Craving fresh air, easy trail access, and a calendar that pulls you outside year-round? In Western Lehigh Valley, you can spend weekday evenings on singletrack, Saturdays at the velodrome, and winter weekends on the slopes, all within a short drive. Whether you love hiking, cycling, golf, or family park time, this corner of the Valley delivers a relaxed, outdoors-forward lifestyle.
Below, you’ll find the parks, trails, cycling scene, and seasonal rhythms that shape everyday life in Macungie, Emmaus, and Trexlertown, plus the neighborhoods that put you closest to it all. Let’s dive in.
Signature parks and preserves
South Mountain Preserve, Emmaus
South Mountain Preserve is a Wildlands Conservancy property of roughly 440 acres with nearly 12 miles of forested trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Multiple trailheads, including access near Alpine Street and Klines Lane, make it easy to choose short strolls or a steeper workout. Trails range from easy connectors to challenging singletrack, and Wildlands posts current maps and guidelines on the official South Mountain Preserve page. It is the everyday escape many Emmaus residents count on for quick nature time.
Brenner-Penfield and Reimert Bird Haven, Macungie
On Macungie Mountain, this connected pair of Wildlands Conservancy preserves offers short, scenic loops that feel like a mini mountain getaway. Brenner-Penfield spans about 47 acres and links to the 11-acre Reimert Memorial Bird Haven via the Tulip, Magnolia, and Spicebush trails. These routes are popular for birding, quick climbs, and family outings. For trail names, difficulty, and parking guidance, start with Wildlands’ Brenner-Penfield Preserve page.
Trexler Nature Preserve
For a bigger landscape, head north to Trexler Nature Preserve, a roughly 1,108-acre regional preserve known for expansive grasslands, mixed forests, wetlands, and a managed bison herd. The trail system supports longer hikes and wildlife viewing, and the preserve’s size gives it a wild, open feel that contrasts nicely with in-town parks. For background and orientation, see the Trexler Nature Preserve overview. It is a favorite for weekend adventures when you want more space.
Upper Macungie Park, Trexlertown corridor
Upper Macungie Park, often called Rt. 100 Park, covers about 156 acres and is managed by Upper Macungie Township. It features picnic pavilions, multi-use fields, playgrounds, a fenced dog park, and a 24-hole disc golf course. This is a go-to for casual afternoons, youth sports, and dog play, and it anchors many family-friendly outings in the Trexlertown and Fogelsville area. Review facilities and rules on the township’s Upper Macungie Park page.
Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum, Alburtis
This Lehigh County park blends local history with relaxed green space. Lock Ridge Park spans roughly 59 acres with a short walking loop, picnic spots, and the photogenic remains of the 19th-century iron works. It is a quiet choice for creek-side walks and family photos. Learn more in the Lock Ridge Park entry.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Minutes from Macungie, Bear Creek delivers four-season fun. In winter, you get skiing and snow tubing with night operations that extend your time on the snow. Spring through fall, the mountain shifts to hiking, mountain biking, and events, which keeps the outdoor calendar full year-round. For activities and seasonal updates, check the Bear Creek Mountain Resort profile.
Trails and the LINK network
Neighborhood connectors in Emmaus
A big part of living outdoors in Emmaus is how quickly you can reach the woods. Streets like Klines Lane feed directly to South Mountain Preserve trailheads, and you can choose routes that match your day, from easy boardwalk-style connectors to more technical climbs. Wildlands’ trail maps help you plan options by length and difficulty.
Short woodland loops in Macungie
On the Macungie side, the Tulip, Magnolia, and Spicebush trails create a 1 to 2 mile out-and-back experience that feels like a small mountain adventure. The terrain is wooded and a bit steeper, which makes it a great midweek workout. Because the preserves sit right above the borough, many residents enjoy quick pre-dinner hikes when the weather is nice.
Planning longer rides with THE LINK
When you are ready to stretch out, the Lehigh Valley’s regional greenway system known as THE LINK ties together multi-use paths and rail-trails across the region. It is how casual riders step up to longer miles without heavy traffic, and it helps runners and walkers discover new segments from town to town. For inspiration and big-picture maps, start with the LINK trail network overview.
Cycling culture, from track to road
Valley Preferred Cycling Center
Track cycling is part of the local identity in Trexlertown. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, often nicknamed T-Town, is an outdoor velodrome with spring through fall racing, youth programs, and community clinics. Even if you have never tried a velodrome, public programs make it approachable and fun to learn. Explore schedules and entry points on the Valley Preferred Cycling Center site.
Group rides and training
Local cycling clubs organize regular rides that start near Trexlertown, Breinigsville, and Upper Macungie, then roll through quiet country roads and South Mountain foothills. These rides range from social pace to training-focused, so you can pick a level that fits your goals. For a sampling of community rides, check the Lehigh Wheelmen Association’s group ride calendar.
