Lehigh Gap East, 9 miles

The Lehigh River cuts a gap through Blue Mountain. We'll take the Appalachian Trail (AT) up the East side of the gap (very steep), a service road across the top (pretty flat), stop for lunch on a big rock pile (can be cold and very windy), and loop back to the parking lot on the AT followed by the Winter Trail. A total of about 9 miles and 1,300 ft of ascents. Great views (should hit peak fall colors) and lots of rocks.

There is one piece on the way up the mountain that is a bit of a rock climb/scramble where you'll need to use your hands (see upper left corner of photo). Everyone has made it up every time I've done it, but it is a little unpleasant if you are afraid of heights.

You need to be in decent shape for this hike due to the long, steep climbs, and you'll need to be able to navigate some very rocky areas.

There are long sections with no tree cover, so be prepared for sun and wind exposure. This area has a reputation for having a lot of ticks during certain seasons (I haven't really encountered many here myself), and tall grass and brush sometimes encroaches on the trail, so long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and Permethrin or DEET may be good ideas.

We are NOT parking at the Nature Center -- we are parking in the gravel lot on the other side of the river. If you take the Route 873 bridge across the river, you will make a right after crossing and then make a very hard left onto a gravel road that takes you to the parking lot. You may want to look at it on Google Street View in advance because it is easy to miss. The entrance to the parking lot is at 40.78211, -75.60302.

NOTICE: By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.