There are over 20 miles of trails for hiking at Trexler Nature Preserve, and one of the most popular is the Covered Bridge and Elk Trail Loop. This 3.7-mile, moderately challenging trail takes you past two historic covered bridges, through the central range where you may see bison and elk, and to a beautiful overlook of the preserve.
This is a perfect hiking trail near Allentown and Bethlehem. The Covered Bridge Trail is ADA accessible, making it easy for everyone. The Elk Trail is very steep in sections, giving you a good workout! And the walk along the Jordan Creek is relaxing.
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About Trexler Nature Preserve
In the early 1900s, General Harry C. Trexler created a sanctuary where bison, elk, and deer could roam freely. He was a successful businessman, investing in timber and cement, and with his money was able to purchase farmland in the low hills of the Blue Mountains.
In 1913, when he had enough land (about 1500 acres), he transported 8 American bison and 20 white-tailed deer to the preserve. Upon his death in 1933, the land was given to Lehigh County, and a trust was created to oversee its care.
Prepare For the Covered Bridge and Elk Trail Loop at Trexler Preserve
Parking
There is a large parking lot off Old Packhouse Road. Look for the sign on Old Packhouse Road, about 2/10 miles from Geiger Covered Bridge. I visited on a Wednesday morning in October, and there were still several cars in the parking lot. Plan for the lot to fill up on weekends in the summer!
Good to Know: Google Maps shows a parking lot right next to Geiger’s Bridge. That small lot is strickly handicap parking only.
Amenities
There is a porta-john at the Old Packhouse Road parking lot. There are also several porta-johns along the trail. If you’d prefer a flush toilet, you can find those at the Trexler Environmental Center, which I recommend visiting after your hike for the beautiful overlook.
If you’d like to picnic during your hike, many picnic tables can be found on both sides of Jordan Creek near the trail.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails at Trexler Nature Preserve
Cellular Coverage
Cell service was spotty along the Covered Bridge and Elk Trails. Download a map or take a photo of the map at the start of the trail (they are also posted several times along the trail).
Be Prepared
No matter how short or long the trail is, it’s always a good idea to bring the necessary items with you, including water and first-aid supplies.
Covered Bridge and Elk Trail Loop at Trexler Preserve
| Trail Location: | Begin the trail using the Spur Trail from the Old Packhouse Road parking lot |
| Trail Length: | 3.7 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 450 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Starting the Trail
From the Old Packhouse Road parking area, take the Spur Trail (Blue/Yellow) towards Jordan Creek. It’s a wider, crushed gravel trail that descends to the Covered Bridge Trail.
Covered Bridge Trail
When you reach the Covered Bridge Trail, make a right. The trail is wide and flat (it’s an ADA-accessible trail) and follows Jordan Creek. It’s a beautiful walk through the trees, listening to the water flowing nearby.
Park Road and the Ford
Cross Park Road to continue along the trail. But before you do, look towards your left! You might see a car driving slowly through the “ford,” a section of Park Road where Jordan Creek flows over.
Continue to the Elk Trail
After crossing Park Road, the trail splits. You’ll want to cross the Timber Bowstring Footbridge, but don’t do it! Instead, stay to the right.
The beginning of the Elk Trail feels like an afterthought, and maybe you’re going off trail, but you’re not. You’ll see the Blue Trail blaze almost immediately after the sign.
I read a review on AllTrails that this portion of the trail is steep, and that’s no lie! You’re immediately facing grades of 17-20%. I’m not sure who designed this trail, but I’m guessing switchbacks weren’t part of their vocabulary.
Along Elk Trail
First, I thought I might see elk along this trail. But I didn’t see any. So, there is no guarantee that they will be visible.
But even without the animals, it was still a nice trail. This section was the most like a typical hiking trail. You’ll have to navigate around a lot of rocks and roots, and the trail is narrow in some places.
Lehigh Valley Zoo Overlook
Eventually, you’ll reach Park Road and an overlook of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Across the road is the bison enclosure. But again, I saw no animals. Even walking up the road a bit.
But that’s okay! I sat on a bench and enjoyed the view of the zoo and the fall foliage.
Continuing Down the Elk Trail
Just like the steep trail up to the overlook, going down the Elk Trail is also very steep. This section employs some switchbacks, but you’re still working with grades about 14-17%, so be careful on the descent! This is where I wish I had brought my hiking poles with me.
Schlicher Covered Bridge and Jordan Creek Crossing
If you love a covered bridge like I do, veer right at the bottom of the hill for a close look at Schlicher Covered Bridge. The original bridge was built in 1882 but was replaced in 2014 with a longer and wider replica.
After viewing the bridge, head back to the trail and cross Jordan Creek on the footbridge.
Finishing the Elk Trail
From here on out, the trail is easy and flat. It starts as crushed gravel, then transitions to a paved trail until you reach the Timber Bowstring Footbridge.
Connecting to the Covered Bridge Trail
After you pass the Timber Bowstring Footbridge and cross Park Road on the other side of the ford, you’ll reconnect to the Covered Bridge Trail. This part of the trail is also ADA-accessible, like the east side of the trail, so the remaining walk is flat and easy.
Geiger Covered Bridge
To get back to the parking lot on Old Packhouse Road, you’ll have to cross Jordan Creek via the Geiger Covered Bridge. They created a pedestrian walkway on the bridge, so you don’t have to worry about cars. But you’ll still have to cross Old Packhouse Road both before and after the bridge.
Getting Back to the Parking Lot
After crossing, connect back to the Covered Bridge Trail and follow it about 1/10 mile to the Spur Trail back to the parking lot.
Trexler Nature Preserve’s Covered Bridge and Elk Trail Loop Wrap-Up
This was my first time hiking at the Trexler Nature Preserve, and I enjoyed it. It’s not my favorite place to hike in the Lehigh Valley since there are so many great sections of the Appalachian Trail. But if you’re looking for a casual hike with beautiful scenery, you can’t beat this one.
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