So somehow I put the wrong address into the GPS and we ended up at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Well, it wasn’t a big deal. We’d been here before and instead of a hike we got a flat walk along the D&L trail to both Luke’s Falls and Buttermilk Falls. Best part was, no one was here. I think this area out of the Rockport access gets pretty busy in the summer months. I’ve only ever been here in the winter. Today was another warm-ish day with rain and fog. The river was moving pretty fast too. Enjoyed the exercise and the scenery.
My husband and I ventured out Sunday morning to check out the Rockport Area of Lehigh Gorge State Park. I’ve not seen much of the Lehigh Gorge besides the Bald Mountain Loop which we’d hiked last year and really enjoyed. We decided to check out a more popular area of the gorge and take a short walk on the D&L Trail to see Buttermilk Falls. I’m not much for hiking popular or crowded hikes, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a go. Getting to the falls is an easy walk on a flat gravel surface. From the parking area, the trail takes you upstream to the beautiful, 50 foot waterfall in less then half a mile. I’ve never had a hike to a waterfall be this easy! The forecast had been calling for snow, but not until later that afternoon. As we drove to the gorge, we were in and out of snow showers, but nothing too significant yet. When we arrived at the trailhead, it had started to snow very lightly. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was only one other car parked in the lot at this very popular destination. I guess we were the only crazy people out braving the potential weather that was yet to come. We made our way down to the D&L Trail that would take us to the waterfall. The gorge was so still and peaceful. That kind of stillness you only get to experience in the middle of a forest just before a snowfall when no one else is around. I could hear the whispers of falling snowflakes as we walked silently along the trail. The fast moving waters of the Lehigh River below us carried large chunks of ice downstream. As we walked I was mesmerized by the towering walls of the gorge which were adorned with icicles. They looked like gigantic swords protecting its high cliff walls. We continued onward being very careful not to slip on the ice that was hidden by a dusting of snow. In no time we arrived at the waterfall. Its icy cold waters tumbled down a 50 foot rocky ledge into a crystal clear pool below. Surrounded by snow and ice, it looked incredibly beautiful, especially with the snow that was falling. By this time it was starting to snow more heavily so after taking it all in, we made our way back to the car and were soon on our way back home to enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee. It was an easy day, but well worth it to see so much beauty in just a quick walk.
The D&L Trail is a 165-mile multi-use trail running from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol. The northern terminus is located in Mountain Top, Luzerne County with its highest point being 1,785’. The trail follows the same route that the anthracite coal once took from mine to market and winds along the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. As you walk the towpath, there are interpretive signs that mark points of interest on the trail. Since the trail runs along the river, there’s lots of wildlife to be seen here. I walk this path some days in the early mornings and there’s plenty of species of birds including Bald Eagles which are making a comeback in the area. Bald Eagles are listed as protected and no longer considered endangered or threatened. Last week I happened to see one flying upstream along the canal. I didn’t see any Bald Eagles today, but I did catch a glimpse of a Red Fox making its way across the trail. I walked about 2 miles to Hope Road where there’s a washout apparently left over from Tropical Storm Isaias. It’s not impassable, but I made this my turnaround point since I was short on time this morning. The D&L National Heritage Corridor is full of history and is a great place to come for fresh air and exercise when you just need to get out for an easy walk on the trail.
