The South Bethlehem Greenway follows an old railroad line from Saucon Park through much of historic South Bethlehem for nearly 2.5 miles. The paved trail follows Route 412 for much of its course, and users are encouraged to walk, run, and bike this casual path. Along the way, users are treated with views of the old Bethlehem Steel Factory and steel stack silhouettes. Much of this area has been redeveloped to include shops, restaurants, and local art venues and other points of interest such as the National Museum of Industrial History, ArtsQuest, and Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino. The greenway provides easy access to many of these locations, as well as other trail networks like the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail and D&L Trail.
Future plans will add another 1.2 miles of trail and connect to the Saucon Rail Trail and Borough of Hellertown.
The South Bethlehem Greenway is accessed in the south side downtown via several grade crossings of local streets. Public parking is available on most local streets and also in the South New Street parking garage, 324 S New Street, Bethlehem PA.
At the southern end of the trail access is available via Saucon Park. The trail is entered via Auburn Street. Park at the southern Saucon Park parking lot located by the Saucon Pool and at the intersection of Dearborn Avenue and Auburn Street. Travel east on Auburn Street for approximately 1 ½ blocks to the trailhead.
There are plans to connect the South Bethlehem Greenway to the Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown. There is approximately a 1-mile gap between the two trails, but the City has laid out several options to connect this trail through Saucon Park.
No public restrooms available
The Greenway is located in the heart of Bethlehem’s Southside, in close proximity to many restaurants and bars, galleries, retail shops, cafés, a brewery, and a bike shop. Several businesses are located directly next to the trail.
The Greenway is located about ¼ mile from the Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, Steel Stacks, ArtsQuest, Steel Ice Center, and National Museum of Industrial History. The Southside Arts District is a downtown revitalization initiative working to improve the economic vitality of Bethlehem’s Southside. Many events are held along and nearby the Greenway throughout the year including First Friday, an Artswalk, the annual Chili Festival, theatre events and MusikFest.
Lehigh University’s main campus is located close to the trail along with a satellite campus for Northampton County Community College.
- Park hours: Dawn to dusk
- Dogs and other domestic animals must be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times. Owners shall pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste
- No alcoholic beverages except in specifically designated areas
- No fires or fireworks except in specifically designated areas
- Amplification sound systems, public address systems, & amplified music are prohibited except where authorized by permit
- No loitering
- No vending or peddling
- Motorized vehicles permitted only on paved roads or in designated parking areas
These rules apply to all City of Bethlehem parks.
