WHITE HAVEN, Pa. — An event Saturday in Luzerne County is spotlighting a section of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail after it was closed for two years for $7.4 million in improvements.
- The White Haven Trail Festival is slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
- The event is free and open to the public
- Events include history walks and talks, biking shuttle services and vendors
“It not only resurfaced the D&L Trail between Middleburg Road and the Lehigh Tannery Trailhead, but enhanced the White Haven North Trailhead with paved parking and completely re-envisioned the White Haven South Trailhead with new restroom facilities, three new public boat launches, multiple parking areas and a separated trail facility for improved safety,” said Liz Rosencrans, director of trails and conservation at the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which manages the D&L.
The White Haven Trail Festival, slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street, is free and open to the public. Events include history walks and talks with officials from the state Department of Conservation and National Resources, biking shuttle services and vendors. Owned by Lehigh Gorge State Park, construction started in the fall in 2021 — it reopened April 22, also marked as Celebrate Trails Day.
This section offers views of the Lehigh River, shady pull offs and glimpses of historic ruins. It is part of 26 miles of uninterrupted rail-trail through Lehigh Gorge State Park, which extends from White Haven to Glen Onoko.A description of the trail section on the D&L website
“This section offers views of the Lehigh River, shady pull offs and glimpses of historic ruins,” according to a description of the trail section on the D&L website. “It is part of 26 miles of uninterrupted rail-trail through Lehigh Gorge State Park, which extends from White Haven to Glen Onoko.”
The D&L Trail runs more than 140 miles through the Lehigh Valley, stretching from just outside of Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, Bucks County. When completed, the trail will include 165 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails along old rail beds and canal towpaths on alternating sides of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers.
“Everyone should stop by Pocono Biking to learn about upcoming events and programs the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pocono Biking and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor have coming up,” said Anna Kristjansen, events and volunteer coordinator with D&L.
Last month, Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the trailhead to mark the reopening, as well as highlight his budget proposal, which included $112 million to improve parks and forests.
“Pennsylvania is home to some of America’s best parks, trails, and forests,” Shapiro said. “Our state parks and outdoor recreation industry are key to our economy – hosting nearly 40 million visitors each year and boosting local businesses and the local economy in and around our parks.
“My budget’s key investments will help grow our economy while creating more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with their friends and families.”
The commonwealth’s 124 state parks attract 40 million visitors annually, with about a quarter of them visiting from out of state. Outdoor recreation adds $14 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports 150,000 jobs.
