Mountain biking is just one of the many recreational activities available at the Trexler Nature Preserve, Schnecksville, and Lehigh County recently unveiled a newly rebuilt bike path for bikers to explore.

In collaboration with Valley Mountain Bikers, Brian’s Trail has been rebuilt into an exciting new bike path for bikers at Trexler Nature Preserve.

The trail was formerly closed to the public before the project.

Plans for the bike path were first presented three years ago as part of the North Range Grassland Restoration Project with support of the Wildlands Conservancy and the Pa. Game Commission.

The rebuild boasts an impressive machine-built flow trail with jumps and other fun features that will not only challenge new riders, but also thrill advanced bikers as well.

Minimal impact was made to the Preserve’s natural environment during construction and path designers ensured that strict sedimentation control and erosion control measures were met.

The project represents a valuable partnership between Lehigh County and the mountain bike community.

To fund its development, members of the Valley Mountain Bikers paid for the path’s construction through personal donations and fundraising at no cost to the county or taxpayers.

The most notable fundraiser held for the new bike path was the annual Trexxxfest held at the Trexler Nature Preserve last fall.

“The Valley Mountain Bikers are a very valuable partner to have work with us at Trexler Nature Preserve and this project, along with other partners and other ongoing projects goes to show the commitment of Lehigh County to protect the environment and provide its residents with quality recreational opportunities,” said Robert Stiffler, director of Lehigh County Parks.

Amid public closures from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trexler Nature Preserve has seen an increase in traffic from both county residents and guests.

The preserve provides more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, archery hunting and fishing opportunities.

Residents can also relax and picnic on its 1,500 acres while interacting with the many varieties of nature.