Forks Township Recreation Trail

Pennsylvania

10 Reviews

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Forks Township Recreation Trail Facts

States: Pennsylvania
Counties: Northampton
Length: 2 miles
Trail end points: Forks Township and Palmer Townships
Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Dirt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6016961

Forks Township Recreation Trail Description

The Forks Township Recreation Trail follows the an old right-of-way of the former Lehigh & New England Railroad. Starting at the trail's midpoint behind the Riverview Country Club in Easton, you'll find a smooth, paved section for 0.5 mile through a quiet, neighborhood. The trail ends at a residential street.

For a more colorful rail-trail experience, continue to where the paved path connects with a hard-packed dirt and grass pathway. This section traverses wooded areas and open fields and runs along a rocky bluff overlooking the Delaware River. The trail ends at a long flight of steep wooden stairs to a parking lot across the street.

Parking and Trail Access

Country Club Access Point:
From Route 33 take 191 East and turn right (south) onto Main street which turns into Sullivan Trail. Take Sullivan Trail South from Stockertown. Cross Uhler and turn left on Newlins Road. Bear Left on W. Newlins Road and turn right on Broadway and pass through a residential community (look for Riverview Country Club sign). Although there is no official trail parking at the country club, there is a cleared asphalt area before the club drive.
To the Steep Staircase Access Point:
Follow the same direction above but turn left and Broadway. Turn right on Fruchey Road - go 1 mile and a parking lot will be on your left immediately beyond the rail road trestle at the intersection of Frutchey Road and 611.
This trail is wheelchair accessible from the county club access point through the residential section only.

Forks Township Recreation Trail Reviews

First Time Walking Here

This trail was perfect for me…I have some arthritis and the trail was accessible to me. I will definitely walk this trail again.

sbf

The Forks Township Trail is one of my favorites in the area. The trail itself is well maintained by the township but unimproved, great for biking or walking. The scenery is wonderful and wildlife is abundant. I saw a humongous buck on one of my recent trips there. Views of the Delaware River are seen at many points.

One trail name, two distinct trails

We started our ride at the parking spot on Broadway Road and headed west on the paved trail under a canopy of trees and through an upscale neighborhood. We quickly reached the western end of the trail and turned around to ride the rest of the trail. After crossing Winchester Drive the trail changed to a poorly maintained single track. The grass was tall and at times made it difficult to see the 2 to 3 inch thick exposed roots crossing the trail. It might be fun on a full suspension mountain bike but not on a rigid frame, no suspension bike, even with 26x1.5 tires. We gave up after just a 1/2 mile, very disappointing trail.

Pleasant for walking

Map is somewhat accurate, but written directions are outdated.

The official trail actually begins on Winchester Dr., just east of its junction with Broadway. Parking is across the street.

The western portion (west of Broadway) as shown on map is not an official part of the trail, and runs through a new residential development, with houses on both sides. There's nothing scenic whatsoever.

The official trail (north of Winchester) is pleasant for walking - nicely shaded. It's not well-suited for biking - a lot of tree roots sticking up make for a bumpy ride.

The stairway entrance at the northern tip is no longer accessible - it was apparently washed out in storms. While you can still park in the lot on Frutchey Hill Rd, you would have to walk a bit up Frutchey and access the trail via the first gravel driveway on the left (as seen on the map).

Accordion

A great trail to walk or jog. Its in my back yard so I am on it almost daily. If your lucky in the spring you might get to see a Bald Eagle nest in the top of a large Sycamore.

very nice

We just moved to PA and we are happy to find this beautiful trail. Its very nice walking with your family and dog. We all enjoyed the warm fall colors and the river just down the hill.
You should definitely go and have a nice walk.
Its easy for all ages.

Former L&NE Railroad

The Forks Township Rail Trail is one of my favorite trails to ride my bike and walk on. This is the former Lehigh & New England Railroad's Martins Creek Branch, which was abandoned in 1969. What I really enjoy is that it's kind of like two trails in one, as far as scenery goes. Starting at the southern trailhead off of Broadway and heading northward, the railbed passes through a pastoral setting of open farm fields as it descends towards the Delaware River. After passing the fields, the line enters a rock cut and reaches the river and Route 611, albeit high above them on a ledge. The trail then ends at the railroad bridge over Frutchey Hill Road, with a set of steps leading down to the road. Fall is a good time to visit this trail as great color is seen throughout. There is also a good deal of wildlife to be seen.

Update on Riverview CC access

The info is a bit dated, and I believe the paved parking area near Riverview CC no longer exists since there has been more residential construction in the area. The Frutchey Rd/Rt. 611 trail head has ample parking, and is the more scenic part of the trail in my opinion. It's a quiet, shady trail, well maintained though lightly used. Highly recommended for locals.

Great trail

"It's a great trail, wish more people would use it. It's a great surface to run or walk. "

"Short, shady and scenic"

"The Forks Township Recreation Trail is a tranquil path that offers abundant shade, scenic views of adjacent farmlands, and a glimpse of the Delaware River from mid trail. The trail surface is unimproved, but has the appearances of being maintained on a regular basis.

Currently, only 2.5 miles of the proposed 7-mile long trail are open for public use. Also, horseback riding is now posted as a prohibited use.

Limited off street parking is available at the southern trailhead (Broadway). Ample parking may be located at its northern trailhead (Frutchey Hill Road at Route 611); however a steep climb up a flight of wooden stairs is necessary to reach the trail surface from there.

I would not recommend traveling from afar just to use this trail, but if you’re in the neighborhood it’s worth a visit."

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