August 29th, 2008
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently provided an optimistic update on the $37-million reconstruction of portions of the Delaware Canal damaged by Hurricane Ivan and a series of devastating floods. A relatively dry summer has allowed for constant work on fish ladders, stone walls, gates, locks, and lengthy portions of the canal and towpath. On the most severely damaged sections of towpath, crews are installing a new “stabilized turf,” composed of stone aggregate and grass seed that should produce a more erosion-resistant surface.
The update also noted the achievements of the Friends of the Delaware Canal and the Historic Delaware Canal Improvement Corporation in financing repairs on a 100-foot canal section near the David Library of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. Replacement of the embankment and towpath allowed for the watering of the southern half of the canal between New Hope and Bristol.
Although “it has been a long, arduous and costly struggle to restore Delaware Canal,” DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis noted, all park repairs are expected to be completed in June 2010.
The full release is available from DCNR’s website.
Posted in In the News
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August 28th, 2008
On August 22, a large group of state legislators, government officials, trail workers, construction contractors, D&L staff, and trail users gathered on the D&L Trail in Luzerne County to celebrate the official opening of the recycled bridge. The bridge extends the D&L Trail, which passes through Lehigh Gorge State Park and the town of White Haven, north towards Mountaintop and Wilkes-Barre (Note: There is currently a trail obstruction at Glen Summit).
This was a fitting culmination to a project that Trail Steward Scott Everett and a host of people from PennDOT, DCNR, Anthracite Scenic Trails Association, Mountaintop Trail Association, Pocono Whitewater, Dennison Township, Luzerne County, Greater White haven Chamber of Commerce, and White Haven Borough have been committed to for years.
Leading off the event was 11th Congressional District Representative Paul E. Kanjorski, who called the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, “a great example of how federal, state and local partners are working together to preserve important resources.” The congressman was followed by representatives from several organizations, who commented on the importance of the D&L Trail to expanding recreational opportunities in eastern Pennsylvania, spurring economic development, and continuing the Commonwealth’s legacy of conservation.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and experience this section of trail. Work will continue on improving the surface and adding directional signage, but the trail and bridge are now officially open to use.
Posted in FYI
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August 26th, 2008
The D&L Trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way for nearly four miles between East Penn Township’s new boat launch and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. This is a dynamic section of trail, with continuous views of the Lehigh River on one side and the steep, rocky slopes of the Kittatiny Ridge on the other. Air and soil pollution from Palmerton’s zinc smelting plant defoliated the mountainsides, but, with the closing of the plant and the declaration of Lehigh Gap as a Superfund site, a successful remediation project is underway to bring the mountain’s native flora back to life. As you walk or ride the trail, take note of the grasses and shrubs growing among the scattered rocks; these are the first signs of what will one day be a thriving, blanket of green.
Parking is available at the East Penn Boat Launch (on Riverbend Rd., at Lizard Creek Junction) to the north and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center (on Paint Mill Rd., off of Rt. 873) to the south. Over the last year, this section of trail has seen significant improvements. Once the haunt of ATV-riders and the occasional fisherman, the trail has been widened, graded, and rolled so that mountain bikers, joggers, and hikers can also enjoy the trip. In some places, water drainage issues and loose rail ballast need to be addressed, but the trail is in generally good condition and sees regular use.
The scenery is a nice balance of industrial remnants and natural beauty. Along with the piers of old railroad trestles are wetlands and patches of wildflowers. Hawks circle above the river gap, and occasionally through the trees, you will catch a glimpse of the now dormant zinc plant. For a hawk’s-eye view of the gap, use the D&L Trail to access the ridge-running Appalachian Trail at the Nature Center. But, don’t miss the small ponds on the northern section of the trail.
Trail users can choose whether to travel the section and then backtrack or leave a car on both ends. For the more adventurous, continue the journey south along Slatington’s superbly-maintained rail-trail, Walnutport’s scenic canal towpath, or the Slate Heritage Trail that intersects the D&L Trail at Trout Creek.
Posted in On the Trail
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August 26th, 2008
D&L Vice President Elissa Thorne sent in this D&L Trail experience:
My husband and I rode the new section of the D&L Trail just north of White Haven on Saturday. This is the same part where the new 71′ bridge in Dennison Twp. was dedicated on Friday. Since this is still an “unimproved” stretch of trail, I thought users might appreciate a blow-by-blow of the ride. “Unimproved” means the trail lacks directional signs and does not have a uniform trail surface.
