Overview
The trail is recovering from our first "real" winter in years. In general, the further North you go along this 6 mile stretch the better the conditions. South of White Haven, conditions worsen and are near impassable with ice.
- 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 134) - 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 - Mostly mud and soft/watery gravel. Conditions deteriorate as you travel Southward. Ride Level: MEDIUM
- Tannery to MM128- Conditions continue to deteriorate. MM128 begins long stretch of very icy conditions. Riding beyond MM128 IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Dismount or turn around. Unless you riding a "fat tired" bike with deflated tires, and are skilled at ice riding, you should not risk injury. Ride Level: EXPERT
Weather Impact
- Recent Rain/Snow: Recent thaw and heavy rains have made parts of the trail muddy and difficult to navigate, although there are signs of improvement
- Forecasted Weather: Weather conditions this upcoming week are showing warmer temperatures and no rain until Sunday, 16 March. Trail conditions should slowly improve.
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: The birds are coming out!
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 15-16 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.
- Call for user reports in the comments or social media