While the start of spring usually means looking forward to new beginnings, one group of area residents took it as a chance to look back in time. About a dozen area residents participated in the spring historical walk along the Ironton Rail Trail March 21.

Organized by Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Commission volunteers, the walk gave participants a chance to explore not just the trail, but also the history of the Ironton Railroad, local industries and even some colonial-era history.

“We can learn a lot from history,” IRT volunteer Ray Bieak told the group. “We can better the world, rather than repeating our faults. Also, we have all of these good things in the Lehigh Valley and trails like this. This is a fantastic place.”

Bieak took people on a journey through time. Starting on the west side of MacArthur Road, he recounted how American founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin traveled up a grassy path that once served as the Allentown Pike and helped settlers establish forts like Fort Deshler, which once stood near what is now the intersection of Route 145 and Chestnut Street.

Along the trail, Bieak detailed the development of the Ironton Railroad and how it first served the Thomas Iron Company on the Lehigh River in Hokendauqua. Walking through a meadow known as the Biery Yards, Bieak outlined how the Ironton Railroad connected the site to other railroads in the area. Elsewhere along the trail, he spoke about the history of old train cars and other structures connected to the railroad.

Moving through Coplay, Bieak discussed the Ironton Railroad’s later use by the area’s cement industry, stopping at the Saylor Kilns and ruins of the old American Cement Company. He also explained how the region’s natural resources made it a prime area for the cement and iron industries during that time period.

Beyond the industrial history, Bieak also detailed how communities around the trail such as Stiles, Coplay, Hokendauqua and Darktown grew up around those industries and pointed out homes of prominent people of the time who lived near the railroad and contributed to those industries.

The walk provided an opportunity to dive into greater detail about the industries that have provided the communities with their identities.

“This was a great time today,” said George Pierce, of North Catasauqua. “We’ve lived in a few different places, and I like to learn about the areas where I live, which I had the chance to do on this walk.”

Not only did Bieak talk about the region’s history, he also provided a history and greater understanding of the Ironton Rail Trail itself.

The 9.2-mile trail, which links the communities of North Whitehall Township, Whitehall Township and Coplay Borough with a 5.2-mile loop and 4-mile spur, sees around 250,000 visitors each year, accommodating trail users of all ages and physical abilities thanks to its Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant grade and multiple handicap-accessible access points.

The trail serves as a tremendous resource for the public to enjoy nature, learn and exercise, Bieak said.

“I had a heart condition and had a serious operation,” Bieak said. “The doctor said to get out there and start biking and walking, and a friend got me involved with the trail. I’m out here and I’m healthy.”

Another historical walk will take place in the fall, Bieak said.

“I’m an extrovert,” Bieak said. “I just love it. I biked those ruins in Northampton and Catasauqua. I biked the Ironton Railroad when I was a kid, and now I’m able to learn more history about it. I just love it (leading these walks).”

Plans exist to improve the trail and link it with other trails and corridors, Bieak said.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Ironton Rail Trail as a volunteer, member or sponsor for a specific trail activity can call 610-437-5524. More information can also be found on the trail website, irontonrailtrail.org.