Lehigh Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lehigh Gap
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The Shawangunk Formation at Lehigh Gap in October 2008
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| Region | Lehigh Valley |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
The Lehigh Gap is a natural opening in the Blue Mountain in eastern Pennsylvania. It is also known as the Lehigh Water Gap. This gap was formed by the Lehigh River cutting through the mountain. It makes travel much easier between areas north and south of the mountain.
The gap connects Carbon County to the north with Lehigh and Northampton counties to the south. One unique rock formation here is called Devil's Pulpit. It looks like a church pulpit and is popular with hikers.
Lehigh Gap is also the name of a small village. This village is located at the south end of the gap. It was once known as Weider's Crossing.
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Getting Around the Lehigh Gap
The Lehigh Gap is an important pathway for many types of travel. Roads, hiking trails, and even train tracks pass through this area.
Roads Through the Gap
PA Route 248 goes right through the gap. This road connects cities like Allentown and Bethlehem to smaller towns. These towns include Palmerton and Lehighton in Carbon County. Other state routes, PA Route 873 and PA Route 145, also connect nearby.
Hiking and Biking Trails
The Lehigh Gap is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The famous Appalachian Trail crosses through the gap. This trail is used by hikers who travel long distances. Some hikers call this part "Dante's Inferno." This is because it's a rocky climb that is very open to the weather.
The Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor Trail also runs through the Lehigh Gap. This trail is great for both hiking and biking. It follows old canal paths and railroad lines.
Trains at Lehigh Gap
For a long time, the Lehigh Gap has been important for trains. Many railroad companies once had tracks running through this narrow passage.
Past Railroads
In the past, four different railroad companies used the Lehigh Gap. The Lehigh and New England Railroad once had a bridge over the Lehigh River here. This bridge was taken down in 1967. However, you can still see its old foundations on both sides of the river.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad had its main line on the south side of the river. Another railroad, the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, ran its main line on the north side.
Today's Train Lines
Today, the main train line through the gap is called the Lehigh Line. It now runs on the north side of the Lehigh River. This line uses much of the old Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad tracks.
The Lehigh Line is currently owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway. Another company, the Canadian Pacific Railway, also uses these tracks. They use them to reach big cities like Philadelphia and New York City.
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
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The Lehigh Gap Nature Center is a special place dedicated to nature. It was once called the Wildlife Information Center. In 2002, the center bought over 750 acres (3 km2) of land near the gap.
Restoring Nature
The main goal of the nature center is to bring back wildlife. They also work to restore the natural environment along the Kittatinny Ridge. This area faced a big challenge in the past. From 1898 to 1980, a company released harmful gases into the air. These gases killed plants and damaged animal homes. Even 20 years later, you could still see fewer trees on one side of the gap.
What the Center Offers
The Lehigh Gap Nature Center has a building called The Osprey House. It is located on the Slatington side of the river. The center works with colleges on many research projects about wildlife. They also have clubs for young naturalists who love nature.
The center offers about 15 miles of hiking trails. These trails are open to everyone from sunrise to sunset. It's a great place to explore and learn about nature.
