Take a Hike!: White Haven to Glen Summit
Written By Silas Chamberlin
Our “Take a Hike!” series will periodically feature a favorite day hike or bike on the D&L Trail. The first installment is a hike or bike on the section of trail between White Haven and Moosehead Lake, with an optional extension to Glen Summit for the adventurous. For those of you familiar with the sections of the D&L Trail that follow the canal towpath, this section of relatively isolated rail trail will be a refreshing change. Expect to see a series of marshes, pristine Moosehead Lake, and lots of wildlife.
Moosehead Lake
White Haven to Moosehead Lake
Total Distance: 11 miles round trip (optional 5.2 mile extension)
Rating: Moderate
Trail Surface: rolled cinder and ballast
Activities: hiking and biking
Trailhead amenities: parking
Click here to download a .pdf map of the trail section.
Park at the White Haven North trailhead and travel north on D&L Trail.
Mile
1.6 – intersection with Middleburg Rd. Travel SW (left) on Middleburg Rd. for 400 ft. to regain trail on right.
3.06 – pass over the “Recycled Bridge”
3.96 – scenic overlook of lake with bench
5.02 – trail narrows; “Indian Cave” ahead on right
5.44 – Moosehead Lake
Turn around for 11 mile round trip
Optional: Continue north from Mooshead Lake for 5.2 miles to reach Glen Summit. The trail is unimproved, with large ballast, and is suitable only for experienced hikers and riders. Schedule pickup at intersection of Lake Road and Pine Lane in Glen Summit.
Click here to see Bill O’Hara’s photos from his ride on this section.
Did you take this hike? Have you biked this section in the past? Leave a comment and let us know about it! Send your photos to Silas@DelawareandLehigh.org.
July 24th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
When?
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:39 am
Whenever you want! This is not an organized hike–just a recommendation for those of you looking for new trips.
August 8th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Rode this section 8/7/2010. First section from White Haven up to Middleburg Rd. is crushed cinders/loose cinders. From Middleburg Rd. to Moosehead Lake is rolled ballast/ ballast/ ballast with grass growing between it/ some smooth crushed stone sections, but mostly rough riding. A mountain bike with at least front shocks is highly recommended. Mostly slow going. The ballast rock tends to roll under the tires and for some short ballast sections you’ll need to walk the bike. The spur that goes off to the right past the RR bridge is crushed cinder and a much smoother ride. There are some wet spots that are easily avoided and towards the end a spring is running down the path but you can wend your way around that as well. Ends at a dirt road. Otherwise a very nice ride. Didn’t see one person on a very nice day for a ride while the Jim Thorpe to White Haven section was very busy. Very secluded ride through woods and past some swamps and ponds. There’s a beaver house on the lake/swamp by the spur and also in the pond/swamp just before Moosehead Lake. Saw an otter playing on and swimming around the beaver house in the pond/swamp just before Moosehead Lake. Moosehead Lake is a clear mountain lake. I almost don’t want to see them improve this section as it will bring more people and trash to a nice secluded area.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Looking to take 10AM shuttle at Jim Thorpe on Aug 21, drop at White Haven, bike to Glen Summit then down to Jim Thorpe. How long should I allocate for White Haven-Glen Summit? I’m guessing its maybe 8mph average, so 3 hours?
Praying for good weather!
August 18th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Sounds like a great trip. Three hours would probably not be a bad estimate for a round trip between White Haven and Glen Summit (21.4 miles total) if the trail was is good condition, but you should keep in mind that the trail gets pretty rough around Moosehead Lake and points north. The trail is unimproved and consists of large, loose ballast. I know people do bike that section, but I would only recommend it if you have experience with that type of riding. In any case, I would add some extra time for navigating the tough spots. If you are short on time, I recommend turning around at Moosehead Lake, which would give you an 11 mile round trip from White Haven and back—not bad if you are also doing the gorge. Have fun!