Nature Center · PA

Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Lehigh Gap Nature Center provides a unique outdoor experience along the Kittatinny Ridge in Pennsylvania, offering a diverse array of ecosystems and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Center7564+ Trails

2002NATURE CENTER

Designation

Nature Center

Total Wilderness Area

756

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Lehigh Gap Nature Center provides a unique outdoor experience along the Kittatinny Ridge in Pennsylvania, offering a diverse array of ecosystems and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Gap Nature Center serves as both a rehabilitation success story and a gem for outdoor recreation. Spread across over 750 acres, the center is built on the transformed lands of what once was an ecological dead zone due to industrial pollution. Now revitalized, the area hosts a rich diversity of plants and wildlife, including regions of forest, grasslands, and a small section of the Appalachian Trail. Key attractions include the scenic overlooks of the Lehigh River, plenty of bird-watching opportunities, and an important demonstration of environmental recovery. The center also supports educational programs, stressing the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Osprey House – An educational and visitor center with panoramic views of the Lehigh River.✦ The D&L Trail – Part of the historic Delaware & Lehigh Trail system, offering scenic riverside hiking and biking.✦ Restored Grasslands – A beautiful example of successful habitat restoration and a hotspot for birding.✦ The Prairie Warbler Trail – Known for its diverse wildflowers and bird species in the spring and summer.

Signature Wilderness Experience

“The Osprey House – An educational and visitor center with panoramic views of the Lehigh River.”

AdvCollective Field Record · Nature Center

Geographic Location

Lehigh Gap Nature Center

State / Region:PA

Coordinates:40.7825° N, -75.6063° W

Public Land Status:Nature Center

Ranger Field Tips

Visit in the early morning for the best wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for bird watching.

Be aware of areas with heavy tick presence in the spring and summer; it's advisable to wear protective clothing.

Parking can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends, so consider carpooling if possible.

Bring along binoculars for enhanced views of the diverse bird species in the area.

Park Specifications

Acres Protected756

Miles of Trails13

Annual Visitors40,000

Year Established2002

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, but donations are encouraged for trail upkeep and educational programs.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 1.38 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Palmerton, Pennsylvania

Palmerton, PA offers easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling amidst the scenic Lehigh Valley. With nearby Blue Mountain and state parks, it’s a peaceful spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature and small-town charm.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 2.13 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Slatington, Pennsylvania

Slatington, PA, is a quiet outdoor gateway in the Lehigh Valley offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and fishing along the scenic Lehigh River corridor. It’s perfect for travelers looking for laid-back nature escapes near small-town charm.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 2.17 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Walnutport, Pennsylvania

Walnutport, Pennsylvania invites paddlers, anglers, and hikers to experience the tranquil Lehigh River and scenic trails nearby. This quiet town is a perfect base for those seeking easy river adventures, wildlife viewing, and relaxing outdoor escapes.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 5.93 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Weissport, Pennsylvania

Weissport, PA offers peaceful paddling on the Lehigh River, scenic biking on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, fishing, and calm hiking in a quiet riverside town. Ideal for visitors seeking a laid-back outdoor adventure surrounded by nature and history.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 6.44 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Lehighton is an inviting outdoor town along the Lehigh River offering hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and winter skiing. Its close proximity to state parks and scenic waterways makes it perfect for year-round adventure.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing

Explore Town

⌖ 7.90 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

Schnecksville, PA, offers a nature-rich escape with hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching in peaceful foothills near the Blue Mountain Range. It’s a quiet outdoor hub ideal for those wanting to connect with diverse trails and seasonal beauty.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Up Close with Joshua and Tatu: A Private Giraffe Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

PrivateADV Bookable

Up Close with Joshua and Tatu: A Private Giraffe Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo

A 30-minute, one-on-one feeding and painting encounter with the zoo’s male Masai giraffes that includes a keeper chat and a take-home canvas—this guide lays out the logistics, rules, and what to expect.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Electric Freedom on the D&L: Weissport EBike Rentals from Hofford Mill

