Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Belfast PA,
Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley,
PA
This evening's walk offered by the Lehigh Valley Group of the Delaware Valley Chapter marks the second in a series of regional hikes to be held during daylight evening hours every other Tuesday from May into September. No hike is to exceed 5 miles or expected to last more than 2 hours. Each will offer an optional post-activity opportunity for food or beverage at a local restaurant or tavern. Tonight's hike will bring participants into the meadows, woods, and heart of the scenic Bushkill Creek watershed, all within the property of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. The 1,100-acre JEEC, a popular unit of the PA state parks system, is 4 miles north of Nazareth and 1 mile west of Belfast. Jacobsburg offers a large system of trails that connect successional fields, woodlands, the Bushkill and tributary streams, and some local history in the form of preserved colonial buildings. Our hike route will climb about 400 feet into fields with nice views of Blue Mountain to the north before descending into woods to a final mile along the lush and gently flowing creek. This 4-mile hike is rated MODERATE for its steady elevation gains and uneven surfaces that may include rocks, tree roots, and ruts. Following the hike, depending on group preference, we will gather at a nearby fast-food and ice cream eatery, a casual Italian restaurant, or a small-batch brewery with a full menu, for dinner, beverage, and fun. Please note: Any spring or summer hiking activity comes with the possibility of hot temperatures, high humidity levels, sudden severe storms, a blazing sun, biting insects, ticks, vegetation overgrowth, or poor air quality. While we make every effort to safeguard participants and may adjust an activity in respect to conditions, safety and comfort is ultimately in the hands of the individual hiker. Please bring ample hydration fluids and sustenance consumables of your preference: snacks, salt tablets, energy gels, etc. Recognize your limits in heat and keep within them. Meet at the main JEEC parking area for trails along Belfast Road, just east of the JEEC visitor building, by 5:45 for a 6 PM start. Modern restrooms available. If status of activity in doubt due to weather, travel, or trail conditions, call/text leader by 5 PM. L Welles Lobb 610-709-4455.
Free
