The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently provided an optimistic update on the $37-million reconstruction of portions of the Delaware Canal damaged by Hurricane Ivan and a series of devastating floods. A relatively dry summer has allowed for constant work on fish ladders, stone walls, gates, locks, and lengthy portions of the canal and towpath. On the most severely damaged sections of towpath, crews are installing a new “stabilized turf,” composed of stone aggregate and grass seed that should produce a more erosion-resistant surface.

The update also noted the achievements of the Friends of the Delaware Canal and the Historic Delaware Canal Improvement Corporation in financing repairs on a 100-foot canal section near the David Library of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. Replacement of the embankment and towpath allowed for the watering of the southern half of the canal between New Hope and Bristol.

Although “it has been a long, arduous and costly struggle to restore Delaware Canal,” DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis noted, all park repairs are expected to be completed in June 2010.

The full release is available from DCNR’s website.

On August 22, a large group of state legislators, government officials, trail workers, construction contractors, D&L staff, and trail users gathered on the D&L Trail in Luzerne County to celebrate the official opening of the recycled bridge. The bridge extends the D&L Trail, which passes through Lehigh Gorge State Park and the town of White Haven, north towards Mountaintop and Wilkes-Barre (Note: There is currently a trail obstruction at Glen Summit).

This was a fitting culmination to a project that Trail Steward Scott Everett and a host of people from PennDOT, DCNR, Anthracite Scenic Trails Association, Mountaintop Trail Association, Pocono Whitewater, Dennison Township, Luzerne County, Greater White haven Chamber of Commerce, and White Haven Borough have been committed to for years.

Leading off the event was 11th Congressional District Representative Paul E. Kanjorski, who called the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, “a great example of how federal, state and local partners are working together to preserve important resources.” The congressman was followed by representatives from several organizations, who commented on the importance of the D&L Trail to expanding recreational opportunities in eastern Pennsylvania, spurring economic development, and continuing the Commonwealth’s legacy of conservation.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and experience this section of trail. Work will continue on improving the surface and adding directional signage, but the trail and bridge are now officially open to use.

The D&L Trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way for nearly four miles between East Penn Township’s new boat launch and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. This is a dynamic section of trail, with continuous views of the Lehigh River on one side and the steep, rocky slopes of the Kittatiny Ridge on the other. Air and soil pollution from Palmerton’s zinc smelting plant defoliated the mountainsides, but, with the closing of the plant and the declaration of Lehigh Gap as a Superfund site, a successful remediation project is underway to bring the mountain’s native flora back to life. As you walk or ride the trail, take note of the grasses and shrubs growing among the scattered rocks; these are the first signs of what will one day be a thriving, blanket of green.

Parking is available at the East Penn Boat Launch (on Riverbend Rd., at Lizard Creek Junction) to the north and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center (on Paint Mill Rd., off of Rt. 873) to the south. Over the last year, this section of trail has seen significant improvements. Once the haunt of ATV-riders and the occasional fisherman, the trail has been widened, graded, and rolled so that mountain bikers, joggers, and hikers can also enjoy the trip. In some places, water drainage issues and loose rail ballast need to be addressed, but the trail is in generally good condition and sees regular use.

The scenery is a nice balance of industrial remnants and natural beauty. Along with the piers of old railroad trestles are wetlands and patches of wildflowers. Hawks circle above the river gap, and occasionally through the trees, you will catch a glimpse of the now dormant zinc plant. For a hawk’s-eye view of the gap, use the D&L Trail to access the ridge-running Appalachian Trail at the Nature Center. But, don’t miss the small ponds on the northern section of the trail.

Trail users can choose whether to travel the section and then backtrack or leave a car on both ends. For the more adventurous, continue the journey south along Slatington’s superbly-maintained rail-trail, Walnutport’s scenic canal towpath, or the Slate Heritage Trail that intersects the D&L Trail at Trout Creek.

D&L Vice President Elissa Thorne sent in this D&L Trail experience:

My husband and I rode the new section of the D&L Trail just north of White Haven on Saturday. This is the same part where the new 71′ bridge in Dennison Twp. was dedicated on Friday. Since this is still an “unimproved” stretch of trail, I thought users might appreciate a blow-by-blow of the ride. “Unimproved” means the trail lacks directional signs and does not have a uniform trail surface.

