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Over the years, I've noticed that rail trails exist on a continuum when it comes to preserving the history of the earlier rail lines that they replaced. On one end are lines where the original RR infrastructure was dismantled or repurposed long ago and the only traces left are the greenway's name and a couple interpretive signs or kiosks, while on the other are trails that go all out highlighting the corridor's past with RR-themed signage, artwork and memorabilia, including restored rail cars and/or engines, old buildings, rock cuts, bridges and other historical sites.
Located in the north Allentown suburbs, the 9.2 mile long Ironton Rail Trail clearly falls on the latter end of this spectrum. As the description for the asphalt trail indicates, it was built along the route of the Ironton RR, a short line that initially hauled iron ore from local mines to the Lehigh River. After the iron ran out in the late 19th century, these mines were repurposed as limestone quarries and several cement manufacturing mills and kilns sprang up along the line, which extended from Ironton east along Coplay Creek to a point just outside Stiles. From here, the line split in two and looped around the towns of Stiles, Coplay and Hokendauqua, connecting to other railroads along the Lehigh riverfront. Cement production peaked in the early 20th century and the area entered a gradual decline, with the last mill ceasing to manufacture it by 1975. The RR was acquired by Conrail and taken out of service in 1983 and the tracks were pulled up 7 years later, in 1990.
Today, the Ironton Rail Trail follows this lasso-shaped route. The highlight of the 4 mile long western "Spur" of the trail is the crumbling ruins of several of the old concrete mills, now being reclaimed by nature and creating a beautiful, yet eerie landscape that gives the impression of a post-apocalyptic, lost civilization being found in the woods. Located about halfway along the Spur in Egypt, The Troxell-Steckel House & Farm Museum, meanwhile, gives trail users the opportunity to glimpse an earlier era of local history by preserving the house, barn and springhouse of one of the first Pennsylvania Dutch farms built in the area. Trees line most of the route of the trail, providing cool shade in the warmer months of the year, while the Whitehall Parkway serves as both a nature preserve and has its own small network of trails encircling the ruins of another mill complex.
Moving further east, the Spur of the trail passes beneath Route 145 and links to the 5 mile Loop portion at a junction just north of Stiles. As its name indicates, this portion forms a circular greenbelt around the suburbs of Stiles, Coplay and Hokendauqua. Highlights on the Loop include the historic cement kilns at Saylor Park, believed to be the last of their kind that are still standing, the remains of the Thomas Iron Works along the Lehigh River, the Beiry Yard, an old RR yard now converted to an open space area and the Tate Meadows preserve. Several homeowners have also used their proximity to the Loop to beautify their yards with small gardens and ornate fences and gates (stay on the trail and do not go on private property), further enhancing the scenery and an abandoned RR trestle that crosses the Lehigh River may eventually link the trail to the D&L and Nor-Bath trails in Northampton, Catasauqua and North Catasauqua. Numerous examples of RR memorabilia along the trail include a small engine and maintenance handcar at the western terminus of the Spur in the North Whitehall Rec. Area, an old passenger car in the Whitehall Parkway and a caboose in Coplay, a phone booth used by RR maintenance workers and foundations of an old water tower, blacksmith shop and section house. Several old RR sidings, with the rails still intact, also attest to the corridor's industrial heritage.
Numerous kiosks and interpretive signage extensively detail the history of the numerous sights along the trail and more info can be found on the Ironton Rail Trail website. There are also numerous benches along the route, three larger pavilions and numerous smaller ones. Anyone who loves rail trails and history should check out this gem of a suburban greenway.
Started our ride from the Freemansburg parking area and rode west to Bethlehem. The lack of maintenance was evident along this portion and remnants of the canal were deplorable with tons of trash and homeless camps. On our return trip to Easton we encountered the worse section of this trail between Freemansburg and the Rt. 33 boat ramp access. Multiple pot holes ,huge roots and where trees have been uprooted leaving the trail inches wide and 5 foot deep holes. Hope improvements are in the works.
