Appalachian Trail Parking, Walnutport - Hiking area in Walnutport - , USA

Incredible views. I went up there to take photos for a project I'm doing. Such beautiful scenery. Available parking. Easy walking trail.

We came here for a hike on AT. The parking entrance is kind of tricky and you can easily miss it. So when you pass the traffic lights on PA-248E, go straight and slow down a bit, then you will see a small entrance on your left side less than 100 yards from the traffic lights. If you are coming from another direction, then you will see the yellow hikers sign right on your right side. You won’t miss the entrance.(see my marks on my pictures) The parking lot can park around 15-20 cars. We arrived at around 11:00am and came back down about 3 hours later, the lot was not filled. AT and Winter Trail entrances are right ahead of the parking lot. There is a split between AT (White) and Winter Trail (Blue) about 100 yards away. If you are prepared for a really strenuous hiking challenge, you can take the AT up and down from the much easier Winter Trail. When hiking on AT for about half a mile, you will have to hike on a very rocky trail with steep elevation, and on the top you have to use four legs to climb! Put your hiking poles away before climbing the most difficult part as they can be obstacles. Make sure you are wearing good hiking boots for protection. I won’t suggest for climbing down this way since you may have to climb backwards unless you are really adventurous and skillful in rock climbing, though I saw several girls doing it anyways. But on this half mile, you get to see the breathtaking views of the Lehigh River, the valley and the Gap. It’s really rewarding when you are standing on top of the rocks! I would rate the difficulty of this part a 10 if not more, which is more difficult than that on Breakneck Ridge Trail at Cold Spring, NY in my experiences. The Winter Trail is much easier and shady until you walk on the flat gravel trail along the side above the highway and the valley. And the views are open and gorgeous, too. For people who just come for views but not difficult hiking, walking along this trail all the way to the Nature Center would also be a great choice. Next time I will come back in fall for a longer hike up more to the top for more views. I would park by the AT trailhead by the bridge along D&L Trail or Lehigh Gap Nature Center and walk across the bridge to get the direct views of the river gap and both sides of the mountains. Please see my pictures and videos for more details.

What an amazing experience. Get out and give it a try. See the world from an elevated view.

There are some fantastic vistas beyond the expected views of the Lehigh Gap. Take your time to enjoy both the white (Appalachian Trail) and blue trails, as both offer different perspectives. As for the rocky ascent: it's not really a typical hike, but it's not mountaineering, either. Take your time, and enjoy your surroundings.

Great views and a high intensity level of hiking

Tucked in after a sharp turn off Rt 248 there is plenty of parking in this lot to accommodate those taking this rock scramble challenge up this section of AT. As mentioned there is a bit of a rock scramble with a little bit of technicality that involves 4 points of contact but nothing that your normal “go the gym” twice a week guy or gal can’t handle. As mentioned in other reviews, don’t do this if you have a fear of heights! A sturdy pair of shoes(preferably boots or trail running sneakers...no flip flops!! and believe me I’ve seen it). This section of the AT offers numerous rock outcrops and views of the Lehigh valley and river that are very picturesque and worthy of that defining “selfie” moment of discovery and adventure. Watch for those lil’ legless creatures in the warmer months. If you experience shin splints, the winter trail is not as steep on the decent, but there definitely sections that are considered “steep”! Can do a 10 mile loop by walking out AT until it crosses a power line swath and walk the SGL road back to the original deer exclosure you reach when at top of mountain...catch the blue blaze(winter trail) to return back to parking lot unless your feeling ambitious and want to descend the rock scramble on AT. The AT offers a well groomed path on other side of mountain that overlooks city of Palmerton almost entire distance down to power line swath. Again there are plenty of rock outcrops on this side of mountain as well, so watch for snakes here as well.

Great views. Unfortunately, it turned into a rock climb on the Appalachian trail. There is another trail that goes up this mountain that’ll check out next time.

Thru-hiked the AT this year. This spot was easily my favorite hike of all of Pennsylvania. It’s tough but doable.