The leaves took on hues of yellow, gold and red when Wildlands Conservancy celebrated the opening of its Black River Sanctuary on Oct. 23, 2024.
Fast-forward one year, the leaves are changing once more, and Wildlands is hosting a group hike and other events to highlight the 187-acre preserve open for public use on the Salisbury-Upper Saucon Township border in Lehigh County.
The nonprofit’s “1st Anniversary Hike at Black River Sanctuary” set for Saturday, Oct. 25, is one of several autumn hikes and events designed to get Lehigh Valley residents outside as the leaves and seasons change.
Here’s a look at what to expect from upcoming events:
Delaware Canal State Park is hosting a Haunted Waters paddle at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, from its Giving Pond Recreation Area, 1125 River Road, Upper Black Eddy.
“Everywhere you go, all water has its history — and its ghosts,” park staff wrote. “Join a Delaware Canal naturalist at Giving Pond while we paddle and talk about ghost stories and why so many waters in PA seem to be haunted.”
Equipment is provided, but spots are limited. Register through eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov, and visit events.dcnr.pa.gov to learn more.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, 400 Belfast Road outside Nazareth, is hosting this hike to observe signs that autumn is upon us at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
“The tell-tale signs of autumn are all around!” organizers wrote. “Join us as we learn about wildflowers, colorful leaves, migrating birds and other signs of the advancing season. Be prepared for a moderate hike that may involve muddy slopes and uphill climbs. Please bring binoculars, a camera, water and a snack, and wear sturdy shoes. Registration is required.”
Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov to take advantage of limited registration opportunities available at eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov.
Black River Sanctuary anniversary hike
Registration is limited for this special anniversary hike marking one year of Black River Sanctuary, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1339 Black River Road outside Allentown.
“Enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn while exploring the trails and learning how this property plays a vital role in local conservation,” the Emmaus-based conservancy says of the hike being led by Carl Martin, Wildlands’ director of property stewardship.
Organizers say the hike will be about 2 miles round-trip, with around 320 feet of elevation gain, making for a moderate-to-challenging experience: “Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water.”
Register through wildlandspa.org at engage.wildlandspa.org.
Check out Wildlands’ calendar of events for more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this fall, including a free Minsi Lake Canoe Paddle on Sunday, Oct. 19, and series of four Campfire Conversations set for 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 and 18 and Dec. 2 and 9, at Black River Sanctuary.
Fall Foliage Hike at Beltzville Lake
Beltzville State Park is hosting a Fall Foliage Hike of its Christman Trail and Wild Creek Falls at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21.
“Fall Foliage is at its peak, and we’ll take a closer look at how trees and animals prepare for the upcoming winter,” organizers wrote of the hike led by the park naturalist. “We will hike the western portion of the trail, and loop back around via the beautiful shoreline ‘spur’ trail.”
This hike is about 3 miles, and participants are asked to wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes and to bring bug spray. Rain will cancel the hike.
Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov to learn more, and those interested may email beltzvillesp@pa.gov by Monday, Oct. 20 to inquire about registering.
Lake Nockamixon Fall Pontoon Boat Tour
This is a different way to take in the scenic fall foliage of Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County.
The park is hosting a Fall Pontoon Boat Tour at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, from its Marina Visitor Center, 1 Harrisburg School Road outside Quakertown.
“Relax on the water during this 2-hour guided boat ride amongst the scenic fall foliage,” organizers wrote. “We’ll discuss park history, flora, and fauna as we wend our way through 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon.”
Registration is required through eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov, and spots are limited. Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov to learn more.
Upcoming events through the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
The Easton-based Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is hosting numerous upcoming events timed to coincide with autumn, beginning with Canal-o-ween from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26, at its National Canal Museum, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton.
“Wear your favorite costume and enjoy 50% off museum admission, plus a full day of family-friendly fun!” organizers wrote at delawareandlehigh.org.
Additional corridor events coming up include 4 Miles for Health at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at Jordan Creek Greenway outside Allentown, the HMP History Hike: Industry & Iron at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Hugh Moore Park and St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest on Sunday, Nov. 9, along the D&L Trail starting in Allentown or Bethlehem and ending in Easton.
Visit delawareandlehigh.org for full details.
Urban areas like Downtown Easton are also great spots to enjoy autumn, and one way to take in the sites and local history is through the Eerie Easton Walking Tours hosted by the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society and its Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St.
“Eerie Easton Walking Tours are based on historical evidence and are based on primary documents, photographs, interviews, and other secondary sources from the NCHGS Archives,” organizers say. “This is not a ‘ghost tour’ or Halloween-themed program. Eerie Easton relates confirmed facts and is explicitly clear that any speculation is just that — speculation — and is provided in its historical context.”
The tours are held on weekend evenings through October, and each tour last about two hours. Tickets are $20 per person, and registration is required through eventbrite.com. It is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Visit sigalmuseum.org for more information.
Historic Bethlehem Self-Guided Heritage Trail Tour
“Walk, jog, or bike along the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Trail!” Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites writes at historicbethlehem.org. “Experience Bethlehem with a self-guided tour on your own time and at your own pace with the use of your own mobile device.”
Visit the nonprofit’s website for trail descriptions, distances, times and maps on the Heritage Trail Tour featuring 80 stops and 275 years of history.
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