Monocacy Park, Bethlehem

Directions:
Take Route 378 North to the Eight Avenue North Exit
Take 8th Avenue past Martin Tower and through the Union Blvd. stoplight
Make a left at the next light on Schoenersville Road
Make a right onto Illick's Mill road at the next stop light
Follow Illick's Mill Road past the municipal golf courses and pulic swimming pool
Make a right into the Monocacy Park lot after crossing the railroad tracks
The nature trail is in the rear of the lot

Notes: The nature trail gets quite overgrown by mid-summer and features an abundance of both stinging nettles and poison ivy. The railroad tracks are a good alternate route, but the line is still active so keep alert for trains. You'll need to take the tracks to reach the falls near the old paint factory. It's a nice spot to paint, but keep an eye out for water snakes. Bug spray is a must, especially on the bog side. You can also see some good sized snapping turtles sunbathing in the bog. Restrooms are available near the picnic area on the other side of Illick's Mill road.

Link: Monocacy Nature Center

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