Explore the best rated trails in Bethlehem, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail) and Schuylkill Valley Heritage Trail . With more than 140 trails covering 912 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Love this trail in the Bethlehem area. You can access downtown Bethlehem from the trail at Main Street. From there, it's about a 10 minute walk up where you can grab a bite to eat and some refreshments. Only downside last time we were there, saw dozens of people long-term "camping" along the trail east of Bethlehem. Probably not allowed but also does not seem to be disallowed. Just want to make people aware so they are not surprised by this while on the trail.
Ok for running or walking but surface too soft and rocky for riding. Rode half way and gave up and moved to road. Parallel tracks indicate it's used by 4 x 4s more than bikes. Also, there's not much to look at since it's right by the road.
I enjoyed the trail from Brentwood Trailhead up to where the residential street started…. need more signage at that location to tell people they have to walk thru the neighborhood to pick up the rest of the trail. Or that they can take that little path to the right that leads one back to the University grounds.
On an especially brisk, early morning weekday in late October, I had the pleasure of riding my bike on this beautiful trail. There were plenty of walkers and joggers for the first couple of miles, and then me on my bike.
I started at the High Bridge trailhead. The gravel trail made me wish I had my old mountain bike, but after awhile you get used to it and realize your bike isn't going to fall apart. My hybrid did just fine. Just beyond Califon the trail became hard packed dirt and allowed for a smoother, faster ride. Due to time constraints I only went eleven miles out and then back, so I didn't get to discover what the last four or five miles are like.
The Raritan River views are absolutely amazing, and the fall colors dazzling! The sounds of the river and the chirping birds are an additional joy. After Califon the terrain is more suited to land occupied by charming homes and farmland, but there is still plenty of woodlands and river. If I hadn't stopped so many times to take photos and video, I probably could have done the full thirty mile round trip.
After a couple of hours and eleven miles I turned back. It was then that I started passing many, many bicyclists. I think they preferred the warmer temps of late morning to avoid the frozen fingers I had to endure. In fact, I was surprised at how many cars were in the High Bridge parking lot with their bike racks and many, like this Californian, with out of state plates which attests to this trail's fame and popularity. I'm just speculating, but this trail must be super busy on weekends.
What a gem of a trail! A+
I took my family on this trail and with it being 3/4 paved and ending up at Hopewell furnace made for a lovely afternoon¡
I live fairly close to the trail, and I decided to finally walk it, it was truly beautiful and they have off-trails into a pond and a gazebo. I love it
A nice ride especially in the fall At the far north end a couple of very steep short sections that are gravel The rest of the trail is on the railroad right of way so an easy ride
Beautiful easy walk under forest canopy. Cool shade on a warm sunny day.
The Center looks like a paradise for little kids, indoors and out. It was fun to explore the network of trails, which were shaded on a hot day.
This trail was perfect for me…I have some arthritis and the trail was accessible to me. I will definitely walk this trail again.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
