I always search for places to walk when I'm out of town for work. TNP was a very enjoyable place to walk. I went 2 days in a row and will likely return. First day I pulled in to one of the lower parking areas and walked by the creek. Second day I drove up further and walked down (and up) the valley. Definitely more strenuous of a walk on day 2, but a good workout nonetheless. I saw deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and birds. There were more animals than people which was nice! read more

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This preserve went far beyond my expectations. The creek was so clear and the bison roaming the preserve was spectacular. I recommend it and it's all free read more

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This is a review for the nature preserve area (hiking trails and driving route over Jordan Creek) - not the zoo. We love it here and it's nice to see the Elk and Bison. Great to take the kids here, too. read more

Very nice place to take a casual walk and the bison are a bonus!! Didn't get to the nature preserve part though. There will be a next time!

What a disappointment. The "preserve" used to be meaningful representative of North American wildlife. Fields of American Bison, white tail dear, even prairie dogs and displays of North American canids. Now it's a pointless mix from the African plains, South American pampas, and a miscellaneous mix of whatever. It's just a tourist trap shadow of what it was. It's a real shame. Save your money and go to a proper zoo if it's exotics you would like to see. read more

Who would have thought you could hike and see elk, bison and horses? Well, here you can hike along the pens of LV zoo to see all these animals. I just led a hike this Saturday with my local hiking chapter. HIKING ROUTE 1) TREXLER BORDER RED TRAIL - TEARDROP GREEN TRAIL We parked at the Trexler Environmental Center and hiked the Trexler Border Red Trail. I must warn you that there are sharp inclines and descents around the edge of the game preserve. We ended up cutting across the Teardrop Green Trail for the scenic route before meeting back to the red trail. The problem comes when you meet the Jordan Creek which intersects the red trail. 2) TREXLER BORDER RED TRAIL - JORDAN CREEK WARNING!!! "JORDAN CREEK IS NOT SHALLOW AND NO STEPPING STONES TO HELP WITH CROSSING." We ended up taking off our hiking boots and wading across to meet the rest of the red trail. Water was freezing, so we dried off and basked in the sun to warm up. Recent rain made the creek level rise higher than usual so the creek wading was up to my knees. Water current also makes it a bit difficult to cross as well as the slimy large rocks. Look for small crevices and tinier rocks for your feet to grip onto. Next time, look on the Trexler map to find an alternate route to the Jordan Creek intersection with red trail. 3) ELK VIEWING DOUBLE BLUE TRAIL - TREXLER BORDER RED TRAIL Aside from this issue, you should have no problems. My group did feel that the elk-bison viewing trail along the fence was a bit steep. Plus, watch out for poison ivy if you are wearing shorts. I was also warned about ticks as well from other hiking leaders. Once we got back on the red trail back to the Trexler Environmental Center, it was smooth sailing. FACILITIES ON THE NATURE RESERVE In terms of facilities, there are some port-a-potties along the way. All of them are much better than the Dunnfield parking lot in Del Water Gap NRA. A nice one was wheel-chair accessible which was at the exit of the LV zoo. Also, the Trexler Environmental Center has a really nice indoor restrooms. There is a ranger inside who can help you with planning your hike. Check ahead for the environmental center hours. Trexler Environmental Center 4935 Orchard Road Schnecksville, PA 18078-2554 read more

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Loved this place. Nestled way back into the woods you will find not only a pretty view but also elk and bison. You can get out of your vehicle and go up the the fence to be closer to the animals. You also drive over a portion of the road that a river runs over which I thought was cool highly recommend for people of all ages! read more

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This preserve had a lot of fun and easy trails to some refreshing views. We went on a 90 degree day to hike (more like an adventurous walk) to see the bison, and though in the sun it was brutal, there were quite a few shady spots in the woods which made it really enjoyable. From where we parked it was only a mile hike total (there and back, a lot up hills) to see the bison, which was definitely worth the walk! This portion was free (no cost for parking either) which was definitely a plus! The observatory (I think that's what it's called?) was a nice air-conditioned break from the heat with bathrooms and water fountains. Handicapped guests can park right at the observatory. Definitely worth the trip! read more

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Trexler Nature Preserve is a beautiful area with lots of space, however the 8.5 mile border trail is almost completely unshaded. The trail is well maintained but the incessant sun exposure and frequent hills make it rather unpleasant. read more