We came into White Haven from the Weatherly-White Haven Road. Since “Jam Below the Dam” was taking place we turned left on Towanda Street (just before the RR tracks). First we went over to see the latest improvements at the old Lehigh Valley Engine House. It will soon be the new home of White Haven Area Community Library. The Library building project has started with new glass windows and front façade that let natural light flood the building - impressive.
[Workers transform the old Lehigh Valley Engine House into the White Haven Area Community Library]
Next we backtracked and drove down Susquehanna Street (under the RR overpass). We parked in the grassy area located to the left at the bottom of the hill. This is the northern White Haven trailhead of the D&L Trail, but it not marked yet. It is also known locally as the southern trailhead of the “Black Diamond” Trail.
After we unloaded our mountain bikes (one full suspension, one with no suspension, both with 2″ tires), we assembled our water and snacks and took off to the north. The trail starts at the dirt road at the far corner of the lot.
I’d classify the first stretch as typical PA rail-trail. Most of this mile-long portion between White Haven and Middleburg Road was dirt and grass. As we approached Middleburg Road, the active rail line got closer to the trail and the trail turned to worn but ride-able ballast.
At Middleburg Road, I had inside info and knew what to expect so I’ll oblige and pass the facts along. Note: Use CAUTION crossing the road - there is a sharp curve in the road in both directions! Once you cross the road, turn left (heading slightly uphill), cross the RR tracks and re-enter the trail at the red shale pull off on the right.
[Use caution at the Middleburg Rd. railroad crossing]
[Map of Middleburg Rd. crossing]
The next section leads to the new bridge and passes though a small farm where we saw cows grazing and a flock of eight wild turkeys doing their best to scoot away. We were able to watch them in the brush for about five minutes. Nice. Again the trail surface varied but was pretty pleasant. The grassy stretches made up for the rougher parts so we were happy.
[Recent trail improvements make for smoother travels]
About 1.5 miles from Middleburg Road we arrived at the “new” bridge. It’s a beauty and the story is a good one. The bridge itself was recycled from I-81 in the Wyoming Valley. It was mothballed for several years and then cut into three section (the other two-thirds is still in storage for re-use sometime in the future). Finally, it was transported to the trail by truck. The bridge now spans active Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad tracks at a bend where the forest is lush and the stone retaining walls are reminiscent of railroad’s glory days.
[The newly installed recycled bridge opens access to miles of trail]
From here on the setting is a naturalist’s treat. We saw wetlands, lily pads, a beaver lodge, a great blue heron and forest lands filled with birch trees, ferns and other native plant species. We also encountered D&L mile markers 135 and 136. Note: The markers are being placed by trail tenders at each river mile. Mile 1 is located in Bristol in Bucks County. When complete, Mile 165 will be located in Wilkes-Barre.
The remaining trail surface fluctuates. Some sections are very smooth and other places are grassy. Elsewhere it becomes a double-track Jeep trail and then (unfortunately) it gets very rough with 3″ rocks - conditions only an avid mountain biker might enjoy.
[The trail is unimproved in the northern sections]
Just north of the Mile 136 marker, there’s a “Y” in the trail. Bear left here and follow the main path as it bypasses some obstructions. We continued for about another half mile or so. We turned back when it was more comfortable walking than riding our bikes. This is where we saw the heron take flight in the wetland on our right. Note: We should have kept going a bit farther. This morning, I learned Moosehead Lake is on the left just past the wetland… we would have liked to see it.
[The D&L Trail passes a wetland, just south of Moosehead Lake]
The ride back was quick. I forgot we had been riding up the former Lehigh Valley Railroad as we traveled north. I’ve saved the best for last. Heading south back to our car was all downhill.
Posted in On the Trail
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August 18th, 2008
On September 13, join Landmark Towns and Ravenchase Adventures for a real-life treasure hunt that will take you through the towns of Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope, and Yardley. Travel by car along 60 miles of the Delaware Canal, and solve codes and ciphers while learning a little bit about American history.
Arm yourself with a handmade treasure map, clues on parchment scrolls, and perhaps a cool gadget (like a black light to see clues written in invisible ink). Ravenchase staff personally greets each group at the start of the race, explains the rules of the game, and provides each team with the materials they will need. The answers and puzzle pieces along the course will lead you to a secret end location, where prizes are awarded to the top teams!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Ravenchase’s website.
Posted in Events, Landmark Towns
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August 14th, 2008
The D&L Trail runs within ten feet of this pristine lake. Try to find it!
