11-4-14 12:00 noon | Hike
Bethlehem Through the CenturiesExplore Bethlehem on foot.
From the Illick's Mill Park parking area, we will follow Monocacy Way (a footpath paralleling the Monacacy Creek) past the 18th century Burnside Plantation to the remains of the 18th century Moravian Industrial Quarter. Heading south on city streets, we will pass the restored train station and the Ice House on Sand Island and then hop on the eastbound Lehigh Canal towpath (in use 1828-1932) and pass a lock. Across the Lehigh River, we will glimpse the ruins of a 20th century industry - Bethlehem Steel. At the Minsi Trail Bridge, we will leave the towpath and cross the Lehigh River, looking down onto a 21st century industry - the Sands Casino. Next we will use the South Bethlehem Greenway (a rail road transformed into a pedestrian path) to head west to the Fahy Bridge to recross the Lehigh River. We will walk around the 20th century Bethlehem's Civic Center with it's Sculpture and Zen Gardens, walk past the old 18th and 19th century Moravian Buildings and then return to Monocacy Way to return to our cars. Bring snacks and water. Steady rain cancels. No dogs.
Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Meeting place: Meet at the Illicks Mill Park parking area just west of the Monocacy Creek. From US 22, take Schoenersville Rd. south past the hospital and the Westgate Mall. At the Northwest Little League athletic fields, turn left onto Illicks Mill Rd and follow it past the golf course and ice rink to the Park lot on your right. If you cross the Monocacy Creek, you missed the lot.
Posted on
meetup.com? YES
Leader: Barbara Wiemann 610-262-6977 blwiemann@gmail.com
