Northampton: Trails, Nature and Regional History

Ridges, rivers, forests and farmland shape Northampton County’s system of parks, trails and open spaces. It includes 24 county-owned parks, trails and conservation areas. Those who want to discover Northampton through its landscapes will find plenty of ways to get started—from a short loop on a boardwalk to trails connected with historic sites.

Trails, Water and Open Landscapes

Louise W. Moore Park has walking and hiking trails with exercise stations along the way. Another trail is designated for cross-country skiing and horseback riding. At Bear Swamp Park, an approximately 0.8-kilometer loop boardwalk leads through the wetland. The park covers 251 acres of forests, wetlands and waterways connected to East Fork Martin’s Creek. In addition to the natural area, the archery facilities include a target range, the Hunt Course and Olympic Field.

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center also connects different types of landscapes: its 1,168 acres include forests, fields and streams. A trail made up of connected loops links Henry’s Woods with the remains of the village of Jacobsburg along State Park Road. The center offers guided outdoor activities, hands-on programs, environmental education and special events for all ages. It’s a way to enjoy the landscape while also learning about the area’s history.

Wy-Hit-Tuk Park provides access to the 60-mile Delaware Canal State Park and also serves as a starting point for the D&L Trail. Wayne A. Grube Memorial Park is connected to the Nor-Bath Trail, which follows the route of the Northampton and Bath Railroad, a branch line that operated for 77 years. Boating at Minsi Lake is limited to non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors. Two launch ramps with accompanying parking areas add to the lake’s amenities, and there is also an accessible fishing pier. Check the latest lake advisories before your trip.

Traces of Regional History

M. Opp Bridge is a stone arch bridge built in 1824 over Fry’s Run. It is designated as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. At Jacobsburg National Historic District, visitors can learn about a colonial arms manufactory: the famous Henry rifle was once made here. You can also encounter history at Archibald Johnson Conservation Area. An unpaved former access road serves as a pedestrian entrance and riverside trail along a stream. Interpretive signs and a bird-watching blind enhance the visitor amenities; historic remains of a spring and pump house are also present. The conservation area lies within Dutch Springs Natural Heritage Area and Monocacy Creek Greenway.

Another historic building is Gray Cottage, built in 1740 and owned by the Moravian Historical Society. It is considered the oldest surviving Moravian building in North America. The Moravian Historical Society offers tours, exhibitions and public events. In Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites cares for eight buildings that either belong to the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site or are considered associated properties, and preserves 20 significant historic sites. Visitors can explore the grounds of Burnside Plantation without a guide; there is also a self-guided Heritage Trail.

Museums and Local Insights

The National Museum of Industrial History is housed in the former Electric Repair Shop on the Bethlehem Steel site. Its exhibitions, interactive hands-on experiences and programs cover the history and present-day impact of industry. The Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum offers another perspective on the region’s industrial history: more than 2,000 donated artifacts tell the story of the impact of the work of more than 5,000 employees at five plants built between 1889 and 1982.

The Sigal Museum is the leading institution for local history in Northampton County. Its significant collections include artifacts from before European settlement, decorative arts and textiles, agricultural equipment and colonial furniture. Interactive exhibitions, self-guided and docent-led tours, special children’s programs and lecture series on local and American history round out its offerings. The museum’s 45-minute Historic Easton Walking Tour covers Lenape roots, colonial beginnings, the Victorian heyday and Easton’s development into a diverse urban community. Check program details and reservation options before your visit.

Market Visits and Trip Planning

Northampton Farmers’ Market offers locally grown foods and specialty products. It takes place under the pavilions in Municipal Park, at 1401 Laubach Avenue in Northampton. Street parking and parking spaces are available near the historic Block House. Check seasonal market information before your trip. When planning, you can choose from a range of focuses: nature and trails, the region’s history, or a visit combining museums and local offerings.

Discover more destinations:Bethlehem, Easton, Wind Gap, Butler, Mckean County, Jefferson County, Montour County, Berks

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.