There are so many fun sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, and the Lehigh Gap East Loop is no exception. It has everything an avid hiker could want, including rock scrambles and gorgeous views.
This 2.5-mile loop is challenging and will require four points of contact during the scramble up the rock face. It may be too challenging for young kids, so this is one to do with your tweens and teens.
We had a great time completing this hard section of the AT, but we made sure to take the Winter Trail back down. However, if you love a challenge, you can always climb back down the way you came.
If this hike sounds fun to you, the guide below shares everything you’ll need to know.
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Preparing For Appalachian Trail Lehigh Gap East Loop Hike
Parking for the Lehigh Gap East Loop Trail
There is a medium-sized parking area at the trailhead off Lehigh Drive that can hold about 20 cars. Arrive early, as this tends to be a popular hike, especially on the weekends. We had no difficulty finding parking at 11 am in early May, but it was filled when we left around 1 pm.
Amenities at Lehigh Gap East Loop Trailhead
There are no toilets at the parking lot.
Rock Scrambling and Steep Cliffs
This portion of the Appalachian Trail requires some four-point scrambling up a rock face with steep drop-offs. It’s best not to bring younger kids (best for kids 8 and up), and you’ll want to leave your dog at home.
Sun Exposure
A large chunk of this trail is not shaded and exposed to the sun. Keep that in mind when visiting on a hot day. You’ll want to wear sun protection and bring extra water.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this trail, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hike the Lehigh Gap East Loop Via the Appalachian Trail
The Lehigh Gap East Loop hike is best done going counter-clockwise. You’ll want to start on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and then return via the blue-blazed winter trail. This way, you can avoid climbing down the steep rocks. You can make this hike longer by hiking past the first Winter Trail sign. However, many hikers have noted that the area is overgrown.
| Trail Location: | At the Appalachian Trail Walnutport Parking off Lehigh Drive. |
| Trail Length: | 2.5 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Hard with rock scrambles |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 850 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No |
Trailhead
The trailhead to the Appalachian Trail is at the north side of the parking area. You’ll pass a sign about the Appalachian Trail and the Lehigh Gap on your left and then walk past some large boulders before you find the trail on your right.
There is also a sign pointing to the Winter Trail. If you’d like to hike up for the view but want to avoid the rock scramble, follow the blue-blazed trail.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Appalachian Trail is very steep when you first start out. You’ll experience grades up to 30 %, and then it starts to level out.
Like most of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, this section is very rocky. You’ll find rock piles along the trail and on the sides of the mountain. It’s a little intimidating with them above you!
There are also some really beautiful views of the Lehigh River and Gap along this section of the trail, especially right before the rock scramble.
The Rock Scramble
About a half-mile into the trail, you’ll be faced with a big rock scramble. This will require four points of contact and overcoming any fear of heights you might have. It’s not a long scramble, but you’ll feel it in your thighs! Take the time to enjoy the view.
At the Top
The trail is mostly boulders and rocks at the top, so pay attention to the white blazes to follow the best route. When we visited, some hikers sat all the way at the top. But the rocks are at such a crazy angle that it’s hard to find a good place to sit. Kind of like Knife’s Edge, a little further south along the AT.
After you pass the rocks, the trail evens out. At this point, it’s relatively easy.
Winter Trail
About 8/10 mile, you’ll find the Winter Trail. The sign directing you to the trail is just inside the tree line.
From there, the trail descends in switchbacks, with random stone steps along the way. It is uneventful but very pretty.
Once you’ve reached the bottom, follow the trail along the side of the mountain back to the parking here. At this point, you’re out of the trees and subjected to the sun, making the short walk feel much longer. It’s loud at this point because of the road, but the view of the river and the mountain across make up for that.
Alternate Route to the Top
As noted earlier, take the Winter Trail from the parking area to the top if the rock scrambling turns you off, but you’d still like to enjoy a view of the Lehigh River and gap. It’s about 8/10 miles before you reach the large rocks and boulders. After you enjoy the view, you can backtrack down.
Other Hikes Near Lehigh Gap East Loop
There is no shortage of fun sections along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania! We loved the hike to Knife’s Edge and Bear Rocks. And if you’re going to do that, you might as well add on Bake Oven Knob. The hike to the Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock is also a popular one.
Over in New Jersey, check out the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail. It’s not officially on the Appalachian Trail, but very close to it (they share a parking lot).
Wrapping Up the Lehigh Gap East Loop
This is one of the most challenging and fun trails we’ve done in Pennsylvania. Although it’s not for little kids, it’s still a fun hike to do with your family since it’s relatively short and can be done quickly. It took us about two hours to complete the hike, and that included stopping for lunch at the top. Definitely add this hike to your “must-do” list!
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