Did you know that Upper Macungie Township is home to one of Pennsylvania’s largest warehousing and distribution hubs, yet boasts over 370 hectares (914 acres) of pristine parkland? This fascinating contrast makes Upper Macungie a unique destination where industrial strength meets natural beauty. Located in the heart of Lehigh Valley, this vibrant township offers visitors a surprising blend of outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and small-town charm that often goes undiscovered by travelers focusing only on nearby Allentown.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Upper Macungie Township is conveniently located in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, making it easily accessible by various transportation methods. The township sits approximately 97 km (60 miles) north of Philadelphia and 145 km (90 miles) west of New York City.
Nearest Airports
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – 13 km (8 miles)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – 97 km (60 miles)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 129 km (80 miles)
For the best flight deals, consider booking 2-3 months in advance, especially during summer and fall when tourism peaks in the Lehigh Valley region.
By Car
- Interstate 78 provides direct east-west access through the Lehigh Valley
- Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) connects from the south
- Route 222 offers access from Reading and Lancaster areas
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Upper Macungie and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area, as public transportation options are limited.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Upper Macungie experiences all four seasons distinctly, each offering its own unique charm and activities. Understanding the seasonal patterns will help you plan the perfect visit to enjoy the township’s outdoor attractions and community events.
Recommended Seasons
- Late Spring (May-June): Comfortable temperatures of 18-26°C (65-78°F) with blooming landscapes and fewer crowds
- Early Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage colors with pleasant temperatures of 15-23°C (60-74°F)
- Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities with temperatures averaging 23-29°C (74-85°F)
Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures of -3 to 4°C (26-40°F) with potential snowfall limiting outdoor activities
- Late March: Unpredictable weather with potential for late winter storms and muddy conditions
- Holiday weekends: Higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions
Special Events
- Upper Macungie Community Festival (June)
- Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Events (Year-round)
- Farmers Market (May-October)
- Fall Harvest Festivals (September-October)
Getting Around Locally
While Upper Macungie doesn’t have extensive public transportation, there are several ways to navigate the area effectively during your visit. Having a plan for local transportation will enhance your experience exploring the township’s attractions.
Transportation Options
- Rental Car: The most convenient option for exploring Upper Macungie and surrounding areas
- LANTA Bus Service: Limited routes connecting major points in Lehigh Valley
- Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout the area
- Biking: The township has several bike-friendly paths, particularly around parks and recreation areas
Local Navigation Tips
- Major roads like Hamilton Boulevard and Upper Macungie Road connect most attractions
- Download offline maps before your trip as cell service can be spotty in some areas
- Most attractions offer free parking
- Consider staying centrally located to minimize travel time between sites
Where to Stay in Upper Macungie
While Upper Macungie itself has limited accommodation options, the surrounding Lehigh Valley area offers a variety of places to stay that provide easy access to all the township’s attractions. From comfortable hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, you’ll find options to suit every preference and budget.
Hotels & Resorts
- Hyatt Place Allentown: Modern rooms with convenient location near shopping and dining
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Comfortable accommodations with complimentary breakfast
- Staybridge Suites: Extended stay option with kitchen facilities
- Bear Creek Mountain Resort: Upscale mountain resort with on-site activities and spa
Bed & Breakfasts
- Historic Benner Mansion: Victorian charm with modern amenities in nearby Allentown
- Glasbern Inn: Rustic elegance on a 150-acre farm in nearby Fogelsville
- The Sayre Mansion: Historic B&B with period furnishings in Bethlehem
- Haines Mill B&B: Cozy accommodations in a restored historic building
Vacation Rentals
- Several private homes and apartments available through Airbnb and VRBO
- Family-friendly options with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms
- Rural farmhouse rentals offering a peaceful countryside experience
- Convenient condos near shopping and dining districts
Dining & Local Cuisine
Upper Macungie and the surrounding Lehigh Valley offer a diverse culinary scene that ranges from Pennsylvania Dutch classics to contemporary farm-to-table dining. Local produce and regional specialties feature prominently on many menus, giving visitors a taste of authentic local flavors.
