Hiking, Biking, Waterfalls and more: Rockport Part I

Rails to Trails Path

On my way back to Hickory Run I found myself on Lehigh Gorge Drive headed north towards White Haven. I could not resist making a stop. One of my favorite places through the Lehigh Gorge is Rockport. Rockport offers easy access to the river for kayakers and easy access to the bike/hiking trail that runs the length of the gorge. Also for historians, birders or even art lovers, being a former home of John James Audubon, wildlife artist and the person who the Audubon Society is named for, this might be a place you just want to visit.
      There are two parking areas at this site. One along side the road as you drive in and the other right by the river. If spaces are available in the upper lot I would suggest parking there, unless you have trouble walking hills. I parked at the upper lot where almost all of the spaces were taken. I started walking down the road and stopped not far after the parking lot to take some shots of the tunnel pictured below. I do not know much about the tunnel, other than it is definitely man made and not a cave, but it is still interesting to check out. It runs a short distance all the way through the mountain and ends in a wooded area above the lower parking lot.
       As I was snapping shots of the tunnel a group came walking down from the lot. They were curious as to what I was doing with my notebook in hand and I happily explained. Jim Flynn was one of the gentlemen of the group and we started talking. He is and his wife are residents of Langhorne, Bucks county and have a vacation home in Lehigh Tannery. Mr. Flynn has been coming up to the Gorge for 11 to 12 years after finding a vacation home near one of his friends. I asked what brought him to Rockport today and he told me that his brother and sister in-law were in for a visit and he thought that this would be a good place to take them. They came for the views and Mr. Flynn suggested that before I leave today that I check out the waterfalls along side the trail. During our conversation his family members explored the tunnel and when they returned we parted ways and I headed down to the river.
      Kayakers were loading up their vehicles after a paddle and I tried several attempts at interview. Some said no thank you and others just didn't want their picture taken so I moved along down the path. With my notebook I must have been mistaken for someone who works at the park because as I was walking towards one of the waterfalls I was stopped by a mother and her son. They pointed out to me a small dear stuck on a rock ledge and asked me if there was any way I could get to it. I looked around at where it was and said that it would not be possible, but that the little dear probably could get back up if it needed to. The mother and son looked a little less concerned so I went on my way.
      Almost to the waterfall I came upon another distraction. Kayakers were still coming down the river and a path down to a large rock sitting off of the bank gave me a great opportunity for pictures.

Man made tunnel that cuts through the mountain.

Restroom Facilities and Parking along River.

Special Thanks to:
Mr. Flynn for the interview.