D&L Trail-Ringing Rocks Trailhead to South Bethlehem Greenway

From its access point east of the Ringing Rocks Trailhead in Bridgeton Township, Bucks County, the Highlands Trail follows the D&L Trail north and west until it reaches the city of Bethlehem.This section of the D&L Trail/Highlands Trail co-alignment runs for 12.4 miles between the Forks of the Delaware at Easton (where the Delaware Canal and Lehigh Canal converge) and the Minsi Trail Bridge in Bethlehem. The 165-mile D&L Trail is a National Recreational Trail that is coordinated by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

Highlands Trail Route

Heading north along the the D&L Trail and the Delaware Canal and River, the Highlands Trail route follows the D&L through Bridgeton, Nockamixon and Durham Townships, and the Borough of Riegelsville in Bucks County. Continuing north along the D&L Trail, the Highlands Trail heads into Williams Township, Northampton County. When the D&L Trail meets the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, the trail turns west and follows the Lehigh River through the City of Easton, Palmer and Bethlehem Townships and the City of Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, the Highlands Trail route leaves the D&L Trail at the New Street Bridge where the Highlands Trail route turns south, crosses the Lehigh River and connects to the South Bethlehem Greenway.

Trail Facts

The trail surface is a combination of crushed stone and paved trails between Bridgeton Township, Easton and Bethlehem. The D&L Trail is managed by the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

This section of the trail contains several nationally significant historic and natural features, with outstanding views of the canal, Delaware River, preserved farmland, Nockamixon Cliffs (PA side of the river) and Milford Bluffs (NJ side of the river).

Trail Access Points

The Highlands Trail route can be accessed at the following areas:

  • Ringing Rocks Trailhead (River Road, Bridgeton Township)
  • Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area/ Delaware Canal State Park Locks 22 & 23 (South Delaware Drive, Riegelsville)
  • Wy Hit Tuk Park (510 South Delaware Drive /Route 611, Williams Township)
  • Delaware Canal State Park- (220 S Delaware Drive, Easton)
  • Riverview Park (1391 Lehigh Drive, Easton)
  • Hope Road Access Point (Palmer Township)

Nearby Destinations and Resources

The following places and destinations are either located on or nearby the D&L Trail section of Highlands Trail route:

  • Ringing Rocks Park (Bridgeton Township)
  • Wy Hit Tuk Park (510 South Delaware Drive /Route 611, Williams Township)
  • Delaware Canal State Park (220 S Delaware Drive, Easton)
  • Riverview Park (1391 Lehigh Drive, Easton)
  • Hugh Moore Park & Canal Museum (2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd, Easton)
  • The Borough of Riegelsville
  • The City of Easton
  • The City of Bethlehem