Whether you are looking for a more difficult all-day hike or a shorter, easier hike the Trexler Nature Preserve in Lehigh County has something for families of all abilities. Visitors can spend their time in this 1,108 acre preserve taking in the gorgeous sights on more than 20 miles of trails. In the early 1900’s, General Harry C. Trexler established this beautiful sanctuary to help save the American bison and white-tailed deer. Also part of the preserve is the Lehigh Valley Zoo, offering a wide variety of animals for your family to enjoy. The zoo is located in the Central Range of the preserve.

One of the more popular trails at the preserve is the Covered Bridge Trail, which is 1.2 miles long and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Another notable trail is the Elk Watching Trail where you are able to view elk and bison grazing in the fields. If you are lucky, you may spot the baby bison, born at the preserve in early spring. Kids of all ages love wading in Jordan Creek where you are sure to find all sorts of aquatic creatures. Just make sure that you have water shoes. For more experienced hikers, there is an 8.5 mile hike along the Trexler Border Trail that takes you around the preserve’s perimeter. There are a total of 13 trails to choose from at the preserve, ranging from easy to difficult and of varying distances.

Other activities permitted at the Trexler Nature Preserve include horseback riding, bike riding, fishing, cross country skiing & snow shoeing, nature & bird watching, kayaking & canoeing, camping, and picnicking.

Be sure to stop at the Trexler Environmental Center located in Central Range. This building is completely green with its rooftop garden, solar panels, some recycled building materials. Its restrooms facilities even use rain water. The Trexler Environmental Center is bird-friendly, made with tilted windows, preventing birds from flying into them. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm, however even if the building is closed when you visit, you may still stand on the open rooftop deck. There you can observe Blue Mountain and see the Palomino horses who live in the zoo.

Trexler Nature Preserve is dog-friendly, however dogs are not permitted in the zoo. I recommend packing food for picnicking, as both the preserve and the zoo have many different scenic areas with picnic tables.

In addition to the various programs offered at the Trexler Nature Preserve and the Lehigh Valley Zoo throughout the year, the Wildlands Conservancy also holds family education programs at the preserve. Be sure to check out some of their upcoming events and programs by visiting www.wildlandspa.org.