By The Rebecca Francis Team
We point new residents toward the area's parks almost as often as we talk about neighborhoods, since so much of daily life here revolves around getting outside. Between a rail trail that connects several communities and a county nature preserve with real hiking variety, Lehigh Valley has more outdoor options nearby than people expect. Knowing where to start makes it much easier to actually build these spots into your routine. Here is our guide to the area's best parks.
Key Takeaways
- The Saucon Rail Trail runs 7.5 miles and connects Hellertown, Lower Saucon, Upper Saucon, and Coopersburg
- Four parks along the Saucon Rail Trail offer parking, restrooms, and picnic spots
- Trexler Nature Preserve offers hiking and mountain bike trails of varying difficulty in Lehigh County
- The trail's gentle grade makes it approachable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike
The Saucon Rail Trail
The Saucon Rail Trail follows the route of the former North Pennsylvania Railroad for 7.5 miles, connecting Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, Upper Saucon Township, and Coopersburg along the way. A gentle one percent grade makes it approachable for a leisurely walk or an easy bike ride, regardless of experience level.
What Makes This Trail a Local Favorite
- A shaded, mostly level route on gravel and paved surfaces
- Views along the way that include a golf course and the scenic Hellertown Marsh
- Enough length to make it feel like a real outing without requiring advanced planning
- A popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers alike
Parks Along the Trail
Four parks sit directly along the Saucon Rail Trail, each offering its own mix of parking, restrooms, and picnic space. These make it easy to break up a longer walk or plan a shorter visit built around one specific stop.
Where to Stop Along the Way
- Water Street Park, a convenient access point with parking and picnic space
- Grist Mill Park, offering its own mix of amenities along the trail
- Upper Saucon Township Community Park, with athletic facilities alongside trail access
- Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park, rounding out the trail's park access points
Trexler Nature Preserve for More Rugged Options
For hikers looking for more variety than the rail trail's flat grade offers, Trexler Nature Preserve in Lehigh County provides several trails ranging in length and difficulty, along with dedicated mountain bike trails.
What to Expect at Trexler
- A range of trail lengths and difficulty levels within a single county park
- Dedicated mountain bike trails alongside standard hiking paths
- A more varied, natural landscape compared to the rail trail's consistent grade
- An easy addition to a weekend built around exploring the area
Building a Regular Outdoor Routine
Between the Saucon Rail Trail's connected communities and Trexler Nature Preserve's varied terrain, there is enough variety nearby to build outdoor time into a regular weekly routine rather than an occasional outing.
How to Make the Most of These Spots
- Starting with a shorter section of the Saucon Rail Trail before attempting the full 7.5 miles
- Using the trail's connected parks to plan out-and-back or point-to-point walks
- Rotating between the rail trail and Trexler Nature Preserve for variety
- Bringing along a dog, since both the trail and preserve are well suited to it
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Saucon Rail Trail?
The Saucon Rail Trail runs 7.5 miles, connecting Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, Upper Saucon Township, and Coopersburg.
Is the Saucon Rail Trail suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its gentle one percent grade and mostly level, shaded surface make it approachable for walkers and cyclists of nearly any experience level.
Where should I go for a more challenging hike?
Trexler Nature Preserve in Lehigh County offers trails with a wider range of length and difficulty, along with dedicated mountain bike trails.
Explore Lehigh Valley's Parks With The Rebecca Francis Team
We think knowing where to spend a weekend afternoon outside is just as important as knowing the local market. The Rebecca Francis Team enjoys pointing clients toward the parks and trails that make daily life in this area feel good.
If spending time outdoors is part of what you are looking for in your next home, we want to help you find a spot close to the trails you'll actually use. Reach out to us, learn more about life in Lehigh Valley and let's start the conversation.
If spending time outdoors is part of what you are looking for in your next home, we want to help you find a spot close to the trails you'll actually use. Reach out to us, learn more about life in Lehigh Valley and let's start the conversation.