So on a recent drizzly August weekday we made a most unexpected return for the first time in a long time to the LV Zoo. A few points: * The covered bridge on Game Preserve reopened in July for the first time in nearly five years. This will make things much easier for visitors coming up 309 North who had to make a giant four mile or so loop around the zoo to get onto Game Preserve Road via Mill Creek Road. Google Maps doesn't have the covered bridge as being open yet but it has been now for over a month. * In terms of admission the zoo has changed it's long time in season/off season pricing now going with three different pricing structures based in season/winter/shoulder seasons. IMHO, the pricing for summer with a $12.00 charge for adults is a bit steep for what you're getting here but I'm sure that's just me. * The one good thing is that animals have definitely been added. Now there are separate areas with horses, ravens, porcupines, a fisher and a gray fox. The map listed skunks, raccoons, turkeys and chickens but I couldn't find any and not that I'm trying to be a wet blanket but are any of the aforementioned animals really zoo worthy? * The 3pm penguin feeding was still fun to watch even if no one else was there to see it except for the three of us. * It's still a bit disconcerting to ask questions of staff members and still get ??? for an answer. The prairie dogs were off exhibit and there seemed to be only one otter (down from three maybe 4-5 years ago) and on the way out I asked the woman at the admission gate what the story was and she said she had no idea. I would have asked someone else but I didn't think of it during the penguin feeding and past that we didn't encounter any other staff during our 90 minute visit. At least some things never change. Is the zoo fun? Sure Is the admission overpriced in the summer? I think so Have things changed much over the past four or so years for the better? No doubt Is this a five star attraction? Only if you're a foaming homer in the worst possible way Will we come back? I'm sure in the future we will but it'll be a while as honestly there still isn't enough to do here to justify multiple visits within a short timetable. read more

You can't expect a "city zoo" when you come here. It's alot smaller... However the zoo is super clean! And I love how the animals are in more friendly like cages. This zoo is not overwhelming very laid back and well taking care of. Wish they had more cut outs at each animal cage for kids to take pictures. The cut outs were very run down when we visited. And maybe a few more things for kids to do But overall what a beautiful zoo. read more

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We LOVE spending time on the trails of the Trexler Nature Game Preserve. There are a nice variety of trails that require a range of abilities. We have navigated a number of trails with a three and four year old without issue. We do love spending time on the trails during all four seasons. There are a couple of real treats here being able to see both elk and American Bison up close are fantastic little opportunities. The obvious highlight of the entire place for our young kids is driving through the river, which I can remember doing myself as a young kid. read more

This place is beautiful and feels so remote. Go there to commune with nature and you'll be glad you did

We had a chance to go through the game preserve on our way to and fro the zoo this weekend. It is here that you can see the elk & American bison (no need to pay for admission to the zoo if that's all you want to see), plus you have over 1100 acres of woods, covered in walking paths. What an awesome free getaway for LV-ians! Just don't forget your trail shoes. It's a bit muddy after it rains. Oh, and you will have to "ford" Jordan Creek to see the bison & elk. But it's only 3 or 4"...so you should be fine unless you are on moped. read more

While visiting the Lehigh Valley I wanted to see what it had to offer and I discovered that there really is a nice little zoo in the middle of the valley - complete with penguins! The Lehigh Valley Zoo gets a thumbs up for the following: 1) Nice collection of animals - they have everything from camels, to sheep, to otters 2) The drive there was breathtaking - for Midwestern gal who is used to flat land. There was a nice little place to take photos on the way in, I totally recommend stopping! 3)The drive out was awesome! First, you ford a small river (the zoo built it up so that the water that you cross is actually very shallow). Next, you drive through the game preserve to see some elk and buffalo. It was fun to try and spot the animals. The Lehigh Valley Zoo gets a thumbs down for the following: 1) While there are a lot of animals to see there really isn't much else to do in the area. I imagine if I had kids this wouldn't be a problem because it would be just enough time for an outing before the kids passed out for a nap, but as an adult, I would have liked to have a bit more of the day out there. (UPDATE: upon posting this review, I have learned that there are a bunch of nature trails in the area, which would make for a great day out in Lehigh Valley!) I would go back to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, no question. The cost of admission was $9.75 and I got to hangout with some pretty cool ostriches. read more

Just got back from a 90 -minute drive to go mountain biking at Trexler Preserve, and let me tell you, if you mountain bike, this place is fantastic. Fast and flowy, well-maintained trails, and crazy berms. Scenery is fantastic; trails are well marked. Dozer and Halfpipe are crazy-fun biking trails. Thanks, Valley Mountain Bike Club, and Trexler, for working together to build a few great trails. Can't wait to go back! read more

It's a relatively small zoo, but more than enough to amuse the kids for the day. They actually have Camels! Something I've never seen at bigger zoos! All and all, a good variety of animals. The animals appear well cared for and are nicely presented. Many of the animals at the zoo are 'rescued' animals, which is wonderful! Great, friendly and accommodating staff! read more

