Jim Thorpe is a town in Carbon County Pennsylvania, it is a very historic town. The history of Jim Thorpe is rooted in Railroad and coal. The growth of Railroads in Pennsylvania can be correlated to the mining or anthracite coal. And that is how the railroads we see as an attraction today grew to be what it is.
Jim Thorpe has done a wonderful job of preserving the trains, at the Lehigh Scenic Gorge Railways visitors can ride in trains dating back to as old as the 18th Century! It is truly a must-have experience. Enjoy Jim Thorpe train rides, explore the scenic railroad through the Jim Thorpe railroad tours available!
Here is a guide to the most famous railroad attractions in Jim Thorpe
Historical Background Of Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe first got its start as a canal center, and later as a railroad center. The early growth of railroad in Pennsylvania can be correlated with the mining of anthracite coal. Coal operators were faced with the issue of transporting tons of coal across the mines to the canals, and in 1827 finally a gravity railroad was created between Summit Hill and Jim Thorpe.
Jim Thorpe Railroad Station
The Jim Thorpe Railroad Station, also known as the Mauch Chunk station, was a Lehigh Valley railroad station in Jim Thorpe. The station building was situated on the east side of the Lehigh River. In 1860 the station was expanded. The station is one of a kind, and with historical significance in the region. The building features semicircular door arches with many panels. The Mauch Chunk Station is a symbolic fragment of Victorian architecture in Jim Thorpe.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
All aboard! The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is the topmost railroad attraction in Jim Thorpe, enjoy beautiful scenic train rides in vintage coaches. The railroad uses passenger coaches built as early as 1917, the railroad uses both diesel operated and steam locomotives, although the steam locomotives are used only occasionally. Regular trains operate all year long into the gorgeous Lehigh Gorge State Park. The train ride is 70-minutes long, stretches for 16 miles round trip, it follows the magnificent Lehigh River, offering serene views! The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways offers the best, most authentic Jim Thorpe railroad rides.
Local Tips and Recommendations for Railroad Trips
Railroad in Jim Thorpe is one of its biggest attractions. While in Jim Thorpe you can visit the historic train stations, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways, where you will find the same trains from the 18th century, preserved so that visitors can enjoy the scenic train rides through Jim Thorpe.
Tips to best enjoy your railroad ventures in Jim Thorpe!
- Try and visit the historic Jim Thorpe railroad stations, not just the Lehigh Gorge Scenic railway.
- If you are planning on visiting Jim Thorpe from Pennsylvania, don’t drive! Enjoy a scenic train ride from Tamaqua, Pennsylvania into Jim Thorpe. If you are a fan of the rails this is a must have experience!
- The best time to experience the Jim Thorpe train tours is during foliage season, the train rides are super gorgeous, you can enjoy the lovely fall weather while seated in a vintage coach.
- The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways host special events and even deck out the trains in holiday decorations during the holiday season, and it is a sight for sore eyes! Enjoy the Jim Thorpe train tours that they have to offer with your family and friends. So if you are planning for a trip to Jim Thorpe during the holiday season, don’t forget to check out the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway!
Where to Stay in Jim Thorpe
If you want to explore all of the railroad attractions in Jim Thorpe, the smartest thing to do is to stay in Jim Thorpe. That is where HolidayKeepers comes in, stay locally in some of the stunning vacation homes we offer in Jim Thorpe.
Wrap Up:
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Jim Thorpe now and enjoy the scenic railroads Jim Thorpe has to offer!
Explore the railroads and learn more about your holiday destination and its history. The scenic train rides and architecture in the train stations are something that must be experienced firsthand!
Contact HolidayKeepers now and begin planning your stay in Jim Thorpe!
FAQs
Q: Can you ride in a steam train in Jim Thorpe, PA?
A: The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways do use steam locomotives from time to time.
Q: Which is the best train ride, Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania?
A: The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railways offers a 16-mile round trip excursion, which is known to be very scenic.
Q: How to travel from New York to Jim Thorpe?
A: There are buses from New York to Jim Thorpe, there is also the option to drive, the drive is just 2.5 hours long.
