Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh County, PA - 11/27/2011

[Daniela Wagstaff]

This hike will put you into scenic view overload as you cross hilltop meadows with views of the rolling hills of Pennsylvania all around.  But beware - those rolling hills will give you quite a workout.  This hike involves several fairly steep up and down stretches.  There are some building complexes on the horizon that you need to turn a blind eye to and apparently there is a shooting range nearby that you will need to tune out but for the views, it is well worth doing this hike.  This preserve was a 1 1/2 hour drive for me and it takes me almost half an hour to get through back roads to I-78 at exit 41 so from that point, it's about an hour drive.  The preserve is about 7 miles northwest of Allentown, PA.  In addition to the views there are resident elk and bison to see, a covered bridge built in 1882 that will be no more once it is replaced in 2013, and if you are so inclined, a zoo (entrance fee applies) smack in the middle of the preserve.  There are many numbered kiosks throughout but most of them had empty map boxes.  I found a remote kiosk stocked with maps and brought a few with me so if anyone would like one, I am happy to mail a copy.  The map opens to 24x18 so it's much better than the PDF file I made of a JPEG I found online.  I think if you "friend" me you can send me a message with your mailing address.  Although I hiked 11 miles (there are about 20 miles of trails) I wrote this up as an 8-mile hike since I ran into an impossible creek crossing and had to make a major reroute.  I have detailed at the end of my blog where that area is that should be avoided.  There is hunting allowed in parts of the preserve so best to hike on a Sunday.  Click here for the full write-up and more pictures.