You do not have to drive far to find wilderness in the Lehigh Valley. South Mountain Wildlands Preserve sits on 440 acres just south of Emmaus and Allentown, offering nearly 12 miles of woodland trails through forest that feels a world away from the suburbs surrounding it.
The Trails
The Alpine Street Trail is a 1.7-mile loop that winds past babbling brooks, glacial boulders, and large tulip poplars. The Bug Trail is an easy 3.5-mile route that is dog-friendly and features abundant boulders that make for good rest stops and photo opportunities. The trail system is multi-use, welcoming hikers, trail runners, birders, and mountain bikers.
Nature as Medicine
There is a growing body of research on the health benefits of spending time in forests. Lower cortisol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved mood, and better sleep are all documented effects of what researchers call forest bathing. You do not need to know the science to feel it. A few hours on the trails at South Mountain and you come back lighter than when you started.
Accessible Wilderness
What makes South Mountain special is its accessibility. It is minutes from downtown Allentown and Emmaus, which means a lunch-hour hike or an after-work trail run is entirely possible. The untouched natural beauty of the preserve is a reminder that the Lehigh Valley is not just a collection of cities and suburbs. It is a place where forest and community exist side by side.
