10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Easton, PA You’ll Want to Take This Year
If you live in or near
Easton, Pennsylvania in
Northampton County, you know it’s in a pretty sweet spot. In under an hour, you can hit small river towns, mountain lakes, state parks, and even some cool history spots.
This guide covers
10 short road trips from Easton that take you to nearby counties:
- Warren County, NJ
- Bucks County, PA
- Carbon County, PA
- Lehigh County, PA
- Monroe County, PA
All of these are
outside Northampton County, but close enough for a half‑day or full‑day adventure. Gas up, grab a coffee, and let’s hit the road.
1. Stroll the Riverfront & Trails in Phillipsburg, NJ (Warren County)
Just across the Delaware River from Easton,
Phillipsburg feels like a quick mini-getaway. It’s an easy hop over the bridge into
Warren County, New Jersey.
Why go:
- Walk along the Delaware River and watch the trains and boats go by.
- Let the kids (or the kid in you) run around at local riverside parks.
- Enjoy mellow views without big crowds.
If you like simple pleasures—walking, taking photos, grabbing a casual bite—this is the kind of short road trip that doesn’t take much planning. It’s also a great “test drive” day if you’re just getting into exploring
things to do near Easton, PA.
2. Ride the Delaware River Railroad Excursions (Warren County, NJ)
While you’re in Warren County, carve out time for the
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, a classic local favorite.
What to expect:
- Scenic train rides along the Delaware River.
- Seasonal themes like fall foliage trips and holiday rides.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of photo ops.
If you grew up loving trains—or have kids who do—this makes a fun few hours. The gentle rocking of the train, river views out the window… it’s a relaxing way to slow down without going far from Easton.
3. Explore New Hope & Lambertville: River Town Charm (Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ)
New Hope, PA in
Bucks County and
Lambertville, NJ sit right across the river from each other, and together they make one of the best
day trips from Easton.
Drive time from Easton: Usually about 45–55 minutes, depending on your route.
Highlights:
- Art galleries, vintage shops, and quirky boutiques.
- Riverside restaurants with outdoor seating.
- Walks over the bridge between New Hope and Lambertville.
On a sunny Saturday, it feels like a small vacation town. I like to:
- Park once.
- Grab a coffee.
- Wander back and forth over the bridge, just people-watching and window-shopping.
If you’re looking for a mix of food, shopping, and river scenery, this is one of the top
road trips near Easton, Pennsylvania.
4. History & Shopping at Peddler’s Village (Bucks County, PA)
About 15–20 minutes from New Hope,
Peddler’s Village in Bucks County is a charming outdoor shopping village that looks like something out of a storybook.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Dozens of small shops and boutiques.
- Seasonal events, festivals, and themed weekends.
- Pretty gardens and walkways that make you want to slow down.
If you’re planning a couples’ day trip or you’re into browsing local crafts, this is an easy, laid-back option. It’s the kind of place where you wander, snack, and say, “Okay, we’re definitely coming back here in the fall.”
5. Bike or Stroll the Delaware Canal Towpath (Bucks County, PA)
For a more active road trip near Easton, head to the
Delaware Canal State Park Towpath on the Bucks County side of the river.
Good for:
- Biking
- Jogging
- Leisurely walks
- Birdwatching
The path runs for miles along the canal, mostly flat and easy. You can:
- Bring your bike and do a few miles out and back.
- Just walk a short stretch and enjoy the water and tree cover.
If you ever think, “I need to move more, but I’m not a gym person,” this is a perfect answer. Fresh air, water views, and no membership fee.
6. Get Outdoors at Beltzville State Park (Carbon County, PA)
Head north from Easton and you’ll reach
Carbon County, home to
Beltzville State Park, one of the best spots for water and woods near the Lehigh Valley.
Approximate drive: Around 45–55 minutes from Easton.
What you can do:
- Swim at the sand beach area in summer.
- Launch a boat or kayak on the lake.
- Hike easy to moderate trails through the forest.
- Pack a picnic and relax by the water.
On a hot day, that first step into the lake feels amazing. If you’re searching for
family-friendly outdoor activities near Easton, PA, Beltzville should be high on your list.
7. Carbon County’s Gateway to the Poconos
Even if you don’t commit to a full Poconos weekend, you can still catch a taste of that mountain feel in
Carbon County
Exploring small towns and back roads for scenic overlooks.
Planning a fall foliage drive when the leaves turn bright red and orange.
Stopping at local diners or ice cream stands along the way.
Think of Carbon County as a “preview” of the Poconos—close enough for a day trip, but with that getaway vibe that makes you feel like you’ve traveled farther than you really have.
8. Urban Energy in Allentown (Lehigh County, PA)
Need a change of pace from small towns and hiking trails? Head to Allentown in neighboring Lehigh County.
Why it’s a fun road trip from Easton:
- City feel without being overwhelming.
- Plenty of dining options, from casual to date-night spots.
- Events, shows, and games throughout the year.
Allentown gives you a dose of urban energy that balances nicely with quieter weekends. If you like mixing museums, food, and maybe a show or game, this is an easy half‑day or full‑day outing.
9. Trails, Parks & Green Space in Lehigh County
Beyond the city streets, Lehigh County also has plenty of green space for simple outdoor adventures.
Ideas for a low-key day:
- Pick a park with walking paths and playgrounds.
- Bring a blanket and make a basic picnic lunch.
- Take an easy walk or short hike to stretch your legs.
If you’re craving nature but don’t feel like driving all the way to the Poconos, Lehigh County’s parks can be that “in-between” road trip—close, calm, and flexible.
10. Poconos Lite: Monroe County’s Mountain Vibe
Head north toward Monroe County, PA and you’ll quickly feel the landscape change. The air gets cooler, the roads wind more, and the trees seem a little taller.
What Monroe County is great for:
- Scenic drives through the foothills of the Poconos.
- Hiking and nature walks in wooded areas.
- Cozy restaurants and spots where you can warm up after a chilly day outside.
You don’t have to commit to a full vacation. Even a simple afternoon drive, with a stop for coffee and a short walk, can reset your mood. If you’ve ever thought, “I just need mountain air,” this is your go-to direction from Easton.
Tips for Planning Easy Road Trips from Easton, PA
A few quick pointers to keep your travels smooth:
- Keep it short: Aim for drives under an hour if you’re just doing a day trip.
- Check hours: Look up seasonal schedules, especially for train rides and parks.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket—simple, but it helps.
- Have a backup: If one spot is crowded, know a second place nearby you can try.
Road trips don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best memories come from a simple drive, a new view, and a good conversation in the car.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Easton
Now it’s your turn.
- Have you tried any of these short road trips from Easton, PA?
- Do you have a secret park, river spot, or small town you love in Warren, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, or Monroe County?
Drop your ideas in the comments—your tip might become someone else’s new favorite getaway.
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for easy things to do near Easton, Pennsylvania. The more we share, the more we all discover.
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