The Saucon Rail Trail opened along a former SEPTA railbed in 2011, and since then has become a popular recreational resource and attraction in Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, Upper Saucon Township and Coopersburg.
Thousands of visitors each year visit the scenic 5-mile trail to walk, jog, run, bike and even cross-country ski, if weather permits.
Unsurprisingly, he trail’s growing popularity and accessibility has resulted in some growing pains.
Safety–particularly where the trail intersects with public roads–has consistently been a concern among many trail users and motorists.
This fall, a cyclist was struck by a vehicle at the Water Street rail trail crossing in Hellertown, and both pedestrians and cyclists have been involved in accidents at other crossings in the past.
There have also been occasional reports of suspicious behavior and/or criminal mischief along the trail.
Most area residents would no doubt agree that the many benefits of the rail trail in the communities it traverses far outweigh any negative side effects. However, there is always room for improvement.
If you regularly use the rail trail, Saucon Source wants to know what you think could be changed in order to improve it. Please share your ideas by participating in the poll below. You can select more than one answer. If you don’t see any answer that matches your concern, please post a comment on this story.
Facts about the Saucon Rail Trail:
The rail trail is overseen by a multi-municipal commission that includes representatives from all four municipalities in which it is located (public meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Hellertown borough, Lower Saucon Township, Upper Saucon Township and Coopersburg borough municipal buildings on a rotational basis).
Volunteers help maintain the trail throughout the year.
The trail is open daily from dawn til dusk.
For a comprehensive list of trail rules, click here.
Learn more about the trail, its history and future projects–such as a planned connection with the Upper Bucks Rail Trail in Springfield Township–on the rail trail’s website and its Facebook page.
THE RAIL TRAIL HAS MANY LOCAL HISORICAL SITES AND LOCATIONS THAT CAN BE VIEWED ALONG IT.
THE BACKGROUND ABOUT THOSE MANY SITES IS NOT BEING REVEALED/TOLD TO TRAIL TRAVELERS.
A “SEE & TELL” (EDUCATIONAL) HISTORICAL FOCUS SHOULD BE MADE