Saucon Rail Trail

A paved portion of Saucon Rail Trail in Upper Saucon Township

Saucon Rail Trail is a converted railroad track of the SEPTA Bethlehem Line that runs through Upper Saucon Township and Lower Saucon Township in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The trail is 7.5 miles long and is mostly flat with few hills. It is open during all seasons. The surface of the trail is covered in gravel and crushed rock with some parts covered in pavement.

The trail is popular for walking, running, and biking, and is wheelchair accessible. It is used for organized events like 5Ks, 10Ks, and races throughout the course of the year. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they remain on leash.

The Saucon Rail Trail starts and ends in two different parks. One endpoint is located in Water Street Park in Hellertown. The other endpoint is located in Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park in Upper Saucon Township. The endpoints of the trail both have parking available with close access to the trail. There are also eight total access points for getting onto the Saucon Rail Trail with only a select few that have parking lots. The trail passes through the Upper Saucon Township Community Park.

The Saucon Rail Trail features a variety of geological formations and wildlife. Portions of the trail are shaded by trees and other portions run along fields. Geological formations line some of the edges on the trail. The Saucon Rail Trail also has bridges that go over streams of water. Some points of interest along the trail include a refurbished railroad sign, Reading Drive Meadow, Allentown Formation Rock Outcrop, Landis Mill Road Rock Formations, and Water Street Park Boulders.

History

19th century

Saucon Rail Trail near Upper Saucon Township Community Park

Saucon Rail Trail was originally part of the North Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroad used to serve the four municipalities, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, and Upper Saucon Township through which the trail currently runs. The railroad supported local industries such as anthracite coal, farming, commuter transportation, iron ore, mail services, dry goods/groceries and grains.

The railroad began construction on July 2, 1855, in Philadelphia.

20th century

On July 26, 1981, SEPTA commuter lines were terminated to Bethlehem after 124 years of service. In 1984, the last Saucon Rail Trail ran.

21st century

In 2008, SEPTA issued a $2 million contract to remove the rails and ties from the railroad. The first phase of the rail trail opened in 2011 between Hellertown and Upper Saucon Township.