Not far from the hustle and bustle of Main Street in Hellertown is a peaceful natural area in a surprising location.
The Thomas Iron Works property–colloquially known as the Cinder Banks–was the site of a major iron-making operation that ended almost a century ago, leaving massive slag piles behind, which today are interlaced with walkable trails.
The slag piles remain, but there is more to look at inside the old iron works property than a lunar landscape. Wildflowers bloom there, butterflies flutter, insects buzz and birds fly high above the trees. Nearby are the Saucon Creek and the Saucon Rail Trail, where more natural beauty abounds.
Paths lead from the northern part of the rail trail into the iron works property, which is in the northwest corner of the borough and a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the changing Pennsylvania seasons.