Lehigh Parkway - Fish Hatchery to Iron Bridge Loop

The Department of Parks and Recreation in the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania, manages no less than 27 parks. Lehigh Parkway is a jewel in the system. Featuring the Little Lehigh Creek plus large open green space and historical structures, the park appeals to many interests. One of the many highlights of the park is the trail.Portions of this popular, mostly paved, trail are used for walking, biking, horseback riding and marathons. Along the trail, adventurers will pass a variety of interesting features. This loop trail basically follows on both sides of the Little Lehigh Creek, where fishermen are often seen casting their lines. One convenient spot to start the loop hike actually begins by the Li'l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery, one of the oldest continuously operated trout nurseries in the United States.Alongside the entrance to the Trout Nursery, by the parking area, is a paved access road that is simply identified with a sign stating, "Authorized Vehicles Beyond this Point." Start here and walk past one building. Follow the path to the right around the building and into the woods. Watch for the stone trail leading to the left with a "Nature Trail" sign. This section provides a scenic forest hike. After some uphill climb, the path will lead back downhill toward the creek.The trail is easy to follow along the creek. It passes under a highway and also under the historic 1841 Bogert's Covered Bridge. At times, there may be mud or water on the path under the covered bridge. Adventurers may choose to detour by walking up a short grassy hill and back down to the path. As the trail leads toward an historic stone barn, note that restrooms with flush toilets are located in a small separate building in this vicinity.The tree-lined trail continues to lead alongside the creek. When hikers reach the Iron Bridge, use it to cross the stream and follow the path back along the other side of the creek. Here, adventurers will find The Rev. Dr. Ernest F. Andrews Memorial Planet Walk. Placed along the trail are signs about each of the planets. The signs are posted in a scale model of the solar system where every one foot of the trail equals one million miles.While continuing along the trail and looking for the next planet sign, be aware that the sounds of nearby gunshots may be heard since the trail leads past the Allentown Police Academy. This historic trail also leads past a memorial stone springhouse and the Museum of Indian Culture featuring outdoor informational signs and even a teepee.With so many fascinating sights along the trail, be sure to allow plenty of time to explore and enjoy the beauty of Lehigh Parkway.