From June 10-14, participants of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's 2018 Pennsylvania Sojourn set off on a world-class biking adventure along the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in Eastern Pennsylvania, exploring the region's vibrant towns and attractions while riding more than 160 miles on this scenic and historic treasure.

The adventure begins in the high plateau of the beautiful Pocono Mountains, travels through picturesque Pennsylvania wilderness and wanders by the Lehigh and Delaware rivers.

Along the way, camping is offered in the town of Jim Thorpe, named after the Olympian and Native American sports legend, Hugh Moore Park and Washington Crossing Historic Park.

The trip also includes an inaugural ride at the dedication ceremony of the new Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge, which will connect nearly 60 miles of the D&L Trail and its surrounding towns.

"Our 2018 sojourn offers an exploration of the beauty and wonder of the trail's diverse landscapes while simultaneously preserving historic pathways," said Tom Sexton, director of RTC's Northeast Regional Office.

Sites along the trip include the Delaware and Lehigh canals, the National Canal Museum and Josiah White II Canal Boat in Easton, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and the Thompson-Neely House in New Hope, and the Hessian Barracks Museum in Trenton.

"As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it's incredibly rewarding to host Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Sojourn.  We welcome you and invite you to experience first-hand the history, community and culture along the D&L Trail," said Elissa Garofalo, executive director of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. "Once you get to know the passionate folks behind this great undertaking, we hope you too will become a partner in closing the D&L's final gaps."

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Sojourn Series is designed to celebrate open trails and draw attention to gaps in would-be trail systems that, if completed, could result in economic, health, social and environmental benefits for their local regions.

Now in its 17th year, RTC's Sojourn Series has helped influence the creation and growth of multiple regional trail systems, while bringing direct economic impacts to the regions it visits.

The 2018 Pennsylvania Sojourn is sponsored by the Department of Conservation and National Resources, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and Pocono Biking.

Visit RTC's website to view the complete 2018 sojourn itinerary and get more information on previous trips. 

Find out about trails near you by visiting Explore PA Trails website.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

NewsClips:

Yudichak Highlights Importance Of Closing Gaps On D&L Trail

Locals Fight for Loyalsock Creek As Company Ponders Pipeline

Kayaker Dies At State Park Prompting Investigation

June 15 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

Land Donation Closing Gap For 8-Mile Trail Between Hartwood Acres, Allegheny River

Ohiopyle, Game Lands In Fayette County Benefit From Western PA Conservancy Acquisitions

O’Neill: B-Man’s The Name, Appalachian Trail’s His Domain

DCNR Grant Enables Ambridge To Make Playground Accessible

Dozens Take Part In Middletown Float Trip, Despite Uncooperative Weather

Juniata River Water Trail Gains 2 New Launch Sites

Greene (County) River Trail

Water Levels On Lake Behind Holtwood Dam On Susquehanna To Allow For Repairs

Man Whose Boat Capsized In Harrisburg Didn’t Know About Dangerous Dam

2 Susquehanna River Beaches Closed In York Due To Bacteria

Proposed Delaware Avenue Bike Trail Wins Some Early Fans

AP: Philadelphia Railroad Ruins Transformed Into Elevated Park

Op-Ed: How You Can Help Philly Reimagine Our Civic Spaces

Workers Touching Up One Of The Treasurers Of Lehigh Parkway Parks

Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Stand Against Mountain Bikes

Meyers H.S. Students Get Lesson In River Travel And Sunburn

Presque Isle To Get $1.5M In Federal Money For Sand Replacement

Watch Live Water Testing At Presque Isle Wednesday

Editorial: Presque Isle Beaches To Get Work They Need

ATV Crash In Beaver Kills 62-Year Old Clinton Man

Flight 93 Family Member To Speak At Memorial This Weekend

Lyme Disease May Linger Even With Treatment

Ticks Are Here: Be Very Careful

Related Story:

State, Local Officials Dedicate Enola Low Grade Rail Trail Bridge In Lancaster County

[Posted: June 11, 2018]

6/18/2018