As part of the D&L’s National Trails Day celebration, we will begin to install mile markers along sections of the D&L Trail. Right now there are three areas where markers will be installed: Freemansburg to Bethlehem, Parryville to Weissport, and Walnutport to Lehigh Gap.

The mile markers are six-inch, maroon and white, oval metal signs that will be mounted at the top of wooden posts. The top will say “D&L Trail,” and the center will indicated the mile. When the system is done, there will be markers on accessible portions of the trail from Easton to Wilkes-Barre. The Delaware Canal already has a system of markers.

We need volunteers for all aspects of this project, from providing wheel barrows to erecting posts. If you are interested in participating, please contact Dennis Scholl by phone at 610-923-3548 (ext.225) or by email at Dennis@DelawareandLehigh.org.

Although we can estimate the length of D&L Trail sections using river mile charts and topographical maps, there is no substitute for walking the trail with a surveying wheel and taking GPS readings. This is precisely what we began to do on Tuesday. Despite the rain, we walked the twelve miles from the Forks of the Delaware to Sand Island, rolling the wheel and placing pins at each mile along the section. On June 7, these pins will guide the volunteers who install our new mile markers.

This is a beautiful and relatively secluded section of railroad grade and canal towpath that follows the river’s edge and occasionally dips back into the woods. After eight miles or so, the forest gives way to the canal town of Freemansburg and Lehigh Canal Park. The next four mile stretch offers views of Bethlehem Steel, a lock recently revealed by the work of our Trail Tenders, and leads to the parking area on Sand Island.

During the walk, we saw deer tracks, fish jumping in the river and the canal, and a variety of birds, including Orioles, warblers, and mergansers. All of this between two cities!

[Photographs courtesy of Will Minehart]

The D&L invites you to join us for a dedication event, as we celebrate our 20 year anniversary and National Trails Day. Seven directional blades will be unveiled along the D&L Trail.

• Slatington (at the Slatington trailhead) – 10:00 a.m.
• Walnutport (near the Locktender’s House) – 11:00 a.m.
• Bethlehem (eastern end of Sand Island) – 10:00 a.m.
• Freemansburg (near the mule barn) – 11:30 a.m.
• New Hope (at the Locktender’s House) - 2:00 p.m.
• Morrisville (at the trailhead across from Calhoun Street Bridge) – 12:00 noon
• Bristol (at the riverfront near Bristol Marsh) - 10:00 a.m.

Be the first to see the D&L Trail directional blade, hear up to the minute trail updates, have some snacks and take home a small token of our appreciation. We look forward to seeing friends of the Trail, old and new.

[Trail Steward Scott Everett oversees drilling]

The D&L’s 20th anniversary trail signage project is making rapid progress. The first round of installation will be revealed on June 7, when directional “blades” are unveiled and installed on several sections of the trail as part of National Trails Day events. These “blades” will include destination and mileage information to make it easier to use the D&L Trail.

[One of the D&L's new directional "blades"]

We hope to encourage long-distance bike rides and walks between the historic towns and natural areas that the trail connects. Also, look for mileage markers to appear along the trail beginning in early June. These markers will not only make it simple to measure the length of walks and rides but also assist emergency personnel in the case of an accident. The D&L has made great strides in acquiring land and improving the trail, and the new directional signage will help all users take full advantage.

The D&L is holding its first Trail Tenders training event on Saturday, May 17 at the Ice House in Bethlehem. So far, 48 current and prospective Trail Tenders (including 11 Boy Scouts) have registered to attend. Outreach Coordinator Dennis Scholl will introduce the volunteers to the basics of trail maintenance, and veteran Tenders will pass along their knowledge and enthusiasm for work along the D&L Trail. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities are planned, including the installation of one of the very first mile markers on the D&L Trail.

Trail Tenders are dedicated volunteers who keep the trail clear and healthy, and, if the turnout for this event is any indication, the group is only growing!