A group of area residents spent a couple hours on the Ironton Rail-Trail Saturday, checking out 24 historic sites along the way.

Bob Abbott and Ray Bieak, IRT Commissioners, led the tour, which covered seven miles and lasted three hours.

The contingent included Linda and Keith Pollitt of Coplay, John Trestle of Northampton, Jeff Warren of Whitehall, Brian and Valerie Umstead of Whitehall and Susan Cervin of Seemsville.

Hike participants stopped at the ruins of American Cement Company, learning it was first known as Egypt Mills when it began operations in 1884.

They also visited sites related to the Lehigh Portland and Coplay cement companies and a rail yard office car.

Walkers could see the Biery Train Yards, which are virtually hidden unless you are on the trail, and the former rail bed for the Ironton Railroad. The Thomas Mansion and Carriage House in Hokendauqua, the Thomas Iron Co. Blowing Engine house and the Saylor Cement Comany kilns were also included as were the remains of a trolley bridge.

Usually a narrated trolley tour is scheduled for October.

However, it has been canceled this year due to the reconstruction of the bridge from Hokendauqua to North Catasauqua.