Lehigh Parkway

Lehigh Parkway is a sprawling public park covering approximately 255 hectares (629 acres) along the scenic Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the eastern USA. Considered one of the city's most famous and significant parks, it stretches for nearly 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from downtown Allentown to Cedar Crest Boulevard.

As an integral part of Allentown's extensive park system, Lehigh Parkway offers visitors more than just peaceful natural landscapes and the chance to enjoy local flora and fauna; it also provides an opportunity to connect with the area's rich history. It is a favorite destination for leisurely walks, morning jogs, family picnics, and simply relaxing in the fresh air.

One of the park's primary historical gems is the old Bogert Settlement, better known as the Hunter's Cabin. This remarkable structure, dating back to 1741, is considered one of the oldest historical buildings in the region, lending the park a special atmosphere and cultural value. A visit to Lehigh Parkway is a wonderful way to combine pleasant outdoor recreation with an engaging, educational walk through Allentown's historical corners.

Since Lehigh Parkway is a public park, the best way to find accurate information regarding operating hours, scheduled events, or specific amenities is to check the official Allentown city resources or local visitor centers.

Generally, you can reach the park via public transportation routes passing through this part of the city, or by car, following the road signs for Lehigh Parkway.

Lehigh Parkway in Allentown offers visitors a variety of opportunities for active recreation and enjoying nature. Its main pride is an extensive network of scenic walking and cycling paths that wind along Little Lehigh Creek. It is the perfect spot for leisurely strolls, invigorating runs, cycling, and observing the local flora and fauna. The park is particularly beautiful throughout the different seasons, attracting photographers and nature lovers with its ever-changing palette.

In addition to active recreation, you can connect with history at Lehigh Parkway. One of the iconic landmarks is the Hunter's Cabin, also known as the Bogert Settlement, built back in 1741. Exploring it offers a glimpse into the region's past. Furthermore, the park is excellent for family picnics in the fresh air or peaceful fishing in the waters of Little Lehigh Creek.

Throughout the year, Lehigh Parkway serves as a venue for various events and festivals, bringing the space to life and offering guests new experiences. The park remains active in winter, becoming a popular spot for winter recreation such as walking along snow-covered trails. It is a place where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether it's active pastimes or quiet contemplation of nature.

Lehigh Parkway is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the eastern part of the USA. To visit this scenic park, you first need to get to Allentown itself. The city is well-connected to other regions and can be reached by car via major highways. You might also consider flying into one of the nearby airports and then continuing to Allentown by bus, train, or rental car.

Once in Allentown, finding Lehigh Parkway is straightforward. The park covers a significant area, stretching from the city center to Cedar Crest Boulevard in the neighboring town of Emmaus. Travelers are advised to follow the road signs directing them to the various park entrances and zones. Due to its size, Lehigh Parkway is accessible from different parts of Allentown and its surroundings.

To get around Allentown and reach the most convenient entrance to Lehigh Parkway, you can use a taxi or ride-sharing service – this is especially convenient if you are traveling from the city center or your hotel. It is also worth checking for public transport routes that pass near the park area. If you are traveling by private or rental car, parking is generally available near the park entrances.

Lehigh Parkway, a gem of Allentown, has a fascinating history that began nearly a century ago. The idea for this scenic park was first proposed in 1922 during a joint meeting of the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City Planning Commission. A key figure in this endeavor was Harry Clay Trexler, the then-head of the planning commission. He had long envisioned expanding the city's park system and already had a successful track record, having overseen the creation of West Park in Allentown in 1907.

To realize the ambitious project of creating a comprehensive park system, city authorities brought in B. Antrim Haldeman as a planning consultant. This collaboration led to the planning commission acquiring significant tracts of land along the banks of Little Lehigh Creek in 1928. The first major step toward the park's physical realization occurred on September 9, 1930, when a contract was awarded to contractor George H. Hardner to build a 1.5-mile concrete road. The contract was worth $46,170, which was a significant investment in the city's future green space at the time.

Harry Clay Trexler himself made a substantial contribution to the creation of Lehigh Parkway by donating about thirty acres of land from his trout hatchery. He also actively encouraged his friends and other influential citizens to follow his lead and donate parts of their estates for the park zone. Among those who responded to this call were individuals and organizations such as the Good Shepherd Home, John Leh, Mrs. Leonard Sefing, and Colonel E. M. Young. It is also notable that a significant portion of the park's landscaping and improvements between 1936 and 1940 were made possible through federal funding and support from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), highlighting the project's importance beyond the local level.

When planning a visit to Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, it is worth setting aside 2-3 hours to half a day to fully enjoy its beauty and recreational opportunities. This time will be sufficient for a leisurely walk along the main trails, taking in the scenic views, and perhaps having a small picnic.

If you are planning a more active visit, such as a long bike ride, exploring all the hiking trails, or fishing in designated spots, your stay might be longer. The park offers diverse landscapes, and exploring it in detail requires more time. Photography enthusiasts will also find many interesting angles here, which may extend the visit.

Ultimately, the duration of your stay at Lehigh Parkway will depend on your interests and how deeply you want to immerse yourself in its atmosphere. A few hours is usually enough for an initial introduction and a general impression, but the park is a place where you can easily spend more time enjoying nature and tranquility.

Lehigh Parkway is a wonderful place for recreation and walks in Allentown, inviting visitors to enjoy nature and fresh air. Generally, public parks of this type are open year-round; however, access hours to certain zones or facilities within the park may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Special events or festivals may also affect the schedule and require pre-registration or ticket purchases.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Lehigh Parkway's hours, as well as any booking requirements for activities or events, it is recommended to visit the official park website or contact the local Allentown tourist information centers. This will help you plan your visit effectively and avoid any potential inconvenience.

Visiting Lehigh Parkway in Allentown is certainly a highlight, but don't limit yourself to just one site. Exploring the surrounding area can significantly enrich your trip, allowing you to discover more interesting spots, hidden gems, and get a better feel for the city's character.

There are many other notable attractions near Lehigh Parkway, each capable of providing new experiences and insights. From historical museums to cozy parks and atmospheric local spots, the neighborhood offers diverse options for continuing your journey through Allentown.