Local Favorites
- The Trapp Door Gastropub: Craft beers and elevated pub fare in a cozy setting
- Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar: Contemporary American cuisine with seasonal ingredients
- Savory Grille: Farm-to-table dining in a historic farmhouse
- Cafe 23: Casual breakfast and lunch spot with homemade pastries
Regional Specialties
- Shoofly Pie: Traditional molasses pie with crumb topping
- Scrapple: Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast meat
- Chicken Pot Pie: Hearty stew with homemade noodles
- Apple Dumplings: Whole baked apples wrapped in pastry
- Pierogies: Eastern European dumplings popular in the region
Food Experiences
- Allentown Farmers Market: Local produce, meats, and prepared foods
- Lehigh Valley Wine Trail: Tastings at local vineyards
- Vynecrest Vineyards: Wine tastings with beautiful views
- Funk Brewing Company: Craft beer tasting room
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Upper Macungie offers a variety of attractions that appeal to different interests, from history buffs to families seeking fun activities. The township’s blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and proximity to Lehigh Valley attractions makes it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.
Family Attractions
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Thrilling rides and water attractions just a short drive away
- Lehigh Valley Zoo: Home to over 300 animals across 29 acres
- Da Vinci Science Center: Interactive exhibits for curious minds of all ages
- Crayola Experience: Creative fun with hands-on activities in nearby Easton
Historical Sites
- Lock Ridge Furnace Museum: Preserved iron-making complex showcasing industrial heritage
- Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites: Colonial-era buildings and exhibits
- America On Wheels Museum: Celebrating transportation history in nearby Allentown
- Macungie Historical Society: Local history exhibits and artifacts
Shopping & Entertainment
- Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley: Upscale outdoor shopping center
- Lehigh Valley Mall: Major retail destination with over 150 stores
- Farmers Markets: Local produce and crafts at seasonal markets
- Wind Creek Bethlehem: Entertainment complex with dining and shopping
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Upper Macungie and the surrounding Lehigh Valley boast a rich cultural scene with museums, art venues, and year-round festivals that celebrate the region’s diverse heritage and creative spirit. These cultural attractions provide visitors with opportunities to learn about local history and experience the vibrant community atmosphere.
Museums & Cultural Venues
- Allentown Art Museum: Diverse collection spanning 2,000 years of cultural heritage
- National Museum of Industrial History: Smithsonian-affiliated museum exploring America’s industrial past
- Sigal Museum: Exhibits on Northampton County history and culture
- SteelStacks: Arts and cultural campus on the former Bethlehem Steel site
- Civic Theatre of Allentown: Historic venue showcasing films and live performances
Annual Festivals & Events
- Musikfest (August): One of the nation’s largest non-gated music festivals
- Celtic Classic (September): Highland games and Celtic music
- Great Allentown Fair (Late August/Early September): Agricultural fair with entertainment
- Upper Macungie Community Festival (June): Local celebration with food, music, and activities
- Christkindlmarkt (November-December): Traditional German Christmas market
- Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival (June): Culinary celebration featuring local chefs and wineries
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Upper Macungie is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings and excellent recreational facilities, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking trails to golf courses, there’s something for everyone who enjoys fresh air and active pursuits in this scenic corner of the Lehigh Valley.
Parks & Recreation
- Upper Macungie Township Community Park: 103 hectares (255 acres) with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths
- Lone Lane Park: Baseball fields, basketball courts, and playground equipment
- Grange Road Park: Scenic park with walking trails and open spaces
- Independent Park: Community center with surrounding recreational areas
Trails & Outdoor Activities
- Trexler Nature Preserve: Hiking and wildlife viewing in a beautiful natural setting
- D&L Trail: Historic canal towpath for walking, running, and cycling
- South Mountain Preserve: Hiking trails with scenic views
- Lehigh Parkway: Scenic riverside paths along the Little Lehigh Creek
- Kayaking on Jordan Creek: Peaceful paddling through natural settings
Sports & Recreation
- Brookside Country Club: 18-hole golf course with beautiful views
- Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays: Clay shooting in a natural setting
- IronPigs Baseball: Minor league team affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies
- Lehigh Valley Phantoms Hockey: AHL team playing at PPL Center
- Cycling routes: Scenic country roads popular with cyclists
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Upper Macungie is generally a safe and welcoming community. Understanding a few local customs and safety considerations will help ensure a pleasant visit and allow you to experience the area like a local. Residents take pride in their community and appreciate visitors who respect the natural environment and local traditions.
