Explore the Steel Making Process at the Hoover Mason Trestle!

Perched above the ground on the former site of Bethlehem Steel, the Hoover‑Mason Trestle is a striking blend of industrial history and modern public space. This elevated walkway once used to transport iron, limestone, and coke to the blast furnaces. Today, it’s a unique urban park where visitors can explore steel relics and learn the history of America’s steel industry.

---

Address: 789 E 1st St, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Category: Outdoor Trail

Duration: 30mins – 1 Hour

---

Location

The trestle is located on the grounds of the SteelStacks campus and is open daily starting at 9am. An elevator is located at the western end making this rail trail handicapped accessible. Bikes and pets are prohibited on the trail due to the limited area. Free parking lots are available at both ends of the structure. The trestle is closed during inclement weather or if there is snow on the ground.

History

The Bethlehem Steel Corporation dates roots dating back to the 1840s as the Bethlehem Iron Works. The trestle itself dates back to 1907. Its main purpose was to transport raw materials to the blast furnaces using electric trolley cars. 

Its location along the Lehigh river meant the plant was well equipped to receive and exchange goods. Anthracite coal mined in northeastern Pa would be brought via canal or rail to the Bethlehem Plant. In turn, the plants location to ports in New York City and Philadelphia provided a way to transport their products. 

During World War II, Bethlehem Steel would go on to produce a ship a day in 1943 and employ several thousand woman to support the war effort. With all plants devoted to the war effort, Bethlehem steel became the largest single supplier for the Allied Forces. 

Outside of war time, the Bethlehem steel company provided steel for many iconic structures including the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Hoover Dam, Panama Canal, Madison Square Garden and so many more! You’ve probably been in a structure or driven over a bridge built using Bethlehem Steel. This is why Bethlehem steel is often referred to as “the steel that built America!”

The plant last made steel in 1995 leaving their flagship plant abandoned. It wouldn’t be until the late 2000s when redevelopment of the site would begin to turn it into an arts and entertainment venue. The trestle opened to the public in 2015 as a way to teach the history of the Bethlehem Steel and serve as a greenway project for the area. 

The trestle is not only a story about how steel is made, but about immigration and the stories of the people who came to Bethlehem for a new life. Bethlehem served as a stop along rail lines departing Ellis Island. Toxic gasses, hot metal, and loud machinery made for a treacherous job. 

Fun Fact: The opening of the 2009 movie Transformers 2 was filmed here! Chinese letters can still be seen on some of the old industrial buildings.

---

Exploring the Trestle

It is best to start at the western end of the path and move east as the signs are in chronological order.

The trestle offers views of the blast furnaces as well as views of South Side Bethlehem. Situated below the trestle is the Levitt Pavilion stage as well as a local PBS studio stage. The ArtsQuest building is home to a small cinema and a concert venue inside. At the base of the west end of the trestle near the elevator sits the Bethlehem Visitor Center.

Many informational signs are found along the path, along with native species of plants. Although the path is roughly 2000 feet long, it offers breathtaking views and fascinating details about the steel making process and the Bethlehem Steel Company.

The eastern end of the path ends at a parking lot near the Wind Creek Hotel. Unfortunately, this side of the trestle does not have an elevator to access the parking lot.

---

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to share the article and checkout these nearby places that you may enjoy!

© All Rights Reserved