We came into White Haven from the Weatherly-White Haven Road. Since “Jam Below the Dam” was taking place we turned left on Towanda Street (just before the RR tracks). First we went over to see the latest improvements at the old Lehigh Valley Engine House. It will soon be the new home of White Haven Area Community Library. The Library building project has started with new glass windows and front façade that let natural light flood the building – impressive.

[Workers transform the old Lehigh Valley Engine House into the White Haven Area Community Library]

Next we backtracked and drove down Susquehanna Street (under the RR overpass). We parked in the grassy area located to the left at the bottom of the hill. This is the northern White Haven trailhead of the D&L Trail, but it not marked yet. It is also known locally as the southern trailhead of the “Black Diamond” Trail.

After we unloaded our mountain bikes (one full suspension, one with no suspension, both with 2″ tires), we assembled our water and snacks and took off to the north. The trail starts at the dirt road at the far corner of the lot.

I’d classify the first stretch as typical PA rail-trail. Most of this mile-long portion between White Haven and Middleburg Road was dirt and grass. As we approached Middleburg Road, the active rail line got closer to the trail and the trail turned to worn but ride-able ballast.

At Middleburg Road, I had inside info and knew what to expect so I’ll oblige and pass the facts along. Note: Use CAUTION crossing the road – there is a sharp curve in the road in both directions! Once you cross the road, turn left (heading slightly uphill), cross the RR tracks and re-enter the trail at the red shale pull off on the right.

[Use caution at the Middleburg Rd. railroad crossing]

[Map of Middleburg Rd. crossing]

The next section leads to the new bridge and passes though a small farm where we saw cows grazing and a flock of eight wild turkeys doing their best to scoot away. We were able to watch them in the brush for about five minutes. Nice. Again the trail surface varied but was pretty pleasant. The grassy stretches made up for the rougher parts so we were happy.

[Recent trail improvements make for smoother travels]

About 1.5 miles from Middleburg Road we arrived at the “new” bridge. It’s a beauty and the story is a good one. The bridge itself was recycled from I-81 in the Wyoming Valley. It was mothballed for several years and then cut into three section (the other two-thirds is still in storage for re-use sometime in the future). Finally, it was transported to the trail by truck. The bridge now spans active Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad tracks at a bend where the forest is lush and the stone retaining walls are reminiscent of railroad’s glory days.

[The newly installed recycled bridge opens access to miles of trail]

From here on the setting is a naturalist’s treat. We saw wetlands, lily pads, a beaver lodge, a great blue heron and forest lands filled with birch trees, ferns and other native plant species. We also encountered D&L mile markers 135 and 136. Note: The markers are being placed by trail tenders at each river mile. Mile 1 is located in Bristol in Bucks County. When complete, Mile 165 will be located in Wilkes-Barre.

The remaining trail surface fluctuates. Some sections are very smooth and other places are grassy. Elsewhere it becomes a double-track Jeep trail and then (unfortunately) it gets very rough with 3″ rocks – conditions only an avid mountain biker might enjoy.

[The trail is unimproved in the northern sections]

Just north of the Mile 136 marker, there’s a “Y” in the trail. Bear left here and follow the main path as it bypasses some obstructions. We continued for about another half mile or so. We turned back when it was more comfortable walking than riding our bikes. This is where we saw the heron take flight in the wetland on our right. Note: We should have kept going a bit farther. This morning, I learned Moosehead Lake is on the left just past the wetland… we would have liked to see it.

[The D&L Trail passes a wetland, just south of Moosehead Lake]

The ride back was quick. I forgot we had been riding up the former Lehigh Valley Railroad as we traveled north. I’ve saved the best for last. Heading south back to our car was all downhill.

On September 13, join Landmark Towns and Ravenchase Adventures for a real-life treasure hunt that will take you through the towns of Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope, and Yardley. Travel by car along 60 miles of the Delaware Canal, and solve codes and ciphers while learning a little bit about American history.

Arm yourself with a handmade treasure map, clues on parchment scrolls, and perhaps a cool gadget (like a black light to see clues written in invisible ink). Ravenchase staff personally greets each group at the start of the race, explains the rules of the game, and provides each team with the materials they will need. The answers and puzzle pieces along the course will lead you to a secret end location, where prizes are awarded to the top teams!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Ravenchase’s website.