By The Rebecca Francis Team
We get asked constantly by clients how to actually spend a free Saturday once they have settled into the area, and Lehigh Valley gives you more options than a single day can really cover. Between a scenic covered bridge drive, pick-your-own farms, and river activities on the Lehigh or Delaware, there is enough variety here to build an entire outdoor itinerary around. Knowing how to string a few of these together makes for a genuinely great day. Here is how we suggest spending a day outdoors around Lehigh Valley.
Key Takeaways
- A covered bridge driving tour connects seven historic bridges across roughly 50 scenic miles
- Pick-your-own farms and orchards offer fresh fruit and a great mid-day stop
- Kayaking, tubing, and biking along the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers add a water-based option to the day
- Hawk Mountain rounds out the list as one of the country's top birding destinations
Start the Morning With a Covered Bridge Drive
A drive along Lehigh Valley's covered bridge tour connects seven historic bridges across roughly 50 miles, with plenty of spots along the way to stop for photos or a short picnic. A few of the bridges also connect to nearby trails for a quick stroll or bike ride.
What Makes This a Good Starting Point
- A relaxed, windows-down pace that works well as a morning activity
- Multiple stopping points for photos, picnics, or short walks
- Trail connections at select bridges for those wanting to stretch their legs
- A scenic route that covers a meaningful cross-section of the Valley
Stop at a Farm or Orchard Midday
Lehigh Valley's pick-your-own farms and orchards make for a natural midday stop, with seasonal fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and cherries available depending on the time of year. Local farmers markets, including the historic Easton Farmers Market, add another option for fresh produce and local goods.
Why This Stop Works Well Mid-Day
- Pick-your-own fruit adds a hands-on activity in the middle of the day
- Farmers markets offer a good mix of produce, snacks, and local vendors
- The Easton Farmers Market stands out as one of the oldest continuously operating open-air markets in the country
- A good opportunity to pick up something for dinner before heading home
Spend the Afternoon on the Water
For an afternoon on the water, kayaking or tubing along the Lehigh or Delaware Rivers offers a completely different pace than the morning's driving tour. A recreational kayak and bike tour starting from Sand Island in Historic Bethlehem highlights the Lehigh River alongside the historic D&L Trail.
What to Expect on the Water
- Kayaking and tubing options on both the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers
- A combined kayak and bike tour option starting from Sand Island in Bethlehem
- Scenic views of the Lehigh River paired with access to the D&L Trail
- A refreshing way to cool off after a morning of driving and walking
Round Out the Day With Hawk Mountain
For those wanting to end the day with something a little different, Hawk Mountain offers an accessible trail to South Lookout along with a native plant garden and weekend programs. It is recognized as one of the top birding destinations in the country.
Why This Makes a Strong Finish
- An accessible trail suitable for a shorter, less strenuous walk at the end of a long day
- A native plant garden that adds an easy, low-effort stop
- Recognition as a top national birding destination for anyone interested in wildlife viewing
- Weekend programs that can turn a simple visit into something more structured
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the covered bridge tour take?
The full driving tour covers roughly 50 miles and connects seven bridges, though the actual time depends on how many stops you make along the way for photos or short walks.
What time of year is best for visiting pick-your-own farms?
It depends on the fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are each available at different points in the growing season, so timing your visit around a specific fruit is worth checking ahead.
Do I need prior experience to kayak the Lehigh or Delaware Rivers?
Not necessarily. Recreational tours, like the one starting from Sand Island in Bethlehem, are generally suited to a range of experience levels, though checking specific outfitter requirements ahead of time is a good idea.
Explore Lehigh Valley Outdoors With The Rebecca Francis Team
We enjoy helping clients discover how much this area has to offer beyond the home search itself. The Rebecca Francis Team wants every new resident to feel like they already have a great weekend planned before they have even fully unpacked.
If spending time outdoors is part of what drew you to Lehigh Valley, we want to help you make the most of it. 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 drew you to Lehigh Valley, we want to help you make the most of it. Reach out to us, learn more about life in Lehigh Valley and let's start the conversation.
