Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center encompasses 1,168 acres of forests, fields, and creeks, which provide a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy interpretive exhibits at the visitor center during open hours, as well as Henrys Woods, an old growth forest surrounding Bushkill Creek, which has many hiking trails.

The staff of Jacobsburg offers programs for students from preschool through college, as well as community programs focusing on outdoor recreation and the natural and cultural history of the area.

The famous Henry Rifle was once made here. The Jacobsburg National Historic District lies almost entirely within the center property and gives visitors insight into a colonial gun manufactory.

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is a partner in the Lehigh Valley Greenway, which seeks to engage state and local governments and nonprofit conservation groups to promote land conservation and education.

Hiking at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

19 miles of trails

The network of trails makes the center’s fields, woodlands, and streams accessible to both students and the casual visitor. These facilities are for use by:

Hikers
All-terrain bikers
Horseback riders
Cross-country skiers
Snowshoers
Non-hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Picnicking at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

A picnic area along Belfast Road near Henrys Woods has picnic tables, grills, and modern restrooms.

A pavilion in the Henrys Forge area accommodates up to 65 people and is available on a first-come, first-served basis, or can be reserved by contacting the center office.

Wildlife Watching at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

The diverse habitats found in the park are home to many different animals. More than 80 species of butterflies, 23 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 160 species of birds have been documented. The best bird watching opportunities occur during migration.

The Wildlife Watching Area and native garden near the Henrys Forge Historic Area, and the butterfly garden in front of the visitor center, have many opportunities for close-up viewing of birds, butterflies, and small mammals.

Henrys Woods
The portion of the center’s woodlands known as Henrys Woods is one of the most beautiful natural resources in the Lehigh Valley. Visitors hiking its 1.9-mile trail loop experience the sights, sounds, and coolness of Bushkill Creek as it meanders past dramatic slate outcroppings and old growth stands of hemlock and white oak.

Natural Resources
The rolling terrain of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is on the northern edge of the Lehigh Valley near the foothills of the Kittatinny Ridge. Habitats range from fields in various stages of successional growth to mature forests dominated by oak trees.

Approximately 2.5 miles of the beautiful Bushkill Creek and its tributary, Sobers Run, wind through the park property.

Jacobsburg’s natural resources are not only an excellent outdoor laboratory for environmental education and interpretation, but are also important to many visitors for healthy outdoor exercise and recreation.

The natural areas and open spaces provided by this public resource are becoming increasingly important in a continually expanding urban setting.

Fishing at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

Bushkill Creek is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and provides excellent trout fishing.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

Hunting at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

During established seasons, about 937 acres are open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:

Deer
Rabbit
Squirrel
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Mountain Biking at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

19 miles of trails

The network of trails makes the center’s fields, woodlands, and streams accessible to both students and the casual visitor. These facilities are for use by:

Hikers
All-terrain bikers
Horseback riders
Cross-country skiers
Snowshoers
Non-hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Horseback Riding at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

19 miles of trails

The network of trails makes the center’s fields, woodlands, and streams accessible to both students and the casual visitor. These facilities are for use by:

Hikers
All-terrain bikers
Horseback riders
Cross-country skiers
Snowshoers
Non-hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Cross-Country Skiing at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

19 miles of trails

The network of trails makes the center’s fields, woodlands, and streams accessible to both students and casual visitors. These facilities are for use by:

Hikers
All-terrain bikers
Horseback riders
Cross-country skiers
Snowshoers
Non-hunters should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.