February is known for hearts, but did you know it’s also heart health month? When planning your weekends, consider an activity that gets your heart pumping.

“Building a heart-healthy lifestyle, doesn’t have to be daunting,” says Deborah Sundlof, DO, with LVPG Cardiology. “It’s important to find dynamic activities that you enjoy and take baby steps toward a healthier you.”

As your health partner, Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Get Out for Wellness program hosts outdoor activities to keep you moving all year long. All the activities listed below are low intensity and great for beginners unless otherwise noted. For additional event details and links to register, visit LVHN.org/get-out-wellness. There, you also will find other planned hikes with varied intensity levels. 

Housenick History Hike

March 14 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 1.5 miles
Dogs: No dogs allowed
Restrooms: Portable toilet available
Stroller-friendly
Historian John Marquette will lead the group around this enchanting estate built in 1923 for Archibald Johnston. Johnston was a vice president at Bethlehem Steel and, in 1918, became the first mayor of the City of Bethlehem. The Monocacy Creek, famous for its excellent trout habitat, flows through the property, which is owned by Bethlehem Township.

Green Lane Park and Perkiomen Trail

March 28 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 4 miles
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome
Restrooms: Restrooms available
Half of our hike is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, while the other half is not.
Join LVHN for a walk around Deep Creek Lake on the Perkiomen Trail, which uses much of the former rail bed of the of Reading Railroad’s Perkiomen Line. The Perkiomen Trail continues 20 miles southwest to the Schuylkill River Trail near Valley Forge. 

Maple Preserve Meander

April 4 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 2 miles
Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome
Restrooms: No restrooms available
This hike has a moderate intensity.
Roam around the Maple Preserve, one of Wildlands Conservancy’s 11 preserves. The glacial wetlands here are natural pumps that feed local creeks and streams providing a critical habitat to a host of plants and wildlife. Due to the boggy nature of this area, these trails can be very wet. The group will utilize volunteer-built “punchions” (aka boardwalks) to cross over fragile wet areas.  

Phantoms Charities Urban Greenway in Downtown Allentown

April 25 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 2 miles
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome
Restrooms: Various restrooms available along route
Stroller and wheelchair-friendly
Come explore this new urban trail, created with Wildlands Conservancy design assistance, that will traverse through the Allentown Arts Park and Arts Walk. The path will wind through the former industrial site for the American Steel and Wire Company. Attendees will enjoy its murals, sculptures, lighting and architecture. 

Jordan Creek Greenway at Covered Bridge Park

May 16 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 2 miles
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome
Restrooms: Restrooms available
Stroller and wheelchair-friendly
Join for a stroll along a brand-new boardwalk that skirts the Jordan Creek. When the entire 14-mile Jordan Creek Greenway is complete, it will connect center city Allentown with Trexler Nature Preserve, linking five existing county and municipal parks. Enjoy exciting bird watching opportunities.

Ballas Wildflower Preserve

May 30 | 10 a.m. - noon
Distance: 1 mile
Dogs: Leashed dogs welcome
Restrooms: No restrooms available
Come walk around a 35-acre wildflower meadow nestled in the 90-acre Ballas Wildflower Preserve.