The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Outdoor Corps crews have begun rehabilitation work on the long-closed Falls Trail at the Glen Onoko Falls Tract in Carbon County, marking a major step toward reopening and restoring public access to one of the region’s most iconic outdoor destinations.

DCNR is beginning improvements on the steep, 0.5-mile portion of the trail, which has been closed since May 1, 2019, due to safety concerns and deteriorating conditions along a section that climbs roughly 800 feet in elevation. DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are also coordinating a land transfer that will ultimately add the Glen Onoko Falls Tract to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

A roving trail crew from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps will be living at nearby Hickory Run State Park and working on the rehabilitation of the trail throughout the 2026 spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The crew’s work will include large amount of technical stonework, creating stone retaining walls, steps, and rock armor on the trail that is designed to withstand heavy traffic, erosion, and environmental forces. The trail will remain closed to visitors in 2026.

DCNR expanded conservation efforts in the Commonwealth by strengthening the Outdoor Corps workforce development initiative.

The 2024-25 budget invested $5 million to enhance and grow the program, increasing job training and stewardship skills for more young people.

The investment supports hiring additional staff and restructuring the program into a regional model to improve efficiency, expand recruitment, and strengthen community partnerships.

For public safety as well as a safe working environment for the crew, DCNR stressed it is essential that the public abide by the current trail closure. For 2026, the closure will include the Falls Trail as well as the connector trail up to Nine Mile Loop Road. The rehabilitation project is expected to take multiple years and will include future closures of the adjoining Shortcut and Overlook Trails.

For updates on trail closures and project progress, visit the Glen Onoko DCNR website, the Lehigh Gorge State Park Facebook page, or contact the Lehigh Gorge park office.