The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has released its first ever D&L Trail Guidebook and the D&L Discoverer app. Both resources provide users an enriched experience while exploring the region with expert information never before gathered in one place. Users can finally learn about history, plan their multiday trip on the D&L Trail, and connect with the organization and partners that make it all possible in one place.

“Releasing our first guidebook and app are the next exciting steps in promoting our world-class trail and our nationally significant corridor,” said Claire Sadler, interim executive director. “We’ve packed an enormous amount of information into these resources to promote the trail, towns, businesses while connecting people to heritage and nature.”

About the guidebook

With more than 140 miles of open D&L Trail and growing interest in outdoor recreation, the D&L set out to create a comprehensive guidebook that would detail each section of existing and future D&L Trail. In 120 pages, trail users can leaf through every mile of trail, map out multiday itineraries for bikepacking, and take a brief history lesson on the D&L Corridor.

As trail development progressed, the Trails Department fielded more and more inquiries about camping near the trail, where to grab a bite to eat, and general trip suggestions. It was evident that the D&L Trail had outgrown its identity as a local trail and evolved into a tourist attraction. In late 2019, the D&L would contract with a corridor advertising agency, Lehigh Mining and Navigation, to begin development of the newly released guidebook.

The D&L Trail Guidebook is available in print or via digital download through the D&L online store at store.delawareandlehigh.org.

About the app

In the age of technology, the D&L knew there was a need to digitally share the wealth of information hidden in the archives and behind the National Canal Museum doors. More than simply moving these resources online, the D&L sought out more engaging solutions.

In line with the museum’s interactive exhibits, the D&L Discoverer puts forward interactive exploration that makes history come alive. The featured history tours can be enjoyed from home or while out in the D&L Corridor. Using geo-location technology, users can explore the corridor with push notifications that notify them as they are approaching history-rich sites.

Developed through OnCell, a digital storytelling platform, the D&L has been able to create its first mobile experience for its community. The ease of the platform allows for continual updates to ensure that users are enticed into new and deeper discovery of the nationally significant corridor. The D&L Discoverer is now available through the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, free of charge.

The D&L Trail Guidebook and D&L Discoverer app are made possible by the financial support of the National Park Service, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Visit Luzerne County, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, and Visit Bucks County.

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that preserves historic pathway that carried coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia, of which the National Canal Museum is a signature program. Today, the D&L connects people to nature, culture, communities, recreation and our industrial heritage.