Ironton Rail-Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The Ironton Rail-Trail is the quintessential example of how a former rail corridor can transform a community. This trail has it all for locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for beautiful scenery, safe venues for exercise and access to great parks and historical points of interest, you can't go wrong with this trail.

This corridor was originally the home of the Ironton Railroad, which began operating in 1860 with the primary purpose of transporting iron ore from the Ironton mines to the Lehigh Valley Railroad. As the iron ore industry dried up, the railroad continued to serve the local cement mills until it fell into disuse in 1984.

The trail consists of a 6-mile loop and 3-mile spur. You can pick up the loop at Hokendauqua Park, a community park featuring parking, restrooms, a playground, baseball fields and basketball courts. This flat, paved section passes through wooded terrain and runs adjacent to Coplay Creek for a short section before turning north toward the town of Coplay, where it runs past the Thomas Iron Works Property. Just after this property the trail is unfinished, and the surface changes to dirt before the paved surface picks up again at Saylor Park in Coplay.

With its two rows of beautiful old cement kilns reaching toward the sky, the last ones standing in the U.S., Saylor Park is a must-see. Don't miss the historical markers off the trail on the back side of the kilns that explains their relevance in American history. This small scenic park has a nice playground, open space for picnicking or sunbathing and a parking lot.

About 2 miles past Saylor Park the trail loop intersects with the 3-mile spur. If you continue on the loop, you will travel through wooded areas and past neighborhood back yards before reconnecting with Hokendauqua Park.

The 3-mile spur has a crushed stone surface and offers a historical tour of the area's cement manufacturing heritage, passing through scenic Whitehall Parkway whose ruins of old buildings are sprinkled throughout. The trail ends on Quarry Road at another ample parking lot.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the trail from Hokendauqua Park, take SR 22 East to 145 North (Macarthur Road). Turn right on Lehigh Street and left onto Coplay Court. Immediately after going under the overpass, turn right into Hokendauqua Parking Lot.

To access the trail from Saylor Park, take SR 22 East to 145 North (Macarthur Road) but stay on 145 North. Pass Lehigh Street and turn right onto Main Street. Turn right onto Coplay Road (bear right to stay on Coplay at the intersection with North Coplay) to Saylor Park.

To access the spur, take SR 22 East to 145 North (Macarthur Road). Turn left on Mechanicsville Road. Turn right on Mauch Chunck Road and then turn right onto Quarry Street. You'll find the trailhead and parking lot on your left at the intersection of Quarry and Portland streets.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
None
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Reviews: [7 trail ratings]
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Fun and Easy
By vntlabar in November, 2011
The trail loop is great. My wife and I love the heritage of the area. Mostly paved and easy to ride. We usually do the trail twice, forward and backwards. There is a water fountain at the main trailhead,and there are parks along the way. Great ride for a family for there are parks along the way where the kids can play, my grandson loves it.
Excellent History
By durunner in October, 2011
An excellent rail trail that incorporates the history of the path into it. There is a railroad crossing sign that says "Ironton Rail Trail" as well as various other signs. In the future, a caboose will be restored and added along the trail as well. It passes along old cement stacks and has ample parking near them thanks to the community park and pool.

An excellent place to run or ride, the paved loop provides some minor inclines, but isn't too steep to handle. Unlike a lot of boring, straight rail trails, this loop is curved as it passes through the neighborhoods. There are also kiosks located all along the trail which provide maps. This project has been done right!
Great Ride, even in the heat of the day
By barry0225 in July, 2011
My friend and I did the entire trail from the Quarry St. spur, round the loop and back to Quarry St. trail head. It was a hot day but there was plenty of shade and interesting sights. It's a great ride for families and kids. No steep slopes and mostly paved around the loop. It's crushed stone along the spur but very tightly compacted and easy riding. All the street crossings are well marked with cute rail road crossibng signs. VERY COOL! We will do this trail again and recommend it to our friends.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Quarry St. at Portland St. (North Whitehall) to Circumnavigation of Coplay & Hokendauqua
Counties: Lehigh
Trail Length: 9.2 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016982

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