The popular and scenic D & L Trail follows old rail beds and canal towpaths in eastern Pennsylvania. Also known as the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the D & L Trail offers many unique sights as you hike the over 140 mile-long mostly gently-sloping trail.
The section of the trail known as Lehigh Tannery to White Haven is primarily wooded and follows along the designated state scenic Lehigh River. The wide trail of crushed stone is ideal for walking, biking or cross-country skiing.
Arrive at the Lehigh Tannery trailhead, and you will find a small parking lot. At the far end of the parking lot, the adjacent trail leads south to Rockport. For the hike to White Haven, cross the street from the parking area and walk north.
Along the way, you may see wildlife, such as white-tailed deer or bald eagles eyeing the river for their next meal. Note that fence lizards and a variety of snakes, including northern copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are found in the region.
During snowmelt, or after rainfall, you may see small waterfalls trickling down the wooded and rocky slopes alongside the trail. A large wall with dilapidated wooden posts is a curious sight just off the side of the trail. The hike will also take you under an old bridge that only consists of stone walls and open beams.
The most noteworthy sight along this portion of the trail is the remains of a Lehigh Canal lock and dam. The White Haven Lock ruins, accessed by an easy-to-follow side trail, is worth the short walk to see this historic site. A high lift lock, the White Haven Lock was twenty three feet high, more than three times the usual height. It took only two minutes to fill the lock and two minutes to empty as it raised or lowered boats as much as 30 feet. The boats were often filled with over a hundred tons of coal.
As hikers approach the White Haven trailhead, a modern restroom is available that is open year-round, followed by a picnic table and a hydration station is available for use in season.
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