The Bushkill Township Trail is a 2-mile ADA-compliant gravel trail running north out of Jacobsburg State Park and Environmental Education Center along the old railbed of the Slate Belt Trolley and along the main stem of Sobers Run, an Exceptional Value stream with a beautiful wooded corridor. Most of the land along the trail has been preserved (private, no access) through the Township’s Open Space Program, with assistance from funding partners such as Northampton County and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Future plans will connect this trail to the nearby Ballas Park, a Township passive recreation park, as well as to the Appalachian Trail and potentially with planned trails in Plainfield Township, Wind Gap Borough, and Pen Argyl Borough.
There are existing parking areas at the northern and southern ends of the currently open 2.0-mile section of the Bushkill Township Trail.
The northern parking area/trailhead (40 49’ 36.54”N, -75 18’ 51.47”W) is located along Route 512 approximately 1 mile south of Wind Gap, with eleven (11) regular and three (3) ADA-compliant parking spots.
The southern parking lot is part of Jacobsburg State Park and is located along Belfast Road (40 47’ 53.87”N, -75 18’ 35.51”W) with ten total parking spaces (regular and ADA-compliant).
There are limited picnic tables and benches along the trail, as well as a dog waste bag dispenser near the northern parking area.
Future plans will connect this trail to the nearby Ballas Park, a Township passive recreation park, as well as to the Appalachian Trail (proposed 0.8-mile footpath) and potentially with planned trails in Plainfield Township, Wind Gap Borough, and Pen Argyl Borough (proposed 3.5 miles of multi-use trail(s)).
No public restrooms available
The Bushkill Township Trail connects directly into Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center trail network. The trail runs along the old railbed of the Slate Belt Trolley and along the main stem of Sobers Run, an Exceptional Value stream with a beautiful wooded corridor. Most of the land along the trail has been preserved (private, no access) through the Township’s Open Space Program, with assistance from funding partners such as Northampton County and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Because parks belong to the people, we all need to work together to conserve park resources and protect the park legacy for future generations.
- The trail and parking area are open dawn to dusk, year-round.
- Dogs must be controlled and attended at all times and on leashes not extending more than six (6) feet in length. Aggressive and uncontrollable dogs are not allowed on the trail.
- Droppings from dogs shall be taken with the owner and properly disposed of at a location away from the trail (i.e. in a proper receptacle). Droppings from dogs contain nutrients and pathogens which are harmful to sensitive natural features located along the trail.
- No horses are permitted on the trail due to sensitive environmental features found all along the trail, including wetlands and vernal ponds which harbor rare, threatened, and endangered species.
- Runners or bicycles are to alert anyone they pass by, saying "on your left," with all passing to occur on the left.
- Parking areas are designated on trail maps. There is no parking in any other areas (including anywhere on Kromer Road).
- Please stay on the trail, and do not litter. Whatever you bring into the trail/park, PLEASE take with you when you leave.
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail, with exception of motorized wheelchairs and police patrol vehicles.
- Be cautious of other users, such as mountain bikers or cross country skiers. Be courteous at all times.
- Most properties along the trail are privately owned. Please be respectful of their privacy.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Do your part to keep wildlife wild. Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed or approach wild animals. Remember you are the visitor in their home.
- Soliciting and posting signs is not permitted along the trail, except by approved Township permit.
- Camping and campfires are strictly prohibited along the trail.
- Hunting is not permitted along the trail.
- Anyone in violation of these rules and regulations will be prosecuted.
In order to maintain the recreational and educational qualities of the trail for all types of activities, users must not only follow the rules and regulations set up to protect the land, but also practice proper trail etiquette.
