Lehigh Gap To Devil's Pulpit
Today we hiked six miles in Lehigh Gap. We started at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and hiked the Prairie Grass Trail, Charcoal Trail, and Woodpecker Trail. It was a fun and interesting hike because the terrain was so varied; sometimes we were trudging through snow and ice, sometimes navigating rock strewn trails, and sometimes walking through grassy fields.
Much of the terrain looks stark from the devastation caused by the zinc mines, but over the years environmental groups have reclaimed the area and slowly vegetation is returning. It was a reminder of the fragility of the natural ecosystems and the importance of caring for and protecting our planet.
Overlooking the river
Patches of snow were everywhere, some trails were still covered.
Grass is starting to re-vegetate this area.
Terrain is still rather stark.
The view from the Devil's Pulpit area. I chose to skip the steep descent due to the still icy trail conditions.
Devastation caused by zinc mine
A view of PalmertonLabels: Hiking
2 Comments:
I have spring fever bad, Anne! Looks like a fun hike. There is a nice hike down this way that I like through the St. Mary's Wilderness that has a lot of mining damage but not to the extent you show here. Enjoy the day! Art
Hi Art, I know!! I can't wait for warmer weather!!! Yes, it's devastating to see the damage. It's not caused by the mining activity itself, but by the toxins released (in this area anyway). It's encouraging to see concerned citizens doing their best to regenerate the area.
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