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Like the nearby Ironton Rail Trail, the Nor-Bath Trail follows the route of an old shortline RR that served the mining and concrete industries of the Lehigh Valley.
Nearly 6 miles in length, the trail is part of the LINK network of multi-use greenways that will eventually span the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton conurbation, connecting communities to each other as well as to more distant metro areas like Philadelphia and Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
From its beginning at Main Street in the suburb of Northampton (a signed route along 10th and Canal streets connects to the D&L Trail a quarter mile to the west), the trail heads east through a series of parks, the surrounding landscape transitioning from residential subdivisions to rural farmscapes. It currently ends at Jacksonville Park, just west of Bath. Plans are underway to extend it into the town itself in the near future.
The diversity of landscapes along the trail's route is its best asset. The first mile or so in Northampton is a rail with trail, paralleling a segment of RR that was kept in use to serve local industries. Rail fans will want to check out the array of train engines and cars in the yard across Clear Springs Drive, while interpretive signage gives the history of the demolished cement mills that once stood on sights since reclaimed by nature.
Heading east from Northampton, the trail passes through residential communities separated by parks, and the asphalt surface gives way to crushed stone. Traces of the RR that remain here include the straightness of the route, rock cuts lined with the layered, sedimentary outcroppings common in the Lehigh Valley and three old bridges that have been repurposed for trail use. Some of the homes along the route also have ornately decorated and landscaped lawns that can be admired from the trail.
The trail leaves suburbia behind and follows a tree-lined route through bucolic farmlands east of Bicentennial Park. This section is some of the most beautiful landscape I have seen in the Lehigh Valley and gives one the feeling of being far away from the bustling cities. I hope the owners of these properties keep the industrial development that has recently popped up near the intersection of Jacksonville and Airport roads from encroaching into them.
Boasting beautiful scenery, a straight route between suburban communities with few at-grade crossings and a smoot, well maintained surface, the Nor-Bath Trail is one of the best greenways in the Lehigh Valley.
Just short of 3 miles in length (counting the southern segment not included on RTC's map extending from Union St. south to the intersection of Main and Spring streets), the Monocacy Way is one of the Lehigh Valley's shorter greenways. However, it more than makes up for this short length by connecting several major historical sights, spanning from the 18th century to the 1930's.
Notable sights along the pathway include the Bethlehem Waterworks, Moravian Tannery and the buildings comprising the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Located just north of the trail's southern terminus, these preserved buildings all date from Bethlehem's earliest days as a Moravian settlement and show what life was like in the Colonial era. Interpretive signage provides a detailed history of the town's early industries as well as the beginnings of its public waterworks.
Heading north of Union Street, trail users learn about the agricultural side of life in early Bethlehem at the Burnside Plantation. Comprised of the original farmhouse, several barns and a garden, the plantation was leased by the Moravians to numerous farmers well into the 19th century. Now owned by Lehigh County, it's a great example of an early American farm and is also used for a variety of events, volunteer projects, historic tours and venue rentals.
After crossing Schoenersville Road, the trail heads further north, passing between an active RR line to the left and a sheer rock wall to the right. This cliff is a remnant of the John T. Dyer Quarry, which was abandoned in the 1920's. The crumbling, concrete tarmac located nearby was once the base of the crusher building.
The trail splits into three separate branches immediately north of the quarry. The smooth, asphalt bikeway veers west, heading up Monocacy Hill and linking with Illick's Mill Road at the Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink, while a crushed stone trail crosses the RR tracks and follows the foot of the hill to the trailhead at Illick's Mill. The third route consists of a dirt footpath that follows the west bank of Monocacy Creek through the woods, also coming out at the trailhead.
Sitting across Illick's Mill Road from this trailhead is the 19th century stone grist mill for which the road is named for. Situated immediately off the trail, the mill has been restored and currently houses the Appalachian Mountain Club's Mid-Atlantic Conservation Office.
Also bearing the name of the mill is an adjacent park built in the 1930's by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration. Stone benches in this park still bear the stamp of the WPA, a New Deal program, and the original pavilions and even a couple brick fireplaces remain in use nearly a century later.
However, the most notable features of Illick's Mill Park are the dam at its north end and the ornate suspension bridge that serves as the trail's northern terminus. Originally built so a section of the Monocacy Creek immediately upstream could be used as a natural swimming pool, the dam is now noted for the Asian-style pavilions located on either side and is a popular place to observe waterfowl. The bridge, meanwhile, is noted for both its stone piers and the locks placed on the railings by couples pledging their love to one another.
The trail is also noteworthy for its beauty and serenity, especially north of Union Blvd, though even the urban southern segment offers cool shade and steers clear of major roads and other noisy areas. Nature lovers will appreciate the segments in Illick's Mill and Monocacy parks as well as the boardwalk that passes over the banks of the creek south of Burnside Plantation.
Although I disagree with other reviewers who claim the trail is "outdated" and is inferior to other greenways, it could use some improvements. The trail is little more than a mud and grass track in the vicinity of Burnside Park, while the asphalt surface in Illick's Mill Park has badly deteriorated. The section from Union Blvd. south to the Broad Street Bridge is also little more than a gravel and dirt sidepath and it's actually easier for cyclists to use adjacent Old York Road, a lightly traveled side street. Finally, the lower trail and footpath through Monocacy Park are both poorly marked and cross the RR tracks at steep grades that are also unmarked. Trail users should stop, look and listen at these crossings since the line is still in use.
Nonetheless, these shortcomings are greatly overshadowed by the beauty and history of this splendid trail.
Great trail but it makes you drive with cars going 45mphom some parts
Awesome trail, I tried inline skating and I wouldn’t recommend. It’s definitely possible but not enjoyable. I feel like everything else is doable.
Interesting ride did it on a hybrid not a bad ride . Rode from Tarrytown to the end south a few places to get a bite and drink however did not see any porta John’s . Some old stone houses , walls some views of the Hudson River a must see Untermyer park & garden area .
Such beautiful bike path going next to shore through wood like settings into old army base around island. Very safe scenic and smooth ride our new favorite place to go.
I walk these trails often. It’s one of my happy places.
Living in Middlesex county are and getting into biking it’s good long path and safe. Has lot bumps as other reviews and lots stops with street crossings. Started at Gerard St and made it down just past Keansburg area roughly 14 miles round trip. Hard to keep fast momentum or consistent pace with stops but as a beginner it’s great place to ride safely
We rode the south segment (Freehold to Big Brook Park), 12 miles RT. It was lovely for a leisurely ride. But with many street crossings and twists in the trail, as well as bumps from roots, it’s not great if you are looking to get any consistent speed. Also, we went in Labor Day, so lots of foot traffic and families riding in groups. Nevertheless, we look forward to trying the other segments.
Heads up that ALL e- bikes are now banned in ALL Bergen County parks. Speed limit of 10mph for all (remaining) vehicles. ¿¿ Bummer.
The trail is ~ 20 miles in each direction. A good mix of paved, gravel, dirt — with minor sections that are “single track”’ish.
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