Singletrack on South Mountain
If you prefer dirt to pavement, South Mountain’s singletrack includes routes that Wildlands labels easy, moderate, and difficult, which helps you progress safely. Trail runners and mountain bikers share this network, and the mix of roots, rock, and flow keeps it interesting across seasons. Always review the current Wildlands trail map before you go, especially after storms.
Golf and club options
If a private club is part of your lifestyle, Macungie places you close to Brookside Country Club, an 18-hole private club known in the region. You will also find additional options within a short drive, including Lehigh Country Club, Iron Lakes, Shepherd Hills, and Allentown Municipal. For context on Brookside, see its Golf Digest listing.
Micro-itineraries for your week
Family day in Macungie
- Morning: Start with a short hike on the Tulip or Magnolia trails at Brenner-Penfield for birdsong and views. Pack a light picnic for the overlook.
- Midday: Head to Macungie’s borough parks for playground time and open fields. In season, the farmers market brings an easy, outdoor shopping rhythm to weeknights.
- Evening: If you have energy left, drive a few minutes to Upper Macungie Park for a disc golf loop or time at the dog park. Pavilions can be reserved through the township for gatherings.
Ride day near Trexlertown
- Morning: Warm up on quiet backroads that loop through Upper Macungie’s farmland, then roll past the velodrome to soak in the cycling scene.
- Midday: Stop at the Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park or check out a community clinic. The velodrome’s event calendar makes it easy to plan.
- Evening: Spin an easy recovery lap on a nearby LINK-connected path and enjoy dinner close to home.
Trail day in Emmaus
- Morning: Park near a South Mountain trailhead and climb for views. Choose a route that matches your time, from gentle connectors to technical singletrack.
- Midday: Refuel in town, then opt for a second, shorter loop or a boardwalk section that keeps the day accessible.
- Evening: Cap it with a sunset walk on an easy segment, then plan your next outing with the Wildlands map.
Best places to live for access
Macungie borough for walkable charm
If you like a borough feel with a central park and seasonal events, Macungie keeps daily life simple. You are minutes to the Brenner-Penfield and Reimert preserves and a short drive to Bear Creek. Homes near Main Street and Poplar Street place you close to everyday errands and community gatherings.
South Emmaus for trail lovers
Neighborhoods near Alpine Street, Klines Lane, and Boroline Park give you direct proximity to South Mountain Preserve trailheads. It is a natural fit if you value regular trail runs, hikes, or mountain bike laps. Many residents choose these streets to stay close to wooded singletrack while remaining near town conveniences.
Trexlertown and the Route 100 corridor for cyclists
If track nights and long road loops top your list, Trexlertown, Breinigsville, and the Route 100 corridor put you close to the velodrome and Upper Macungie Park. You are also positioned for quick access to rural roads that make training and weekend rides straightforward. It is a strong pick for a cycling-first lifestyle with family-friendly parks nearby.
Country club living near Macungie
Buyers who favor private-club amenities often look near Macungie for proximity to Brookside Country Club. Larger lots and short drives to borough centers are common in these areas. You also remain close to trailheads, parks, and Bear Creek for a well-rounded outdoor life.
Seasons at a glance
- Spring: Trails dry out and South Mountain singletrack comes alive. It is also prime time for birding in Brenner-Penfield and Reimert.
- Summer: Macungie’s park scene and farmers market set an outdoor rhythm. Evenings often mean playgrounds, pool time, and velodrome races.
- Fall: Leaf color peaks on Macungie Mountain and South Mountain. Cyclists stretch mileage on quiet country roads and LINK-connected paths.
- Winter: Bear Creek’s skiing and tubing take center stage. Off the mountain, many locals cross-train with hikes and park loops.
Ready to explore neighborhoods that match your outdoor style? Let’s curate a short list near the trails, parks, or club you love, then move with confidence. For discreet, white-glove guidance, connect with The Rebecca Francis Team.
FAQs
Can you mountain bike near Macungie and Emmaus?
- Yes. Wildlands Conservancy maintains multi-use singletrack at South Mountain Preserve, and the Brenner-Penfield loops on Macungie Mountain are great for shorter, steeper rides. Review maps and difficulty on the South Mountain Preserve page.
Is there a velodrome nearby for community programs?
- Yes. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown offers spring through fall racing, clinics, and try-the-track experiences. See schedules on the official velodrome site.
Where can families find playgrounds and a dog park?
- Upper Macungie Park, also called Rt. 100 Park, has playgrounds, multi-use fields, and a fenced dog park, with details and rules listed on the township’s park page.
What is THE LINK trail network and why does it matter?
- THE LINK is the Lehigh Valley’s connected system of multi-use trails and greenways. It helps residents turn short town paths into longer, low-stress rides and walks. Get the overview on the LINK network page.
