Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

D&l trail developmentthe d&l trail is the spine running 165 miles through the Heritage Corridor. The impact of the d&l trail on recreation, health, and tourism increases with each trail gap that is closed and each connection to adjacent trails and communities. Maintaining and improving existing sections of trails benefits current trail users and improves safety. These results lead to increased trail usage, improved health of individuals, and increased quality of life for local communities. People continue to want to be on trails for recreation and physical and mental health. In turn, there are beneficial ripple effects in the local communities.

Education and outreachmore than 100,000 students and adults immerse themselves in our Heritage annually in outdoor and educational programs, including our award-winning tales of the towpath curriculum and field trips, immersion days field trips, environmental education programs, conferences, and workshops. For example, the tales of the towpath traveling curriculum offers 4th- and 5th-grade students a unique opportunity to explore mid-19th century life along the Lehigh and Delaware canals and understand the canals' importance in america's growth during our 19th century industrial revolution.

The National canal museumthe National canal museum is dedicated to telling the story of america's historic towpath canals with a specific focus on Pennsylvania's Lehigh and Delaware canals that carried anthracite coal from the mines in northeastern pa to markets in the Lehigh valley, philadelphia, and beyond. The museum interprets the historic impact and culture of canals, as well as the science and technology behind their building, through a variety of exhibits, hands-on activities, and an interpretive canal boat ride pulled by mules.

Lehigh valley greenways conservation landscape partnershipsince 2004, Lehigh valley greenways (lvg) conservation landscape is a highly effective proactive, partnership approach to landscape conservation in Lehigh and northampton counties. With the pa department of conservation and natural resources, dlnhc staff co-lead the conservation landscape with a diverse group of partners to enrich the quality of life in the Lehigh valley. By providing ribbons of green throughout the densely populated area, lvg helps keep communities connected with trails and greenways and protects natural resources.

Economic development through trail townslaunched in 2017, building on the past success of the market and landmark town programs, dlnhc guides the public, businesses, and municipalities through a process that identifies ways for their town to create a trail friendly atmosphere. The process results in improved trails, communities, and economies for trail users and residents to enjoy. The program includes d&l trail friendly business certification which highlights local businesses that provide great customer support and cater to the needs of runners, hikers, and bikers who use the d&l trail. These businesses create a trail friendly atmosphere that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts. These businesses know what trail users need and take extra steps to make sure you have a great experience.