Information
Landmark: Saucon Rail TrailCity: Bethlehem
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Saucon Rail Trail, Bethlehem, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
The Saucon Rail Trail winds for about 7.5 miles through Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, offering a smooth, well-kept path where you might catch the scent of fresh pine as you walk, run, or bike.It starts in the borough of Hellertown, Northampton County, then heads south until it reaches Coopersburg in Lehigh County.Once a busy route for the North Pennsylvania Railroad, the corridor now serves as a scenic trail, weaving into a growing web of rail‑trails that invite fresh air, weekend hikes, and car‑free commutes.The trail winds gently along Saucon Creek, its calm water glinting in the sun, then meanders through a blend of quiet woods and tidy suburban streets, easy enough for walkers of any age or fitness.Around you, tall trees cast cool shade, and the air carries the quiet hush of the forest.Wide-open meadows and rolling farmland stretch out before you, with sweeping views and bursts of wildflowers that change with the season.Along Saucon Creek, the waterfront offers quiet nooks where you can sit on a sun-warmed bench and watch herons drift across the water.You’ll find striking sights here, from the rugged Allentown Formation outcrop to the layered rocks along Landis Mill Road-spots that draw geology fans eager to study their shapes and textures.With its mix of shaded woods and open fields, the Saucon Rail Trail offers a calm retreat for easy strolls and an energizing track for runners and cyclists.The Saucon Rail Trail welcomes all kinds of activity-walkers, hikers, runners, cyclists, even cross-country skiers gliding through fresh winter snow-and leashed dogs are always part of the scene.Its smooth pavement and easy grades make it wheelchair-friendly, opening the path to anyone using mobility aids.The trail stays open all year, so you can lace up your boots and head out whenever you want, even when frost crunches underfoot.Eight official trailheads line the route, each with its own parking lot-pull in, lace up your shoes, and you can start or finish your trek wherever it suits you.One key spot is Hellertown Borough’s Water Street Park at 90 W., where the path runs past shaded benches and a quiet stretch of river.Grist Mill Park on Water Street, at 99 West.Walnut Street in Lower Saucon Township, Reading Drive Trailhead off Bingen Road in Upper Saucon Township, Upper Saucon Township Community Park at 3231 Preston Lane, and Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park’s Landis Street entrance-all welcome visitors, but don’t plan to leave your car overnight, as parking isn’t allowed.Among the latest upgrades, a new pedestrian bridge over Preston Lane in Upper Saucon Township is set to open in early 2025, its steel beams already stretching across the road.The bridge makes the trail safer by removing the need to dash across a busy road, linking the path smoothly between Hellertown and Coopersburg so walkers and cyclists can keep moving without interruption.The Saucon Rail Trail is part of the LINK Trail Network, a regional effort linking more than 125 miles of paths across the Lehigh Valley, opening the door to longer bike rides, scenic walks, and wide-open outdoor adventures.Along the trail and near the entrances, you’ll spot benches and picnic tables-perfect for a quick rest or to savor the smell of pine in the air.Signs that tell the story of the area’s history, geology, and wildlife-like a weathered board describing how the river carved the valley.Close by, Grist Mill Park and Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park invite you to enjoy more ways to get outside, from quiet shaded trails to open fields for a quick game of catch.It’s just a short walk to downtown Hellertown, where you can browse quirky shops, sip coffee at a cozy café, and check out local sights.safeStick to the right, pass on the left, and give a quick “on your left” as you go by.Cyclists should wear helmets, especially when the wind’s whipping past at full speed.For safety, the trail’s open hours match the daylight-you can start when the sun’s up and finish before it slips behind the trees.The Saucon Rail Trail offers an easy, family‑friendly path that winds along an old rail line, letting you enjoy wildflowers, open fields, and a glimpse of the area’s industrial past.The smooth pavement and easy slopes make it perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, and anyone using a wheelchair.Upgrades like the new Preston Lane pedestrian bridge and its seamless tie-in to the broader LINK Trail Network are drawing more people, turning it into a vibrant greenway and go-to spot for fresh air and open sky in the Lehigh Valley.Whether you’re out for your morning jog, a slow walk beneath the maples, or a weekend ride through rolling fields, the Saucon Rail Trail delivers a peaceful slice of history and nature in one inviting path.
