Housenick Park Loop

While I’m in Pennsylvania for the next two months, I thought I’d try as many walking trails as I could as I wind through the Keystone state. Trail number two is the Housenick Park Loop.

Located in Bethlehem, the Housenick Park Loop winds through some of the former estate of Bethlehem’s first mayor Archibald Johnston. The land was donated by Janet Archibald Housenick, a great-granddaughter of Mayor Johnston. Another beautiful walking trail in the state, the majority of the trail winds along Monocacy Creek and through the ruins of a privileged life. The remains of the boat house and tennis courts, along with several other buildings and structures remain along the trail to allow a glimpse of how it must have been.

Old carriage path is now part of the trail

The mansion itself remains on the property, however, it’s in no condition to be lived in. If one looks in through the many windows, they can see the sad state the building is in now. The exterior still looks like Mayor Archibald could walk out the door and into a waiting carriage.