Lehigh Gap: Part II

Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

       

Opposite the Palmerton shore sits the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, formally known as the Wildlife Information Center. On weekends the Nature Center is run by a volunteer staff so it may or may not be open if you stop by. There are several parking areas, a newly finished boat ramp, an older portage access for canoes and kayaks and the D & L Trail runs right through the property, for bikers and hikers. In addition for the more advanced hikers there are several trails which run up the the side of the Gap and take you to the top of the Appalacian Mountain.
       During my visit I stopped in to the Nature Center. The last time I had been there, the land had just been purchased and little had been done to the existing building. Now it looks brand new with several additions. Through the enterance you are greeted with a small gift shop and reception desk. If you walk strait through the building you can go through the back doors and out onto their deck, which overlooks the Lehigh. If you take a left there is a decent size lecture room, that holds an advanced weather station system tucked away in a corner. For birders looking to add to their life lists this may be a location to check out. During migration you can sit on the deck watching for the passers by flying overhead and if you need to check the wind directions just head inside and check the station.
        Also for those interested in the birds pictured below is a table you might like. Along the Appalacian Mountain Range, stations are set up with bird watchers. All who record their daily sightings and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center offers you a glimpse into one of these stations. They have an intern who is stationed at Bake Oven Knob further west on the ridge and the table below is of his data. 

Bird Count.

Another Spot to get on the Trail.

Newly Added Boat Launch.