D&L Trail Condition Report (White Haven)

Overview

Mile Markers 126-135

Five days of dry weather last week brought improving conditions all around, with only some ice patches south of White Haven.  There are no more impassable sections.

• Traveling North From White Haven:
  • White Haven North Trail Entrance to Middleburg Road - Generally firm packed with some patches of soft/mud.  Easy to ride around.  Ride Level:  EASY to MEDIUM
  • Middleburg Rd to Beaver Lodge near Penn Lake Park (MM 135) - Improving conditions with less mud.  Firmer packed.  Ride Level:  MEDIUM
• Traveling South From White Haven:
  • White Haven South Entrance to Lock beyond I-80 bridge construction - Firm packed.  Ride Level:  EASY
  • Lock to Tannery Trail Head - Some patches of mud and soft/watery gravel.  Conditions deteriorate slightly as you travel Southward. Ride Level:  MEDIUM
  • Tannery to MM126- Some patches of ice just south of MM 128.  They are easy to navigate around.  Do not ride on ice.  Ride Level: MEDIUM

Weather Impact

• Forecasted Weather: Rain on the 16th and 17th and throughout the week will keep some of the muddy patches...muddy. Next weekend appears to be clear but still a bit cold. 

Obstacles & Hazards

• Downed Trees: North of White Haven has overhanging trees from heavy snow, however all parts of the trail are passible
• Erosion or Washouts: None
• Debris: Some fallen branches that are easily ridden around
• Wildlife Sightings: Beaver activity around MM 135

Traffic & Trail Use

• Crowd Levels: Light.  More walkers than riders
• Notable Events: I-80 bridge construction still ongoing, but only parking is affected

Amenities & Services

• Restrooms & Water Stations: Bathroom south of White Haven open.  Water stations are still turned off for the Winter
• Parking Availability:
  • White Haven Trail Entrance North - Open
  • White Haven Main St Parking - Open
  • White Haven South Entrance Parking - Closed
  • Lehigh Gorge Entrance Parking - Open
• Bike Repair Stations: Trail repair stations open

Trail User Notes & Recommendations

• Suggested bike types:  Thicker tired bikes will have an easier time of it, but any trail bike will work on the non-hazardous sections
• Best sections to ride in current conditions are from the White Haven North trailhead North, and from the White Haven South trailhead south to the Lock entrance.

Final Thoughts & Next Update

• Estimated next report update:  Weekend of 22-23 March
• Spring is definitely showing sign of emerging.  If you can handle the mud going south, there are several spring thaw waterfalls coming down through the hemlocks and Mt Laurels. 
  
  

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Dry Going North!