Jim Thorpe is a beautiful, historic and charming town in the Poconos. Jim Thorpe is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Although Jim Thorpe is known for its exceptional architecture and its extraordinary passenger rail service, there are plenty of activities one can enjoy for thrill! Its physical features open it up to hiking and biking, the most popular activities! Hike through the marvelous trails of Lehigh Gorge State Park, bike across the many switchback trail in Jim Thorpe and explore the natural beauty of the Poconos! Here is a list of activities you can enjoy either with family and friends or solo!
Outdoor Activities in Jim Thorpe, PA
Jim Thorpe is a breath of fresh air and complete with invigorating outdoor experiences!
Hiking Adventures
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Jim Thorpe, PA, even if you are not huge on fitness a hike is the best way to fully savor the natural beauty of the Poconos.
Local Trails
- D&L Trailhead: The trail traverses through Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. It stretches 37 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the Lehigh River and certain historic parts of the town.
- Switchback Railroad Trail: This trail is unique and different from the others as it combines Jim Thorpe’s two best aspects- history and nature! It has two trails that are optimal for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing as well. Both the trails travel down the mountain into central Jim Thorpe.
Specific Trails
- LeHigh Gorge State Park: You cannot complete a Jim Thorpe hike without hitting the trails of Lehigh Gorge State Park. It is a fabulous place for hiking, keep your eye out for wildlife as you walk the course of the Lehigh river. Pets are welcome at the trails as well!
- Switchback Trail: The switchback trail stretches around Mauch Chunk Lake park, you can also choose to bike on these trails. Just along the switchback there is a cliff section where you can overlook the entire town of Jim Thorpe! Although it is advised that you maintain safety rules and if you are not experienced in hiking do take a guide with you.
Hiking Tours
- Hiking tours are offered by Mountain Man Journeys who put a unique spin on hiking tours, offering “immersive, deep and significant and thoughtful experiences”. They have put a spiritual spin on hiking and their theme is ‘Rediscover your wild side’.
Read more about the best hiking trails in Jim Thorpe.
Water and Rafting Adventures
Jim Thorpe is no stranger to water adventures! Enjoy thrilling activities like water rafting, kayaking and canoeing and fishing.
- Lehigh River Rafting: The Lehigh river is the best for whitewater rafting! The rapids go up to class 3. The perfect time to go rafting is during dam release weekends, which makes the experience all the more thrilling!
- Kayaking and Canoeing: The Lehigh River is also perfect for kayaking and canoeing! Mauch Chunk Lake Park also offers many boat and kayak rentals seasonally.
- Fishing: Mauch Chunk Lake Park is the best place to fish in Jim Thorpe! The park has a fully accessible fishing pier and plenty of areas to launch boats from as well. Fishes you will find in the lake: Catfish, chain pickerel, muskie, large and smallmouth bass, perch, bluegill, crappie, walleye and trout.
Biking and Cycling
Biking is a very common and popular way to explore the beauty of Jim Thorpe. ‘Pocono Biking’ offers a selection of biking trails to choose from as well as shuttle options and even bike rentals.
Bike Trails
- Bear Mountain and Mauch Chunk Fire Tower
- Lehigh Gorge State Park Biking Trail
- Switchback Railroad Trail
- Lehigh Canal Park
Bike Rentals
- Pocono Bike Rental
- Pocono Biking
Scenic Train Rides
Taking a scenic train ride is one of the best things to do near Jim Thorpe, PA. The town is brimming with famous railroad attractions.
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: The perfect family outing! Enjoy the train ride as it transports you back in time to the 19th century with trains dating back all the way to 1917. Special events are hosted every year and even holiday themed trains are scheduled.
Adventure Parks and Ziplining
Bringing more adventurous Jim Thorpe outdoor activities to you with adventure parks and zip lining! Among the many Jim Thorpe town things to do, ziplining and adventure parks are fun filled activities you can enjoy with your friends and family!
Adventure Parks in JT
- Lehigh Valley Grand Prix (Go Karting)
- Steel Force (Amusement Park)
Ziplining
- Pocono TreeVentures
- Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures
The Need For a Staycation in Jim Thorpe
A staycation in Jim Thorpe should no longer be a want, it should be a need! Jim Thorpe is one the best places to spend a weekend of fun and relax along nature all in one place! Jim Thorpe is just a two hour drive away from New York City and an even closer drive from Philadelphia.
Drive down to Jim Thorpe for a weekend of pure fun!
Opt for a vacation home, HolidayKeepers brings you some of the best luxurious vacation home options in Jim Thorpe.
Wrap Up
Gear up! You have a lot of adventures to get to! From White water rafting to scenic train rides at the Lehigh Gorge State Park, your Jim Thorpe adventures await you!
Begin your planning process and Contact HolidayKeepers for an easy and seamless booking process!
FAQs
Q: What are the outdoor activities available in Jim Thorpe?
A: Activities like hiking, biking, fishing are very popular in Jim Thorpe.
Q: Which is the best hiking trail in Jim Thorpe
A: Jim Thorpe has some of the finest hiking trails in Poconos, The D&L Trail is most popular among hikers and bikers.
Q: Is the D&L Trail pet friendly?
A: It is pet friendly, provided that the pet is always on leash and the owner cleans up after them.
