A couple of years ago we were planning a trip out to the the Bethlehem area and I researched that area. Unfortunately, the trip never materialized due to a last might illness, but my fascination for the area continues.
TRP magazine has a column written in each issue about railroading in that region. The author is Mike Bednar and it is a wonderful look back at railroading in that region in the 1960's-1980's. The current issue's article is on Conrail's Early Years.
Bednar's historical look at the Leighton area, with the LV and CNJ activity really is intriguing.
Paul, thanks for the photos, makes me want to take a road trip.
Ed
....Very nice scenic photos on the RR Trail. The active railroad in the one photo with it crossing a bridge, right side of photo....has no protective rails inside the normal rails....Seems strange. Thought most RR track on bridges had those rails inside, for protection in case of a derail. Bridge is on a curve too....
Quentin
Looks like some nice photo locations in the heart of the gorge, accessible only by trail. Places like that are what helped me tolerate nearly 8 years of living in the Northeast after having lived in southern California and the Pacific Northwest. About 20 years ago, a group called the Anthracite Roads Historical Society or some such published a softcover, horizontal format picture book on Lehigh Gorge. Quite a few of the shots were taken from high vantage points that were apparently hiked to, no road access whatsoever. I never got to explore the gorge to the extent I would have liked.
I have vague memories of spending a little time along the Lehigh River close to 20 years ago, including a spot where there was a bridge right next to a tunnel (line was abandoned through there). Also saw a cut where the Lehigh & New England once traveled, much higher than adjacent roads. At the time (it was about this time of year) all rivers in eastern Pennsylvania were flowing fast and furious. Our family almost didn't make it to Shavertown (we did, though, and scored a cancellation from their Post Office to prove it).
Anyway, I doubt that this trail was there then, Paul--does it traverse any of the territory I was describing? Should I bring my bike when we make the inevitable trip to all of these neat places?
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
You've been getting around!
What's on tap this weekend?
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Just a few photos of the above - more description, narrative, and links, etc. later.
- Paul North.
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