ADVEXPEDITION

Weissport, Pennsylvania

Bike RentalADV Bookable

Electric Freedom on the D&L: Weissport EBike Rentals from Hofford Mill

Rent a Bronson EBike in Weissport and ride the scenic D&L Trail north to Jim Thorpe or south toward Slatington—backed by on-site orientation, helmets, and local guidance.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Baturday Saturdays at Lincoln Caverns: Echo the Bat, Hands‑On Workshops and Gem Panning in Huntingdon

ADVEXPEDITION

Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

WorkshopADV Bookable

Baturday Saturdays at Lincoln Caverns: Echo the Bat, Hands‑On Workshops and Gem Panning in Huntingdon

A summer Saturday program at Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks that pairs photo ops with Echo the Bat, gem panning, two interpretive workshops and a guided cavern tour—this guide lays out the schedule, highlights and practical needs for visitors.

WorkshopPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Raft the 900‑Foot Walls of Lehigh Gorge: BigTime Whitewater’s 5‑Hour Rush

ADVEXPEDITION

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

RaftingADV Bookable

Raft the 900‑Foot Walls of Lehigh Gorge: BigTime Whitewater’s 5‑Hour Rush

A 5-hour whitewater rafting trip run by Jim Thorpe River Adventures through Lehigh Gorge State Park—ages 8+—featuring the operator’s most challenging rapids and practical guidance on what to expect.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Eight Miles of Family-First Rafting out of Lehighton

ADVEXPEDITION

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Eight Miles of Family-First Rafting out of Lehighton

An 8-mile, 3-hour EasyWater Rafting run with Jim Thorpe River Adventures — a natural, family- and beginner-friendly float that mixes playful rapids with swim-ready pools and practical tips for planning your day.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

First Rapids, Mountain Air: 10 Miles of Intro Whitewater in Lehighton

ADVEXPEDITION

Lehighton, Pennsylvania

RaftingADV Bookable

First Rapids, Mountain Air: 10 Miles of Intro Whitewater in Lehighton

A beginner-friendly, 10-mile whitewater rafting run (about 4 hours on the water, 6+ hours total) that carries you through Pocono mountain scenery—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Day Among Ambassadors: General Admission at Lehigh Valley Zoo

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

A Day Among Ambassadors: General Admission at Lehigh Valley Zoo

General daytime admission to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville’s Trexler Nature Preserve lets visitors of all ages explore 29 acres and more than 325 animal ambassadors; this guide focuses on ticketing, timing, and practical on‑site details.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Tokens: A Hands-On Currency for Exploring Lehigh Valley Zoo

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

Tokens: A Hands-On Currency for Exploring Lehigh Valley Zoo

Tokens are the zoo’s exclusive currency for activities, crafts, interactive exhibits and select animal feedings—pick them up at check-in; they never expire and are non-refundable.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Rugged ECVs at Lehigh Valley Zoo: Tour the Acres on a Heavy Duty Park ECV

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

Rugged ECVs at Lehigh Valley Zoo: Tour the Acres on a Heavy Duty Park ECV

Rent heavy-duty, 4‑wheel ECVs at the Lehigh Valley Zoo — reserve in advance, present a valid ID at check-in, and sign a waiver before use.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Turn $25 into $30 at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Nature Store

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

Turn $25 into $30 at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Nature Store

Purchase a Nature Store Gift Card before your visit to receive an extra $5 in merchandise credit and learn what the card covers and where it won’t apply.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Year's Worth of Wild Days — LV Zoo Membership Gift Certificates

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

A Year's Worth of Wild Days — LV Zoo Membership Gift Certificates

A year-long pass granting unlimited daytime admission, member discounts, and the satisfaction of supporting Lehigh Valley Zoo’s conservation work; this guide clarifies redemption, benefits, and contact points.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Before Daybreak with Luani & Piper: A Private Otter Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo

ADVEXPEDITION

Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

ZooADV Bookable

Before Daybreak with Luani & Piper: A Private Otter Encounter at Lehigh Valley Zoo

A 30-minute, pre-opening, one-on-one experience where participants assist keepers, place enrichment, feed North American river otters, and take home an otter-made painting.

ZooPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip