Lehigh Gorge Loop

From the parking area off PA 534, duck into the woods on the Fireline Trail, which used to provide access to the local fire crew. The wide, gradual grade descends toward the viewpoint above the gorge within 0.5 miles. From the viewpoint, head south to follow above the Lehigh River.The Fireline Trail passes the Skyline Trail and then the Gould Trail. Both trails provide ways to cut across to the eastern half of this loop hike, cutting the mileage and elevation down. To continue on this route, continue across Goulds Run to begin a half-mile climb and descent over to Hickory Run. Around the 2.2-mile mark, the Fireline Trail meets its southern terminus, transitioning into the Hickory Run Trail. The trail heads east along the trout-filled Hickory Run before arriving at the Switchback Trail.Here begins the biggest sustained climb of the hike. Luckily, the trail is named accurately as a handful of switchbacks help ease the grade. After gaining the hill, continue north along the Switchback Trail until it arrives at the Gould Trail and eastern half of the Skyline Trail.Continue onto the Skyline Trail for another up-and-over hill to return to the Fireline Trail, heading right (east) for the final section of trail to retrace back to the parking area.

This land was part of the territories of the Lenni Lenape, Susquehannock, and Iroquois, though no traces of settlements have been found. It was later bought and developed with dams, mills, and logging during the 19th century, before becoming an established state park in 1945.