This scenic trail is woodsy and off the beaten path. A road bike won't cut it, but if you've got a hybrid or mountain bike and don't mind a rough ride, it can be fun. Bug repellant is a good idea in the warmer months.
If you're doing the Great Valley/Paulinskill/Sussex Branch loop, the Augusta Road parking lot is a good place to start because it's at a low elevation. You can start out making the uphill slog over Great Valley's rough terrain, then once you connect with Paulinskill the going gets easier (and the pesky bugs disappear!).
If you're doing the loop in this counter-clockwise direction, it can be hard to find the connection between Great Valley and Paulinskill. Note that Great Valley doesn't end at Plotts Road as shown in the Traillink map - you need to continue on a bit further until the trail meets Junction Road. Then cross the road diagonally and you should be able to find the entrance to the Paulinskill trail. See the map I posted in the photos section - it shows the mileage for each of the three legs.
Rode the approx. 33 mile loop the day after Memorial Day. We've had so much rain that the usual hard pack was a bit soft, especially on the PA return side. From Frenchtown to Lambertville, it is 90+ percent shade and is very smooth and easy until you get close to Lambertville. Had a nice lunch in New Hope at Triumph Brewery. Coming north back to Frenchtown posed some obstacles as we were forced off the tow path and had to ride the very narrow River Road twice because of small bridge repairs being done. Being a midweek day, the traffic wasn't so bad but I wouldn't try this on a weekend. The tow path side isn't as smooth and is much more open to the sun than the Jersey side and can be narrow and in various states of condition and surface material. Still was a beautiful day to be out and would do again. Short time on country road to get back to the Frenchtown bridge. Lots of parking in Frenchtown in the next to the bridge.
We made our annual pilgrimage to the Lehigh Gorge section of the D&L trail. As usual we had a wonderful ride. Rode 48 miles round trip from Jim Thorpe to White Haven and back. Waterfalls were flowing and rapids were high, providing for some of the best scenery PA has to offer.
To add to the excitement, we saw a large rattlesnake crossing the trail. It had to be at least two feet long. Quite an exciting afternoon.
On a practical side, the White Haven renovations are complete with some of the best bathroom facilities I have seen on a trail anywhere.
Dinner on the porch of Molly McGuire’s in Jim Thorpe capped off the day.
So glad we decided to keep of the tradition of an annual visit.
The most unkempt trail I’ve ever ridden. This trail is not maintained at all and after the first 4-5 miles it turns into a completely overgrown trail that no one would find a joy to ride. Whoever is in charge of this trail should resign!! Worst ever…don’t waste your time!!
This was a well maintained trail with sprinkled with many benches throughout the route. The trail is mostly paved except for a mile of the northern most section. Many scenic bridges across the creek.
Rode 10 miles north from Jim Thorpe parking lot today. Very nice ride along the Lehigh River. Parking lot was 2/3rds full so easy to off load bikes and pay the $8 at the kiosk. Trail is well marked and easy to navigate. The only issue is the compacted stone has turned into several inches of loose sand in some areas. Between miles posts 110-112 it was most noticeable. My wife and I have regular 2 inch mountain bike/cruiser tires, so the sand slowed us down but did not stop us. Roadbikers may have more trouble. All in all it is a great section and worth Another vists. And some really nice old trains to He k out.
It looked good but there was no way to park and use the trail. ¿
Truly a magical and wonderful place.
The wide crushed stone trail is nestled on a shelf between the Lehigh River and the vertical gorge wall of red/purple/brown shale and sandstone. The rushing river alternates between white water and calmer sections. North of Rockport, there are a number of remnants of the locks that were built with the local rock during the industrial revolution. The vertical gorge wall is exposed rock in many parts and covered with mountain laurel in others. The wider sections of the valley are forested with hemlock and hardwoods. Throughout the entire trail waterfalls and rushing streams cascade down the gorge wall and into the river. Even during the this rainy spring, the trail was puddle and mud free and in great condition from Glen Onoko to White Haven.
A week or two ago my husband and I went on this trail at the Lafayette end of the trail. We had a great time. Him pushing me in my wheelchair then I would get out and walk some. It was amazing!!!!!!
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