Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Lehigh Gap Nature Center
A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of native wildlife and habitats. Visitors can participate in guided hikes and educational programs.
- Diverse Habitats: Over 1,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands provide a home to a variety of wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children, providing an opportunity to learn about local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Provides care for injured wildlife, releasing them back into the wild once they are healthy.
2. Hickory Run State Park
A popular destination for outdoor activities, featuring hiking trails, a waterfall, and opportunities to spot various wildlife species.
- Boulder Field: Unique geological formation with large glacial erratics scattered throughout.
- Giant White Pines: One of the largest stands of old-growth white pine trees in Pennsylvania.
- Kissing Rocks Waterfall: A beautiful, easily accessible waterfall that's perfect for picnics and photos.
3. Bushkill Covered Bridge
One of the oldest covered bridges in Pennsylvania, offering a unique glimpse into the past while also providing opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Historical Significance: Built in 1839, it's one of the few remaining covered bridges in Pennsylvania.
- Natural Surroundings: Surrounded by lush forests and the Bushkill Creek, providing a peaceful setting for wildlife sightings.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal spot for capturing scenic photos of the bridge and its surroundings.
4. Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
A trail system that follows the old canal towpath, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about local history.
- Historic Significance: Follows the route of the historic Delaware & Lehigh Canal, which played a crucial role in American industrialization.
- Wildlife Sightings: Provides opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife along the trail.
- Variety of Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
5. Blue Mountain Preserve
A nature preserve offering hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities to spot various wildlife species.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Trail Difficulty: Features a network of trails with varying levels of difficulty, catering to all skill levels.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species.
6. Jordan Park Nature Center
A nature center with trails, educational programs, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children, providing an opportunity to learn about local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.
- Trails: Features a network of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
7. Franklin Tower Preserve
A nature preserve featuring a historic tower, scenic views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Historic Tower: Features an old fire tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
8. Pennsylvania Gorge State Park
A park featuring hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities to spot various wildlife species.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the Lehigh River Gorge.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
- Trails: Features a network of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
9. Ringing Rocks County Park
A park featuring unique geological formations and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Geological Formations: Known for its boulders that ring when struck.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for a relaxing break during your visit.
10. Bushkill Creek
A creek offering opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife sightings.
- Canoeing and Fishing: Offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, beavers, and a variety of bird species.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful, serene landscapes perfect for relaxation.
11. Lick Run Preserve
A nature preserve offering hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
- Trails: Features a network of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
12. Hellertown Hill & Dale Park
A park offering opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and wildlife sightings.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for a relaxing break during your visit.
- Fishing: Features a lake stocked with fish for fishing.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.
13. Lehigh Valley Zoo
A small zoo featuring various wildlife species and educational programs.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children, providing an opportunity to learn about various wildlife species.
- Animal Encounters: Allows visitors to interact with some of the animals in a controlled environment.
- Variety of Species: Features over 100 species of wildlife, from big cats to reptiles and birds.
14. Cedar Creek Park
A park offering opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and wildlife sightings.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for a relaxing break during your visit.
- Fishing: Features a lake stocked with fish for fishing.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.
15. Blue Mountain Reservation
A reservation offering hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Wildlife Sightings: Home to deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
- Trails: Features a network of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.