney and Smith Preserve itself is a vital wildlife habitat, acting as a floodplain and riparian buffer to the Bushkill Creek. Cycling its perimeter allows you to appreciate this natural setting, home to diverse plant life and species like blue herons and bald eagles. The trail system is part of a larger network, offering many miles of path for extended exploration in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

The 9/11 National Memorial Trail loop from Palmer Township offers a unique touring bicycle experience, blending reflective remembrance with diverse Pennsylvania landscapes. You'll pedal through serene woodlands, past residential areas, and alongside farmland, with a highlight being the scenic stretch along the Lehigh River, particularly around the Chain Dam overlook. This route is a fantastic way to engage with a living memorial while enjoying a varied ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as much of the route utilizes the paved Palmer Bikeway. While generally level, be ready for two notable steep grades on Chain Dam Road and some potentially bumpy asphalt sections. This moderate 25.9-mile (41.7 km) loop, with 808 feet (246 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes, making it a solid half-day outing for those with a good fitness level.

What makes this route truly special is its connection to the larger 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a vast network linking the three national sites impacted by 9/11. This specific section in Pennsylvania serves as a local segment of this significant commemorative trail, offering an opportunity for an educational and reflective journey right from Palmer Township.