BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A new public hiking trail is now open in Forest Park at Lehigh University, giving the Bethlehem community access to land that had previously been restricted.
Olivia Newman and Sophia Kaupp were among the first to explore the trail Wednesday, taking in the scenery on Earth Day.
“I’m someone who loves to hike, so I’ve always hiked on the other trails on campus, but never this one. It’s great so far,” Newman said.
University officials marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, calling it the first public trail in Forest Park. Joe Klocek, director of planning, design and construction at Lehigh, said the opening represents a shift in access to the land.
“We have some trailhead signage that gives some distances for the trails. This is the first phase of what we hope to be a much larger initiative. So the trails right now, they vary, but most are about a half mile in length,” Klocek said.
Klocek said this is the first time the public is being allowed access to the property, which had previously been limited to university use.
There are two entrances to the trail system. One, located on Sayre Park Road, is designated for Lehigh students and staff. The other entrance, at South Mountain Park, is open to the public with available parking.
Klocek says the trail is part of a broader plan to expand access and eventually add more trails throughout Forest Park.