LehighMap-SouthLoop

The South Loop Trail offers the most spectacular views at Lehigh Portland Trails. Beginning at the Backbone Trail, the singletrack follows an old roadbed past the remains of several farmsteads, of which all that remains are stone foundations and rock fences made from locally-quarried limestone. After passing the farmsteads, the trail skirts the edges of Rubble Ridge, before emerging on the verges of the Lehigh Prairie, where the trail roller-coasters through trees for a couple hundred yards before briefly passing through an open area of tall prairie grass, before rolling through mature cedars and across a rough creek crossing. When the trail runs north, the view opens up to reveal a 100-acre spring-fed lake formed from a limestone quarry hollowed out over 70 years. The trail runs just feet from the edge of 30-foot bluffs as it follows the lake perimeter. There are several places to stop and just take in the view before continuing. After a short section of prairie grass, the trail surface becomes rocky, and the plants take on a southwestern feel, with cactus, yucca, and hardy species that thrive in rocky, marginal soils. After nearly a half mile along the towering and precarious bluffs, the trail drops into a densely wooded area, where it follows the terrain around and down a ridge, before hitting an old quarry haul road that leads back to the Backbone Trail.

The full trail is about 1.7 miles, but there’s a shortcut trail in the center that provides a shorter loop option. The South Loop Trail traverses a wide variety of terrain and a diverse array of environments.

Surface: Natural
Length: About 1.65 miles
Difficulty: A true mixture! Some easy riding, some flowy trail, some rock gardens and log-overs.

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South Loop Trail Photo Tour

Enter the South Loop Trail off of the Backbone Trail.
Enter the South Loop Trail off of the Backbone Trail.
Ride the "roller coaster" alongside a grass field on the South Loop Trail.
Ride the “roller coaster” alongside a grass field on the South Loop Trail.
At this point, the South Loop Trail splits; go straight for the full loop, or hang a right to take the short loop (but you'll miss so much!).
At this point, the South Loop Trail splits; go straight for the full loop, or hang a right to take the short loop (but you’ll mich so much!).
A rough little intermittent stream crossing on the South Loop Trail.
A rough little intermittent stream crossing on the South Loop Trail.
Heading north, the trail opens up into the Lehigh Prairie, with an expansive view of the lake ahead.
Heading north, the trail opens up into the Lehigh Prairie, with an expansive view of the lake ahead.
Riding the South Loop Trail along the southeastern corner of the lake. The "shelf" to the left is actually land that had been stripped clear of overburden, in preparation for quarrying; but the plant was closed down before the operation was complete. There is very little topsoil there, so only rugged scrub grows.
Riding the South Loop Trail along the southeastern corner of the lake. The “shelf” to the left is actually land that had been stripped clear of overburden, in preparation for quarrying; but the plant was closed down before the operation was complete. There is very little topsoil there, so only rugged scrub grows.
Riding a ridge alongside the quarry lake on the South Loop Trail. Don't fall, because it's a long drip from sheer bluffs!
Riding a ridge alongside the quarry lake on the South Loop Trail. Don’t fall, because it’s a long drip from sheer bluffs!
Part of the South Loop Trail is very rugged and rocky.
Part of the South Loop Trail is very rugged and rocky.
The South Loop Trail passes within feet of the East Loop wide gravel trail.
The South Loop Trail passes within feet of the East Loop wide gravel trail.
Just before the end of the South Loop Trail, there's a short off-camber uphill.
Just before the end of the South Loop Trail, there’s a short off-camber uphill.

 

Additional Information

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