This hike will be the most challenging hike that I have posted so far and will start at 9:30 a.m. promptly. It will take place at the Lehigh Gap and will involve hiking the entire trail system on both sides. This hike will take the better part of 7 1/2 hours to complete. The total elevation gain will be around 2100 feet and the hike will be about 9.5 miles in length.

The east side of the gap will be hiked first. We will meet at the A.T. parking area where routes 248 and 145 split. Click Here. The entrance to the parking lot will be on route 248 and is a hard left turn onto a stone and gravel driveway. If you miss the turn, continue on until you come to the next road on the left and turn around. The entrance will then be on your right on route 248. We will hike the A.T. up the mountain which will be steep and rocky. Once we reach the area where the vegetation ends, the hike will become very steep. At this point, the climb will be mostly loose rocks where you will be required to pull yourself up with your hands. There are a few places that are generally large rocks that are almost vertical with small ledges, which you will use to place your hands and feet on, to finish the climb. It is a dangerous area (about 200 feet long) and will challenge you mentally and physically at the same time. You can be seriously injured if you are not careful. Once we pass this point, we will still have some climbing to do. The rest of the climb will be rocky with some steep areas. After we finish the climb, we will pick up the Winter Trail. This trail will be a mostly steep, downhill trek of about 1000 feet with some really nice views and open areas. We will then follow the trail around the base of the mountain back to our vehicles.

We will then drive across the bridge on route 873 and park in the paved lot (D&J Auto) on the left side. Now for the west side of the gap. This hike is just over 7 miles in length. We will start on the A.T. and will gain about 1100 feet of elevation during the first 1.75 miles. We will then pick up the very scenic North Trail and take that to the Devil's Pulpit. For those who want to make the climb down to the Pulpit (optional), the rest of the group will wait. After that, we will take the Charcoal Trail down the mountain to the Prairie Grass Trail. Near the bottom, we will then take the Lehigh & New England (LNE) Trail to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. The last part of the hike will take us along the Prairie Warbler Trail which will involve one more hill to the Woodpecker Trail which will connect to the A.T. and then back to our vehicles.

Before you sign up for these 2 hikes, know your limitations. I cannot stress this enough. The east side is only 2.5 miles long but the first 900 feet will be steep, rocky and dangerous. The elevation gain on the west side is steep and relentless. These 2 hikes will take most of your day and participants are required to do both hikes. Wear the proper footwear and bring plenty of provisions. A camera is almost a must and no pets are allowed. We will take plenty of breaks along the way. One thing more about the east side of the gap. Once you start the steep climb past where the vegetation ends, you cannot stop and turn around to climb back down. It is just too dangerous. If you are afraid of heights, this hike is not for you. As far as the weather goes, if it rains, the east side will most likely not be hiked. I am reserving the right to change RSVP's as I see fit. Nothing personal. Just being cautious. If you do not make the Yes list for the hike, don't just show up. I know it is a public place but Keystone Hikers will not be responsible for you and I will suggest that you not join us for the hike. ABSOLUTELY NO GUESTS.

As usual, I will be asking for a $1 donation (optional) at the beginning of the hike. Everyone who wants to go on the hike MUST be a member of Keystone Hikers. Anyone who has questions, concerns or needs directions can contact me through this site. I will send out a followup email to the Yes RSVP's before the hike date.

Hope to see you there, Tim.