Things To Do
in Upper Saucon
Upper Saucon Township is a semi-rural suburb in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, characterized by rolling farmland, mature woodlands, and low-density residential neighborhoods. It sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and benefits from quick access to the wider Lehigh Valley economy and cultural scene. The township mixes historic farmsteads and newer housing developments with recreational assets like country clubs, local trails, and seasonal farmers markets.
While quiet and family-oriented, Upper Saucon is only a short drive from Allentown and Bethlehem for dining, entertainment, and larger services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a refreshing hike in the Upper Saucon Township Park, where you can soak in the beauty of lush greenery and well-maintained trails. The crisp morning air and serene surroundings will invigorate you, making it an ideal time to appreciate nature. Don’t forget your camera to capture the vibrant flora and the peaceful atmosphere.
After a morning filled with scenery, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local café offering farm-to-table dishes. Following your meal, spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Lehigh Valley Zoo, where you can explore diverse animal exhibits and learn about wildlife conservation efforts. This engaging experience will delight visitors of all ages, as you enjoy an interactive and educational environment.
As the sun sets, unwind at a nearby winery to savor some of the region's finest wines. Enjoy a leisurely evening of wine tasting paired with artisanal cheeses while admiring the breathtaking views over the vineyard. The combination of delicious flavors and picturesque scenery will create the perfect conclusion to your first day.
Start your morning at the Saucon Valley Conservancy, where you can learn about the local history and conservation efforts in the area. Consider joining a guided nature walk to enrich your understanding of the natural habitat. The peaceful ambiance will set a reflective tone for your day ahead.
In the afternoon, head over to the coziest local diner for lunch, indulging in classic American fare. Afterward, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Saucon Valley History Museum to immerse yourself in the rich history of the township and its surroundings. This deep dive into the past will provide context for the region you are exploring.
Later in the evening, savor dinner at one of Upper Saucon's charming restaurants featuring local cuisine. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere while chatting with locals who share stories about the area. Afterward, if you're in the mood, catch a live music performance at a nearby venue to wind down your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🎟️Movie or local attraction ticket | $10-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic rural-suburban setting with easy access to outdoor activities
- Close to cultural and dining hubs in the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem)
- Good for families, golfers, and visitors seeking a low-key getaway
- Strong seasonal appeal (fall foliage, summer markets)
- Limited late-night entertainment and few public transit options locally
- Car-dependent — you’ll likely need a vehicle to get around
- Some attractions and services require a short drive to neighboring towns
- Winter weather can disrupt travel on rural roads
Places to Visit in Upper Saucon
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture wide open fields, classic barns, and seasonal crops — especially striking at sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and warm.
Small streams and wooded creek corridors offer intimate nature shots, reflections, and wildlife opportunities in spring and autumn.
Well-kept grounds, stone buildings and landscaped spaces provide attractive architectural and portrait photography backdrops.
Elevated trails and roadside overlooks give sweeping views of the Lehigh Valley and colorful fall foliage.
Historic homes and rural architecture make for evocative detail shots and a sense of regional character.
Food in Upper Saucon
Upper Saucon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic American comfort dishes like pot pies, meatloaf, and roast vegetables are common on local menus; good examples can be found at family-run diners and neighborhood restaurants.
Must-Try!
Traditional items such as shoofly pie, scrapple, and soft pretzels appear around the region — try them at bakeries and farmers markets.
Restaurants often highlight seasonal vegetables, local beef and produce from nearby farms; ask for seasonal specials at independent restaurants in Center Valley and nearby boroughs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers markets in and around Upper Saucon and the Lehigh Valley feature local produce, baked goods, cheeses, and prepared foods — perfect for sampling seasonal specialties and meeting growers.
During warmer months you’ll find food trucks and pop-up vendors at community events and markets offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals tend to be polite and friendly but value personal space. Small talk is common; a brief greeting or 'hello' goes a long way.
Much of the landscape is private farmland — don’t trespass on fields, respect fences and posted signs, and stay on marked trails.
Be on time for reservations and appointments; many popular restaurants and activities require advance booking, especially on weekends.
Safety
Tipping in Upper Saucon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: generally 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 10–15% for taxis or rideshares, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping. Service workers often rely on tips as part of pay.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farm stands, or tips. ATMs are available in larger nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, budding trees, and blooming wildflowers. Expect muddy trails after thaw and intermittent rain; great time for farmers markets and birdwatching.
Warm and humid with abundant outdoor activities, festivals, and farmers markets. Bring sun protection and bug spray for ticks and mosquitoes in wooded areas.
Crisp air and excellent foliage colors make this a peak season for scenic drives, photography, and harvest-related events. Weekend roads can be busier with leaf-peepers.
Cold with periodic snow and ice; rural roads can be slick and quieter. Dress in layers and prepare for possible travel delays during nor’easters.
Upper Saucon at Night
Hiking in Upper Saucon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local wooded trails and ridge walks offering short to moderate hikes, good for spring blooms and fall color viewing.
A longer multi-use heritage trail system in the Lehigh Valley that offers scenic river and canal-side walking and biking sections; access points are a short drive away.
A state-managed preserve with woodland trails, historic sites, and seasonal programming — suitable for families and nature enthusiasts.
Trails along the Lehigh River and gorge areas offer more extensive hikes and paddling access points a short drive from Upper Saucon.
Airports
How to reach Upper Saucon by plane.
About 20–30 minutes by car (depending on exact origin), regional airport serving flights to major hubs; convenient for domestic arrivals to the Lehigh Valley.
Approximately 60–75 minutes by car under good traffic conditions; major international airport with extensive domestic and international connections.
Roughly 45–60 minutes drive northwest, useful for regional flights and some low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented with residents who commute into Allentown, Bethlehem, and other employment centers in the Lehigh Valley.
The peaceful, suburban-rural character attracts retirees seeking quieter living with access to regional services.
DeSales University and nearby colleges bring students, faculty, and cultural events into the local mix.
The Lehigh Valley has a mix of cultural and ethnic backgrounds with growing Hispanic and multicultural communities reflected in regional dining and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school sports draw local support; Friday night football and weekend baseball are community gathering points.
Golf is popular locally with championship courses and country clubs drawing regular play and tournaments.
Youth soccer, lacrosse, and travel teams are common in suburban communities, with active recreational leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Upper Saucon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at cafés and many restaurants; ask about seasonal vegetable plates, grain bowls, and salads. Larger nearby towns offer more vegetarian/vegan-specific restaurants.
Vegan and gluten-free options are growing in availability but can be limited in strictly rural spots — call ahead for accommodations or head into Allentown/Bethlehem for a wider selection.
Most restaurants accommodate common allergies if notified; carry necessary medication and be explicit about cross-contact when dining in small kitchens.