If you are planning a group excursion you please contact us here.

Currently fishing, swimming, boating, and camping are not allowed.

The following rules and guidelines apply at Lehigh Portland Trails. Versions of these rules and guidelines may also posted be posted at trailheads:

Lehigh Portland Trail Rules

  • Respect private property.
  • No fishing or swimming is permitted in the quarry lake. Fishing is permitted in Elm Creek.
  • Trails are for non-motorized use only; motor vehicles prohibited (except maintenance and emergency access). Motorcycles, ATVs, motorized bicycles, golf carts, and horses are prohibited; motorized wheelchairs and personal mobility devices are permitted, but are limited to the wide trails (not singletrack). Electric bicycles (eBikes and eMTBs) are permitted.
  • Stay on trails and do not make short-cuts.
  • Please do not create or modify trails without permission; trail alterations may be considered vandalism, and prosecuted appropriately.
  • Do not use muddy trails. Do not use the trails if they are wet enough to leave ruts. You can check the status of the Lehigh Portland Trails singletrack online, at http://lehightrails.com/status/.
  • Leave no trace. Take your trash with you. No littering.
  • Do not damage trees or plants. Do not remove plants or animals. Do not feed, provoke, or disturb wildlife.
  • Beware of snakes, spiders, and insects such as ticks and mosquitos. Beware of poison ivy, poison oak, thorns, briars, and nettles.
  • City of Iola leash laws and waste laws apply. Keep pets under control. Pick up after your pet.
  • No firearms or hunting are permitted.
  • No fireworks.
  • No tobacco use. No vaping. This is a smoke-free and tobacco-free public space.
  • Do not move picnic tables or benches.
  • Call 911 to report emergencies.
  • Park only in designated areas. Vehicles parked in non-designated areas, such as along roadways, are subject to ticketing or towing.

Safety and Etiquette On The Trails

  • You are responsible for your own safety: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Exercise good judgement and act in a responsible manner.
  • Plan ahead, be prepared for emergencies.
  • There are inherent risks of injury when using these trails.
  • The man-made and natural trail features in this area can be dangerous and may change daily due to nature and use. Watch for hidden dangers as well as roots, rocks, logs, pot-holes, falling trees, branches, drop offs, cliffs, etc.
  • Always inspect trails/features before using and assess against your skill level.
  • Do not stop in the middle of a trail. Move quickly to the side to avoid collisions.
  • Be friendly and courteous. Yield the right-of-way to other trail users. Slow down, announce your presence, and pass with care.

Cave Safety and Etiquette Rules

  • Never go caving alone
  • Wear a hard hat (a bicycle helmet will do)
  • Bring at least three light sources. Caves are dark! If your light fails, it’s easy to become disoriented.
  • Be prepared to get wet! The cave carries water at all times. You will get wet, and your clothing and shoes will get wet. This can be dangerous in cooler weather. The cave water is especially deep immediately after a rain.
  • Leave your electronics (e.g. cellphone) outside the cave, unless you have reliably waterproof storage.
  • Bring bandages and first aid. It’s easy to scrape your skin.
  • Call 9-1-1 for emergencies!
  • Carry out any trash you may bring or find
  • Do not move rocks
  • Do not harm or disturb any plants or animals
  • Do not litter
  • Do not leave graffiti on the rocks
  • Do not take souvenirs

Caves are amazingly fragile places. They can be easily damaged and ruined by humans, and once they are, they’re changed for all time. Be considerate of your fellow explorers, and leave the place as you found it, for the next visitor to enjoy.

These rules can be summed up in the “Caver’s Creed”:

Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but carefully placed footprints.
Kill nothing but time.

Proposed Camping Rules

Note: Camping is not currently permitted at Lehigh Portland Trails. These are proposed camping rules!

  • Camping is allowed only at designated campsites.
  • Build campfires only in pits, rings, or stoves at campsites, and attend at all times. Douse campfire with water to ensure fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
  • Keep a clean camp. Take your garbage and trash with you when you leave.
  • Do not damage living trees or plants.
  • Do not move fire rings.