1
Editor's Pick
4.8 stars from 1,400-plus reviews. Between the paths, the lawns and the pond it covers most of the reasons you would go to a park at all.
Lehigh Valley Rankings
The 12 Best Parks & Recreation
in Lehigh Valley
Our definitive guide to the top parks & recreation in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Updated for 2026.
The Lehigh Valley offers an exceptional variety of parks and green spaces, from the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve with roaming bison and elk to intimate creek-side trails in urban parkways. Whether you're seeking wilderness hiking, family playgrounds, or peaceful picnic spots, the region's park system provides free outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities. Our rankings consider trail quality, amenities, maintenance, natural beauty, and accessibility.
Sponsored
2
1,200-plus reviews at 4.8 stars. The scale is the point: you can get a real walk in without leaving the grounds.
3
A 4.8 average, and the combination of creekside trail and picnic space makes it an easy default for an afternoon outdoors.
4
4.8 stars from 116 reviews. A change of pace from the usual park visit when you want an activity rather than a walk.
5
More than 2,000 Google reviews at 4.7 stars. Hard to beat if you want distance on foot or on a bike without driving out of the city.
6
Around 1,300 reviews at 4.7 stars. The museum, the boat ride and the trail together give you more to do than a straight walk.
7
4.7 stars across 1,200-plus reviews, and the pavilions make it a practical choice when you are organizing a group.
8
Featured
Only 20 Google reviews so far, but they average 4.9 stars. A quieter option than the city parks.
9
Featured
2,500-plus reviews at 4.6 stars. The pool and the courts make it more than a walking park, especially in summer.
10
361 reviews at 4.6 stars. Google marks it good for kids, and the museum gives a walk here a destination.
11
4.7 stars from more than 400 reviewers, with free lot and street parking at the trail. This is a proper hike rather than a stroll.
12
Over 1,000 Google reviews at 4.4 stars, and the trail access makes it a useful starting point for a longer ride.
Parks & Recreation Tips & Guides
Aug 17, 2026
Hiking Trails Lehigh Valley: The Best Hikes for Every Kind of Walker
Looking for the best hiking trails in Lehigh Valley? Flat creekside loops, South Mountain ridge climbs, Trexler's bison-flanked Border Trail and the AT's Bake Oven Knob — the full local guide.
Aug 16, 2026
Cost of Living Lehigh Valley: What Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton Really Cost
Is the Lehigh Valley affordable? Real numbers on home prices, rent, property taxes, utilities and wages in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton — the honest version.
Aug 15, 2026
Lehigh Valley Wedding Guide: Vendors, Costs & Timeline (2026)
Planning a Lehigh Valley wedding? Real regional costs, the Lehigh and Northampton County marriage license rules, a month-by-month booking timeline, and the highest-rated local jewelers, florists, bakers, stylists and spas — all in one guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best park in the Lehigh Valley?
Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville leads with 1,100 acres featuring American bison, elk, hiking trails, and educational programs. For urban parks, Cedar Beach Park in Allentown offers 85 acres with playgrounds, a pool, rose garden, and hosts the annual Allentown ArtsFest.
Where can I see bison and elk in the Lehigh Valley?
Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville is home to free-roaming American bison and elk herds on over 1,100 acres of natural habitat. It's one of the largest privately-owned wildlife preserves in Pennsylvania and offers excellent viewing opportunities from trails and observation areas.
Which Lehigh Valley parks have the best hiking trails?
South Mountain Preserve in Bethlehem offers rugged ridge trails with breathtaking valley views. Trexler Nature Preserve provides extensive woodland trails with wildlife viewing. For easy paved trails, Lehigh Parkway in Allentown offers 629 acres of creek-side paths perfect for all ages and abilities.
Are Lehigh Valley parks free?
Yes — all Lehigh County and municipal parks are free to visit. Some facilities within parks (like pools or special programs) may charge fees, but park access, trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas are free for everyone.
Which parks in the Lehigh Valley have playgrounds?
Cedar Beach Park in Allentown has one of the best playground facilities. Sand Island Park in Bethlehem, Monocacy Park, and most municipal parks throughout the Valley also feature family-friendly playgrounds alongside other amenities.