Refuge & Trails

The Appalachian Trail (or “AT”) runs from Maine to Georgia. At our site, it traverses hardwood forests along the top of the Kittatinny Ridge, then descends to Route 873 at the Lehigh River bridge with amazing views for the river below and a panorama to the north. It is well marked with white blazes. In spring and summer, watch for Eastern Towhees and Indigo Buntings in the savanna habitat. In fall, watch for migrating raptors. NOTE: Hikers can also park in LGNC’s parking lot and take our trails to connect with the AT.

Accessibility Information: The Appalachian trail varies from packed dirt and stone to large boulders and exposed tree roots. This section of the AT can become slippery at times after rain, snow/ice, or from fallen leaves.

The very short Bobolink Trail connects the D&L Trail with the LNE Trail about 1.2 miles north and west of the Osprey House. This trail is named for one of the native grassland bird species that we hope the restored prairie grasslands on the Refuge will attract.

Accessibility information: The Bobolink is a short but steep trail composed of loose stones.

The “Bypass Trail” runs along the ridgetop parallel to the Appalachian Trail. It bypasses the Appalachian Trail starting from the top of the Ridge just east of the I-476 tunnel and continuing east to reconnect above the Outerbridge Shelter.

Accessibility Information: This trail is situated about 1,000 feet above the base of the Ridge. Similar to the Appalachian Trail, it consists of a mix of rocky and vegetated sections that can become narrow. Watch for roots, rocks, and boulders that might become slippery when wet.

The Charcoal Trail takes you through a thinly wooded area where, long ago, charcoal was produced from the native trees. Look carefully and you may spot the shallow charcoal pits still visible on either side of the trail. This trail connects the Prairie Grass Trail to the Appalachian Trail.

Accessibility Information: This trail includes a combination of vegetated and rocky sections. Grasses may become high in summer. Much of the trail is exposed to the elements and may be hot, cold, and windy during different times of the year.

This trail traverses a steep wooded slope shaded by chestnut oak trees. It connects the Prairie Grass Trail with the Double G Loop. The Chestnut Oak Trail offers excellent views of the Lehigh River from above. Watch for woodland bird species and white-tailed deer.

Accessibility Information: This trail is narrow and rocky and may become slippery with leaf litter or following precipitation.

The D&L Trail is named for the system of canal and dams that once allowed barges to navigate the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. The segment that connects the Osprey House to Riverview Road at the western edge of the Refuge is part of the 165-mile-long trail running from Bristol (near Philadelphia) to Wilkes-Barre. As you hike, watch for Common Mergansers and other water birds on the Lehigh River and for grassland birds on the uphill side.

Accessibility Information: The D&L is a flat rail trail made up of packed dirt/gravel and is accessible for walking, biking, running, and stroller and wheelchair access. There are multiple benches along this trail. Sections of the trail can be muddy after rainfall.

Deciduous trees make a shady canopy on the Double G Loop at the western end of the Refuge. At its eastern end, this trail connects to the Chestnut Oak Trail. Watch for Wood Thrushes and warblers in spring and summer.

Accessibility Information: This trail is mainly wide and vegetated. Watch for patches of high vegetation in the summer. Much of this trail is accessible to strollers.

The LNE Trail is upslope from and runs parallel to the D&L Trail. It ascends steeply from the north end of the Osprey House loop, then levels out on a portion of the former Lehigh & New England Railroad bed. This trail provides beautiful views of the Lehigh River and a close look at the restored grasslands on the Refuge. In all seasons, watch for Bald Eagles overhead; in spring and summer, you may spot Osprey fishing in the river.

Accessibility Information: While the majority of this trail is flat with packed dirt and rock, it begins with a steep and rocky incline above the Osprey House. There are also some spots with larger rocks and exposed tree roots, and the trail can become narrow at times.

The Prairie Grass Trail threads throughout restored grassland habitat and gives you beautiful views of the Lehigh River. This trail connects to the LNE Trail, the Chestnut Oak Trail, and the Charcoal Trail — which connects to the Appalachian Trail along the ridgetop. Watch for Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels and soaring Red-tailed Hawks.

Accessibility Information: The Prairie Grass Trail primarily winds through the mountainside grassland, where grasses sometimes grow tall. Short forested and rocky sections can have exposed roots, gravel, and rocks that may be slippery when wet. Aside from some brief patches of shade, much of this trail is exposed to the elements.

This short trail leaving from the Osprey House parking lot takes you through “scrub-shrub” habitat that is ideal for nesting Prairie Warblers, Indigo Buntings, and Field Sparrows. It connects to the Woodpecker Trail (upslope) and provides a nice view of the Osprey House and Lehigh River.

Accessibility Information: This trail consists of dirt and packed stones. There are natural steps made of wood and rock in some of the steeper sections.

This trail passes through the Lehigh River riparian forest below the Osprey House. Look for nesting Neotropical migrant birds in the trees and aquatic life in and around the river. Skunk cabbage and trout lilies will appear in early spring. Tree ID signs offer information on native plants that call this habitat home.

Accessibility Information: This trail is short but narrow with stairs on the southern trailhead and a gravel incline to the north. Watch for springs, wet rocks, and tree roots. Sections of this trail may become flooded and impassable after snowmelt or heavy rainfall.

Access this short trail from the D&L or LNE trail. It winds past ponds, springs, and wetlands. Watch for beaver, otter, Mallards, and Belted Kingfishers in all seasons, and for Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Ducks, and wood warblers in spring and summer. Note that the acre around the “Trails End” cabin is private land; please respect the property and privacy of the owner.

Accessibility Information: The Three Ponds area is level, windy, and mostly dirt and grass, which can grow tall at times. This area is sometimes muddy after rainfall and has exposed tree roots in some spots. Access in and out of the Three Ponds from the D&L and LNE trails is moderate and not accessible by wheelchair.

The Woodpecker Trail is a short connector between the Prairie Warbler Loop and the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy the grove of sassafras trees and watch for the Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied woodpeckers in all seasons. Please note that, although this trail is managed by LGNC, it is located within State Game Lands 217, where hunting is allowed seasonally. Hikers should be aware of hunting seasons and wear orange accordingly.

Accessibility Information: Similar to the adjoining Appalachian Trail, the Woodpecker Trail is made up of packed dirt and rocks. Large boulders and exposed tree roots can be seen in some spots. The Woodpecker Trail can become slippery at times after rain, snow/ice, or from fallen leaves.