About cycling & running in Allentown-Bethlehem-EastonLehigh Valley Miles
Running: Locals run the D&L Trail when they want soft Z2 without thinking too hard. The path is soft underfoot, which is a nice change from running on pavement, and the 165-mile crushed stone towpath runs through Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown. Lehigh Parkway is roughly six miles with hills and peaceful scenery, including the Little Lehigh Creek. Lehigh Valley Road Runners keep the calendar serious with weekly training runs Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturdays. The D&L Trail covers 33 km and gains 280 m. Anchor race days include the 9/11 Heroes Run, Ta-Ta Trot 5k, and LVRR August Summer Series 5K.
Cycling: Locals ride a good mix here, from towpath base miles to road intervals and singletrack. The D&L Trail gives Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown a mostly flat crushed-stone spine. Jordan Creek Park gives mountain bikers an 8-mile trail when the plan calls for dirt. Easton Area Cycling Group rides roads, trails, bike paths, gravel roads, and tow paths, with road, cyclocross, gravel, fixed gear, and mountain bikes all in the mix. Spring Into New Beginnings leaves Union Square on Saturdays at 8:30 AM for 30-40 miles. Char's Kick-Ass Milford Ride runs 35 miles on Sundays. Tatamy Trail has a section of steeper grades, and Delaware River routes add rolling hills.
Season: Spring, summer, and fall are the easiest months for steady running and riding. Summer puts the LVRR August Summer Series 5K in Lehigh Parkway, and July brings the Ta-Ta Trot 5k. Lehigh Parkway also works for warm-weather intervals because the gravel path breaks up the monotony of pavement running. Winter changes the kit, the footing, and the pace, but it does not shut the place down. First Strides keeps Lehigh Parkway beginner-friendly in winter. Easton Area Cycling Group rides year-round, and locals know cold weather just means smarter layers and more honest Z2.
