Want to go hiking with your kids in the Lehigh Valley? We have more than a few family-friendly hiking trails in the area, including quite a few hiking trails in the Kutztown to Allentown area that are perfect for kids of all ages! Here are five of our favorites, in no particular order.
Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, Emmaus
You’ll find a variety of trails and terrain, including deciduous and coniferous forests, open meadows and swampy land at the boardwalk along the Little Lehigh Creek. Safe parking is available in the main parking lot accessed from Orchid Place. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Mac Kid Tip: Bring water shoes and let your kids play in the stream of the Little Lehigh Creek.
Whitehall Parkway, Whitehall
A beautiful 110 acre park with fishing, various hiking trails, historical buildings and bird watching is available to everyone. Whitehall Parkway is connected to the Ironton Rail-Trail. It is located just north of the Municipal Building and west of Rt. 145. Parking is available on Chestnut Street and South Church Street
Mac Kid Tip: Be sure to explore the old stone and concrete ruins, the remains of some of America's earliest cement plants.
South Mountain Trail, Emmaus
The South Mountain Trail is 8.7 miles and features a wonderful mix of terrain, perfect for moderate hiking.
Mac Kid Tip: Boroline Park is a quiet, hidden playground located at the foot of the mountain for your kids to enjoy after you finish! (Found in the Stryer section east of Dalton St, bounded by Mountain Blvd to the north and Alpine St. to the south)
Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville
Located at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, this is a free area featuring a variety of trails ranging from easy to hard, as well as a handicap accessible trail. It’s the perfect spot for a hike, a picnic, or wading in the creek.
Mac Kid Tip: Take time to watch the elk, bison and other zoo animals who live in the mountainside
Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie
Over 7 miles of wooded hiking trails encircle the resort. Hikers can enjoy spectacular mountain views while trekking on the marked trails.
Mac Kid Tip: Pack lunch and eat at the picnic tables next to the pond.
Do you have a favorite local spot to hike with the kids? Tell us in the comments below!
Do you have a favorite local spot to hike with the kids? Tell us in the comments below!
Want to learn about more family-friendly events in Allentown?
Macaroni Kid Allentown is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and activities for kids in Allentown and the surrounding the Lehigh Valley area. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, family-friendly photographers and more. We are your go-to-guide for kids activities in the Lehigh Valley! We proudly serve families in Allentown, Whitehall, Emmaus, East Texas, Trexlertown, Brienigsville, Fogelsville, Alburtis, Seisholtzville, Mertztown, Topton, Maxatawny, Kutztown and Fleetwood!
