Ironton Rail-Trail Oversight Commission

The Ironton Rail-Trail is the quintessential example of how a former rail corridor can transform a community. This trail has it all for locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for beautiful scenery, safe venues for exercise and access to great parks and historical points of interest, you can't go wrong with this trail. This corridor was originally the home of the Ironton Railroad, which began operating in 1860 with the primary purpose of transporting iron ore from the Ironton mines to the Lehigh Valley Railroad. As the iron ore industry dried up, the railroad continued to serve the local cement mills until it fell into disuse in 1984. The trail consists of a 6-mile loop and 3.5 mile spur.You can pick up the loop at various parks and trailheads, such at Hokendauqua Park in Hokendauqua, Saylor Park in Coplay, or at the trailhead parking area at Chestnut & Ruch Streets in Coplay. The loop features a slight grade around the trailhead parking area on Chestnut Street, but evens out for the rest. This section passes through wooded terrain and runs adjacent to Coplay Creek for a short section before turning north toward the town of Coplay, where it runs past the Thomas Iron Works Property.