Posted in On the Trail
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August 14th, 2008
This letter comes from Beth Masiado, a D&L Trail Tender who has devoted countless weekends, year-round to maintain the trail:
Inevitably on a Friday afternoon when wrapping up the work week someone in the office asks me, “So what are you doing this weekend?” I instantly reply, “trail tenders.” I get the same puzzled look every time, with the turned up eyebrow followed by, “What the heck is a trail tender?” I briefly explain the purpose of our mission only to get a barrage of questions such as: “Isn’t there poison ivy?” Yes, all over the place. “Ticks?” Of course. “Snakes?” Occasionally. “Bugs?” Only in the summer. “Do you get paid?” Nope. And then, “So, why do you do it?”
Why do we do it? For me personally I have always loved the outdoors. I enjoy hard physical work, and I have an appreciation of the rich history the Lehigh Canal holds. Since I was a little girl my father, who is now 90 years old, has told me tales of playing on the canal as a little boy, running along the top of the locks, jumping onto the canal boats, and diving off the back into the canal. When the opportunity arose, they would hold on to the back of the canal boats as the lock filled up and got a rush of a ride when the gate was opened. Then they had to run like the wind to avoid the wrath of the lock tender. And the not so fond memories of being sent to the canal with a bent up bucket to pick up all the coal he could muster to help heat their house for the upcoming winter. He was puzzled for quite a while how his mother always knew when he was swimming in the canal and finally realized that his hair was coated black with coal dust… a dead giveaway. He remembers the towpath when there was no honeysuckle monoculture, no Tree of Heaven, no graffiti, and no vandalism.
The Trail Tenders come from all walks of life. We leave behind the stress of work and everyday life and enter a different world. One where the only background noise you hear is the lonesome wail of the trains passing through and the gentle rustling of the Monocacy Creek as it joins the mighty Lehigh River. A world where the serene canal boasts turtles that sun themselves on fallen logs, frogs hidden along the shore bellow their tune, and where you can see sunfish and giant carp swimming merrily when the sun shines just right through the water. A world where deer drink quietly at the canal’s edge as dusk falls and blue herons stand guard one-legged, and you can enjoys the chorus of birds and ducks of all varieties.
In the Lehigh Valley over the past year the Trail Tenders have uncovered two beautiful locks (42 and 43) that were so overgrown with brush and vines that no one even knew they were there. Their history and workmanship deserved to be on display, and now passersby stop in awe during their walks and bike rides to enjoy them. I often wonder if they are aware of what all took place where they stand and the important role the locks played. As Trail Tenders we have pulled out quite an extensive collection of car and truck tires, bicycles, scooters, air conditioners, chairs, clothing, and countless plastic and glass bottles from locks. I have made many friends and learned much through the year, most importantly the difference between invasive species and native species. We battle constantly to rid the towpath of the overgrowth of invasives that surround it.
It is never-ending hard work and there is no paycheck, but the shouts of “thank you” and “we appreciate all you do” from the passersby on the trail are our constant reward. And that occasional piece of coal I find and tuck inside my jeans pocket reminds me of why I am there. It is a small piece of days gone by, and we are doing our part to preserve its history. That is why I am a trail tender…..
Posted in Trail Tenders
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August 11th, 2008
On the west side of the Lehigh River, a three-mile, unimproved section of the D&L Trail runs between the new East Penn Township trailhead in Bowmanstown (just north of the Rt. 895 bridge) and the waste water treatment plant in Lehighton (south of the Rt. 209 bridge).
[The D&L Trail continues to the right of the gate]
This is a surprisingly dynamic section of trail, consisting of an unimproved rail bed, in some areas wide open and easily traveled, in others quite narrow and overgrown.
[Wide trail with rail ballast and remaining ties]
[Narrow trail with a compact treadway]
Views of the tall cliffs rising between Bowmanstown and Parryville, the Blue Mountains to the south, and the winding Lehigh River appear through breaks in the trees.
[A glimpse of cliffs on the other side of the river]
On a recent Monday, I spent most of the day walking the trail and did not pass a single person, but, if the well-worn pathway and bootleg trails are any indication, this section is already popular with bicyclers (although a trip on this section would probably not be appropriate for families with young children).
[The Lehigh River from the D&L Trail]
Although little work has been done on this section of trail, look for future improvements, such as the clearing of downed trees and installation of mile markers. The section provides an essential connection between Jim Thorpe and Lehighton to the north and Lehigh Gap and Slatington-Walnutport to the south. But why wait? The trail is open to traffic, and hikers, walkers, and bikers looking for a change from smooth tow path and cindered rail trail, should give this section of trail a try!
Posted in On the Trail
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