It’s Always Nice To Hike Along The Lehigh River: First Time In White Haven

Wild mushroom season is just about over here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I found more than enough for myself and to share with family and friends. So instead of searching for wild mushrooms, as I have the last six weeks,   I decided to take my camera and hike near  the Lehigh River on Saturday morning.

I have hiked  along this beautiful and historic river many times. From the Lehigh Tannery to the Lehigh Gap, I have enjoyed my walks on the well maintained  D & L Trail. However, I had never hiked the 1 1/2 mile stretch from White Have to the Lehigh Tannery. I did on Saturday. 

It was a cold, blustery day when I arrived in White Haven. The weather didn’t keep folks from enjoying the trail. There were dozens of bicyclists  renting bicycles at a shop along the trail just outside of the town of White Haven. 

I headed south on the trail  from White Haven  and soon came to the parking area and the I 80 bridge that spans the Lehigh River. 

I first crossed this bridge when I was 10 years old, with my brother John, when we went camping in nearby Hickory Run State Park with the Cub Scouts. My baby brother Mike was born on that day.  I have used this bridge hundreds of times since then, but this was the first time I hiked underneath it. 

I walked on the wide and well maintained trail, having to move aside many times when steady stream of bicyclists rode by me. 

Although it was late October, the trees and shrubs along the trail were not sporting their usual brilliant Fall colors . It was a warm and wet Summer and Fall and only some of the birch and aspen trees had begun to change color. And, instead of turning color,  many of their leaves had already fallen to the ground.

Even the ferns along the trail were  still a deep green Summer  color.

There were only a few birds along the trail, mainly black-capped chickadees and a few squirrels and chipmunks, including this red squirrel, 

I also walked by a few waterfalls on my hike.

They cascaded down from the high cliff of the gorge above the Lehigh River. 

I walked about 2 1/2 miles south on the trail when I came to the trestles from the old Hayes Creek Railroad.  I would seem that this section of the Lehigh River has been a very popular fishing spot over the year.  So I was told by many fishermen friends on social media. 

I walked another half mile and found a trail that led up to a group of cabins, and I think, the old Hayes Creek Railroad right of way. 

I was pleased found a few honey mushrooms near the old oak tree  that grew along the trail.

And also some older puffball mushrooms.

I had walked  about 3 1/2 miles when I decided to turn back. I hope to return again soon and continue to explore the  old railroad right of way. 

It was still overcast, windy and cold as I began my return hike. The bad weather didn’t deter the many bicyclists on the trail.  I walked into a steady stream of them on my walk back. Many stopped to admire the waterfalls along the way.

As I neared the parking area I made a slight detour and explored the ruins of the locks from the old Lehigh Canal that was built-in the early 1800’s.

I also read this signpost about a very famous early explorer of the Lehigh River Gorge, the famous naturalist John Audubon.  Sadly, his words of almost two centuries ago are coming true.

There is so much history along this river and trail and you can search some other  blogs I have posted from earlier hikes.   I returned to my car having enjoyed another hike in the woods of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Here is a link to some more photographs from my hike. Lehigh Gorge White Haven. October 20 2018. 

A brooding calm in all the air,
A dreamy quiet everywhere…
A golden glow to light the day
That fades in purple mists away—
This soothing calm, this presence bright,
October’s sweet and mellow light.
~Phebe A. Holder

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