Since the weather was that great, we decided to head to the to get some pictures of the peacocks. The zoo is off the beaten path and is rather small. Admission is $12/adult. The first thing you come to upon entering is the African Penguin enclosure. You can get pretty close to the penguins, so I got some very good pictures. Penguin feeding is at 3:00 so we got to watch that. It's not that exciting. Peacocks roam about freely and you can get very close. I got some great pictures. Most of the other animals are in cages and it's hard to get good pictures. The enclosures that allow for pictures are pretty good (zebras, kangaroos, ostriches, wolves, etc.). You can go in the Lorikeets area and for $1 buy nectar. They will land on your arm to feed. Overall, we had a good time and got some nice pictures. read more

Great trail system for mountain biking. No rocks! Gorgeous scenery. read more

Trexler Nature Preserve - Mountain biking at Trexler Nature Preserve - Parks Near Me - Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

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Just a note to yelp, the Lehigh County Game Preserve no longer exists. The old game preserve is now the Trexler Nature Preserve which has about 25 miles of trails cut through some of the most gorgeous land in Eastern Pennsylvania. As a hiking destination it can't be beat. Within the nature preserve---but legally and functionally distinct---is the Lehigh Valley Zoo which I haven't been to in many years and can't adequately review. Yelp, you should break these two places out into separate pages because I doubt there is much cross over between people who want to utilize the nature preserve as compared to going to the zoo. read more

we brought our 2 five and 2 two year old chilfren and it was a blast. i think there is just enough for the kids, april it wasn't crowded and the children could just run around and see the animals up close all in all, the facilities seemed extremely clean.(food is just burgers,hotdogs.. price is fair) but if you want any real quality food you should pack it. visit was just about 2.5hrs and the children had a great time, they got to see alot of the animals up close. it took us and hour and 20 minutes to get there, just enough for the kids... and to have a blast. there is a sweet playground inside as well. the actual nature preserve is pretty awesome. next time we may have to do the trails. and yes, folks... bisons and mooses. 9excuses my typing read more

Trexler was taken over and is now called Lehigh Valley Zoo. It is great! It's still more of an overgrown petting zoo, but its filled w cool stuff. My little family and I really enjoy it. Check it out if you're in the area! read more

Nice little zoo. The views are unbeatable with places to pull over and enjoy. I don't think the covered bridge on your way there will ever be reopened so it's inconvenient getting there. Hey they have penguins how bad can it be ?!? read more

A family of 2 adults 3 children cost $59. We took our time and saw everything and were finished in 1 hour....$ouch$ I assumed we'd be there a few hours, maybe then I would've felt the $59 was worth it. Oh well, it's for a good cause. read more

A beautiful escape from the modern world. There is the zoo aspect which is very small but there are also great hiking trails and even the drive around in that area is wonderful. read more

Anyone living in the Lehigh Valley should know that the Valley is rich with Trexler history and the game preserve is a shining example. It's the perfect place for children of all ages and parents. Save yourself the gas money rather than heading to harrisburg or phili for a zoo. :) read more

my grandsons were here visiting from New Hampshire, so I thought this would be a fun way to spend the day. The animals appeared well cared for, it was really neat to be as close to the Giraffe as we were. I was disappointed by the limited numbers of animals in each enclosure as well as the limited number of actual exhibits since the price tag ($13 for adults I think -- son-in-law paid). For that amount of money, I expected to be able to spend a large part of the day here. They have a token system for the kiddie events/projects. $1 to paint a rock???? $4 to feed the giraffe a piece of lettuce? For the money, next time we will head south to the zoo in Norristown. All in all a nice place, just not for the expense! read more

Great place for a birthday party. Had our daughter's 3rd birthday here and it was reasonably priced and the kids had a blast. Yes, the zoo is small but it is clean, your kids won't get lost, and its perfect for kids in the 3-6 category. I would highly suggest this educational type birthday party over one at bounceU or the like. Great job Lehigh Valley Zoo. read more

We are members at the zoo and Game Preserve and have been for the last 5 years. Since you can join for about $100 for a family of 4 its a great place to spend 4 or 5 times a year. Its kinda small and will only occupy the kids for maybe 2 hours so if its within a half hour it is worth the drive. The park is very clean and very family oriented. Best park is always leaving not because its a bad place but because you drive through a river to exit. read more

After reading the other reviews I total disagree with several of them. If you take your time and read the information and observe the animals there is no way you can go through the zoo in and hour and do justice to the exhibits or to yourself. Maybe some people like a big zoo and big crowds, but my family and I enjoy the lower key atmosphere of the LV Zoo. Where else can you take your own lunch into a zoo and enjoy a picnic with your family? Plus, once you are finished you can go wade in the nearby stream and hike various trails from the level Covered Bridge Trail accessible to handicapped visitors to the more challenging trails that wind through the hills and valleys of the preserve. The elk, bison and free roaming white-tailed deer add another thumbs up to the entire experience. Plus, the use of the preserve is free to the public! read more