Monocacy Way

The pleasant Monocacy Way takes walkers and cyclists on an adventure through the fascinating history of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The trail kicks off at Monocacy Creek Park, where you can see the a 19th century grist mill once run by the waters of Monocacy Creek. Today the creek is a popular fishing spot, prized for trout especially. The trail traces the park’s eastern perimeter as it follows the waterway. The Burnside Plantation is a bit past the halfway point. The colonial-era farm is well preserved, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Here stop for a moment to experience “living history”, from the verdant gardens, to the interactive tours and workshops.

The last leg of the trail takes one across picturesque shaded bridges down to downtown Bethlehem. The Colonial Industrial Quarter is round the corner from the trail’s end on W. Union Boulevard. Here as well, history comes alive with demonstrations of the various trades once carried out here by the founders of Bethlehem, members of the Moravian Church.

The trail is canopied for the most part. Be aware that there are a number of road crossings at grade

The trail is canopied for the most part. Be aware that there are a number of road crossings at grade. Pets are permitted, just clean up after them.

Parking and Trail Access

There is parking available at the Monocacy Creek Park (Illick's Mill Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017).

Poorly Designed Trail

July 2023 docjedi

The section that is north of Elizabeth Ave is really nice. It’s well paved and shaded by trees. The path south of Elizabeth Ave is poor. The path has so many different substrates in little area that make no sense and can be hazardous for footing. There is also no pedestrian crossing markings across Elizabeth Ave which is a very busy road. The path is from 2000 and really needs some design changes. The D&L trail is only a few miles away. Take that. Its much nicer.

Nice flat trail close to home

May 2023 ljference

A previous review mentioned a homeless camp but I didn’t see any. You can walk along the creek on a dirt trail from Illick’s mill parking lot and eventually you have to cross the train tracks to pick up the paved trail. On return trip, if you miss the cross-over, just follow paved path to the end and take sidewalk back to car. It’s mostly shaded, passes thru burnside plantation. I’ll enjoy this in the hot summer because of the shade.

lovely scenery, homeless encampment

January 2023 kellyapires

Checked out this trail for the first time recently. We enjoyed the sights and sounds of the trail and the creek was beautiful. We had a limited amount of time before dark, so we only went a little over a mile before turning back. We were surprised to see a sizable, established homeless encampment along the trail. Some unhoused folks can be considered high-risk in regards to safety, but we did not have any issues. We were in a group, so it wasn’t greatly intimidating, however I felt less safe on this trail due to the presence of the encampment.