Best Walking & Biking Trails Near Upper Macungie
As the weather continues to drop, the colors of the trees start to pop! Walking or biking a trail is one of the best ways to enjoy the cool air and bright fall colors. There are 5 easy walking and biking paths surrounding the Upper Macungie area, all under 30 mins away.
- D & L Trail (Allentown): 25 min drive
This trail connects Allentown and Bethlehem, which are the two largest cities along the D & L Trail. It is 3.9 miles long with a relatively smooth cut pathway. There have been some improvements completed on it in 2016 to make it safer for everyone to use. It’s mostly gravel, making it excellent for walking and biking. There is ample parking at both the Allentown Lehigh Canal Park Trailhead and the Bethlehem Sand Island Trailhead. Both trailheads are located next to major water trails as well.
- Saucon Rail Trail: 20 mins drive
Before becoming a walking trail, the beautiful stretch of land was once the North Pennsylvania Railroad (N.P.R.R.). It connects four surrounding municipalities of Lower Saucon, Upper Saucon, Hellertown, and Coopersburg. The railroad was operational from 1857 all the way til 1981. Over the years, the railroad changed hands, and held the name of the Reading Railroad for a time, which is immortalized in the board game Monopoly. Now, it is a 5 mile walking trail with easy to see trail markers along the way. The first phase of the trail was completed in 2011, and more walking paths are planned for the future.
- Ironton Rail Trail: 20 min drive
This historic trail connects Whitehall Township, the Borough of Coplay, and North Whitehall Township. There are 23 historic sites to see along the trail. It is 9.2 miles long, and 7.8 miles of it is paved. You’ll see one of the first cement factories in the country, which helped spur the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. You’ll also see the Block Telephone, which is a cement telephone booth located along the railway. This was state of the art technology at the turn of the 20th century, allowing for faster communication.
- South Bethlehem Greenway Trail: 25 min drive
This walking or bike route is a bit shorter than the rest, at 1.7 miles. It’s completely paved and has plenty of wildlife and beautiful views. It was once the Norfolk Southern rail line that ran through southern Bethlehem. Along this path, you’ll pass the old Bethlehem Steel Corporation site with steel stack tower over the buildings.
- D & L/Asher F. Boyer Trail (Northhampton): 25 min drive
The Asher F. Boyer Trail is boasted as one of the best trails in Pennsylvania. It is a 10 mile stretch with a gravel surface great for biking and walking. It’s heavily sheltered with plenty of trees, making for gorgeous scenery. It connects Slatington to Northampton with views of the Lehigh River. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Make sure to pack some water and a light snack with you because those miles can catch up with you quicker than you think! Always walk with a partner, and have a charged cell phone with you in case of emergencies. Discovering the history behind these trails will give you a whole new appreciation for your home!