Nor-Bath Trail

For 77 years, the tiny Northampton & Bath Railroad traveled the 7 miles between the two Pennsylvania towns that gave the line its name. Then, like its larger cousins, the Northampton & Bath Railroad fell victim to the changing face of transportation and the rise of the trucking industry. After it fell into disuse in 1979, the corridor was purchased by Northampton County, thus allowing the "little train that could" to continue to serve its namesake towns by connecting their parks, schools and historic centers. Today you'll find a pretty, tree-lined, crushed stone trail that is perfect for a walk or ride.

Starting in a residential area of Northampton, the trail soon emerges into rural terrain that features open fields, bubbling streams and pretty little bridges. At mile 2.5 you reach the perimeter of Bicentennial Park. Here you'll find 64 acres of county parks with restrooms, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts and a wide variety of ball fields. You can enter the park via a short access trail between miles 2.5 and 3.

Along the way several street crossings, well-designed for safety, require you to maneuver through a fenced turnstile and dismount from your bike. Wildlife is abundant along the way: from chipmunks dodging in and out of your path to the occasional rabbits that also claim the trail as home.

The trail winds down with beautiful views of farmland before crossing Jacksonville Road. Currently, the trail goes only a short distance farther to end at State Route 987 near a cement factory. Eventually the trail will extend another mile into Bath. Note: Pets are prohibited on this trail.

To reach the Northampton trailhead, take State Route 987 North out of Allentown to 329 West. Turn left on Howarton Road (you'll see Howarton ballpark at the intersection). Bear right onto Atlas Street then left on Savage Road. You'll find a small parking lot on the left at the signed trailhead.

The trail is also accessible from Bicentennial Park in Northampton, which has ample parking.

The trailhead outside of Bath ends on State Route 987 near the intersection with Jacksonville Road. There is no parking.