Safety Tips
- Upper Macungie has a low crime rate, but standard travel precautions apply
- Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially during winter months
- When hiking, stay on marked trails and bring appropriate gear
- Tick protection is recommended when enjoying outdoor activities
- Flash flooding can occur on roads near creeks after heavy rainfall
- Keep emergency numbers handy: Police non-emergency: (610) 437-5252
Local Etiquette & Customs
- Pennsylvania Dutch influence is strong in the region’s culture and cuisine
- Residents are generally friendly and willing to provide directions or recommendations
- Tipping 15-20% is customary at restaurants and for services
- Respect private property when exploring rural areas
- Modest dress is appropriate for most venues and attractions
- Many local businesses may close early on Sundays
Visitor Comments About Upper Macungie
“We discovered Upper Macungie while exploring the Lehigh Valley and were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful parks and trails. The Community Park was perfect for our family picnic, and we loved exploring the local shops. The Trapp Door Gastropub offered some of the best food we had during our entire Pennsylvania trip!”
S.P., Kolding
“As a history enthusiast, I found the industrial heritage of the Lehigh Valley fascinating. Upper Macungie’s proximity to the Lock Ridge Furnace Museum and other historical sites made it an ideal base for our explorations. The local community was welcoming, and we enjoyed learning about Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.”
C.I., Port-au-Prince
“The outdoor activities in Upper Macungie exceeded our expectations. We hiked several trails, visited the community parks, and even tried kayaking on nearby Jordan Creek. The township’s central location made it easy to explore other Lehigh Valley attractions while enjoying a peaceful setting away from the busier tourist areas.”
P.H., Biel/Bienne
Additional Nearby Destinations
Upper Macungie’s central location in the Lehigh Valley makes it an excellent base for exploring other attractions in the region. Within a short drive, visitors can experience a variety of destinations that complement the activities available in Upper Macungie itself.
Within 15 Minutes
- Allentown: Pennsylvania’s third-largest city with museums, restaurants, and shopping
- Fogelsville: Charming village with historic buildings and local eateries
- Trexlertown: Home to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center (velodrome)
- Lower Macungie: Additional parks and recreational facilities
Within 30 Minutes
- Bethlehem: Historic city with colonial architecture and cultural attractions
- Easton: Charming river town with the Crayola Experience and farmers market
- Emmaus: Quaint borough with specialty shops and restaurants
- Blue Mountain Resort: Skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer
Day Trips
- Jim Thorpe: Victorian town with outdoor adventures in the Pocono Mountains
- New Hope: Artistic community along the Delaware River
- Philadelphia: Historic city with world-class museums and attractions
- Hershey: Home of Hersheypark and Chocolate World
Practical Travel Tips
Make the most of your visit to Upper Macungie with these helpful tips from experienced travelers and locals. These practical suggestions will help you navigate the area efficiently and enjoy all that the township and surrounding Lehigh Valley have to offer.
Planning Essentials
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during summer and fall foliage season
- Consider a midweek visit to avoid weekend crowds at popular attractions
- Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty in some rural areas
- Check event calendars for local festivals that might enhance your visit
- Pack layers, as weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall
Money-Saving Tips
- Many parks and outdoor attractions offer free admission
- Look for package deals when visiting multiple attractions
- Consider staying in nearby Allentown or Emmaus for more accommodation options
- Visit the local visitor center for discount coupons and special offers
- Weekday dining often features special deals and happy hours
Local Insights
- Traffic can be heavy on Route 222 during rush hours
- The best fall foliage viewing is typically mid-October
- Many local restaurants source ingredients from nearby farms
- Winter visitors should check road conditions before traveling
- The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail passport offers tastings at multiple vineyards
Experience the Hidden Charm of Lehigh Valley
Upper Macungie Township may not be Pennsylvania’s most famous destination, but this vibrant community offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, family-friendly activities, and convenient access to the broader Lehigh Valley region. From exploring scenic parks and trails to experiencing local cuisine and cultural attractions, Upper Macungie provides an authentic slice of Pennsylvania life away from the tourist crowds. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend getaway or adding it to a larger Pennsylvania road trip, the welcoming community and diverse attractions of Upper Macungie are sure to create lasting memories. Pack your sense of adventure and discover why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your travel itinerary!
The above is subject to change.
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