SOUTH BETHLEHEM GREENWAY;
BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: August 09, 2024
Length: South Bethlehem Greenway; 2.4 miles
On-road access to the D&L Trail; 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy. Flat paved & stone-dust rail trail.
Directions:
To access the trailhead at S New Street [Western End]; You may access the trail from the D & L Trail; Lehigh Canal South in Bethlehem.
To start from Saucon Park [Southern End]; From I-78 take exit 67 to Route 412 and head right (north). Turn left on Commerce Center Blvd, then left on Millside Dr. Park is on your right. Exit the park and head right on Dearborn Ave, then left to Auburn St to Traveler Ave. Straight ahead will bring you to the trailhead.
The South Bethlehem Greenway is a linear park that follows the former Norfolk Southern rail line, from S New Street Southeast to Saucon Park. The trail passes the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation site, where steel stacks tower over the park's treetops. Future plans call for continuing the trail South, another 0.9 miles, where it will connect into the SAUCON RAIL TRAIL in Saucon Township.
Starting from S New Street; Heading East.
Note; You can access the D & L Trail; Lehigh Canal South on-road from S New St. Travel North on S New St to W 3rd St, cross and turn left. Travel past the ornately decorated bus stop and turn right along the sidewalk up the access ramp for the bridge (look right to spot the old Bethlehem-St Luke's Union Station). Just before you reach the bridge turn left across the double cross-light to reach the sidewalk along Route 378. Head right passing the old Lehigh Valley RR building to your left. Cross over the Hill to Hill Bridge to Bethlehem. Just after crossing the bridge turn left down an old access ramp (closed) to 2nd Ave then left again to Spring St. Turn left and travel down Spring St and underneath the bridge to Main St. Turn right and cross W Lehigh St and the RR tracks (look left to spot the old Freight Station & RR Station) followed by the Canal to reach the D&L Trail after 1.1 miles
The paved South Bethlehem Greenway travels East, through an urban corridor with lights, benches and iron rail fencing. A gazebo and artwork are also located along the trail as well. Several street crossings (name of streets painted on trail) which have been narrowed to slow down traffic. After 0.8 miles the trail travels alongside Daly Ave. Across the street are the huge remnants of the Bethlehem Steel mills. The SANDS CASINO now sits on land which was once part of this complex. The trail passes by the Steel Ave parking lot at 1.2 miles, before passing the Bethlehem Skate Plaza. This is as far as I've checked out. The stone-dust trail travel under 4th St and the Lynn Ave Bridge as it turns South past the rail yards. Just before a bridge over Saucon Creek at 2.1 miles is a Spur Trail on your left.
Note; This Spur Trail travels North, along a boardwalk, to a paved trail past ball fields, bringing you to the Southside Little League parking lot after 0.25 miles.
Cross a wide, grass covered bridge over Saucon Creek and Millside Dr before traveling through an open wooded corridor. Come to the end of the trail, just off Auburn St and Traveler Ave at 2.4 miles.
Note; If you head West, out to and along Auburn St, it will bring you to Saucon Park.
Future plans call for continuing the trail South, another 0.9 miles and connecting to the SAUCON RAIL TRAIL in Saucon Township.
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