Ironton Rail-Trail

The former Ironton Railroad, which serviced many Iron and Cement companies, has been transformed into a multi-use, safe, historic, year - round recreational resource for local residents and visitors. The Ironton Rail-Trail (IRT) provides a link between the local municipalities of Whitehall Township, Borough of Coplay, and North Whitehall Township and some of their recreational areas (12 parks) in addition to future plans to connect to the D&L Trail.

The Ironton Rail-Trail right-of-way was purchased by Whitehall Township in 1996 from Conrail for the purpose of maintaining its historical significance as well as to provide an open space greenway for local area citizens & visitors to use and enjoy. Volunteer delegates from the 3 municipalities comprise the IRT Oversight Commission who manage and maintain the IRT with support from the municipalities.

The 9.2 mile paved IRT follows the Coplay Creek in a south eastward direction from North Whitehall through the 110 acre natural Whitehall Parkway to where the creek flows under SR 145. Here the IRT turns east toward the historic Saylor Cement Kilns and then south paralleling the Lehigh River. The IRT then turns in a northwesterly direction where it again follows the Coplay Creek under SR 145 to form a unique 5.3 mile paved loop. More than 25 historic landmarks are narrated in a semi-annual Historical Walk. IRT sponsored charity events raise $100,000 annually.