The meandering Lehigh River carved out a steep-walled gorge over the course of millions of years, and a bustling town with beautiful mansions for industrialist mining millionaires sprang up along its banks in the 1800s. Originally called Mauch Chunk, a Lenni Lenape word meaning “Mountain of the Sleeping Bear,” the town of Jim Thorpe was renamed in 1954 in honor of the Native American athlete and 1912 Olympic gold medalist.
Today, the area is the perfect destination for historians and recreation seekers alike with its rich past, beautiful architecture, fabulous views, and many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Set off to explore the 6,000 acres of Lehigh Gorge State Park , home to waterfalls and 26 miles of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor , perfect for hiking and biking. Put on your lifejacket and prepare to get wet when you sign up for popular whitewater rafting expeditions with local outfitters.
Unique shopping, dining, wine and spirits, and arts, culture and entertainment await in small towns in the Lehigh River Gorge Region like Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Lansford, and Lake Harmony. When you’re ready to turn in for the evening, enjoy the comfort and charm of lodgings including historic hotels, Victorian bed and breakfasts, and mountain campgrounds.
Things to Do for the History Lover
• Stroll through “Old Mauch Chunk” in Jim Thorpe to enjoy the shops and restaurants along Broadway and Historic Stone Row .
• Hop aboard the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company to see the historic sites in style.
• Explore The Old Jail Museum to learn the lore of the Molly Maguires.
• See a working model of the Switchback Railroad (considered one of the world’s first roller coasters) at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center.
• Browse the book collections and beautiful reading room at the Dimmick Memorial Library.
• Visit the Asa Packer Mansion , home of millionaire philanthropist and founder of the local railroad.
• Take a drive across town to the Jim Thorpe Memorial.
• Dive deeper into the coal heritage of the region and take a tour of the No. 9 Mine and Museum in nearby Lansford.
• Step into an ancient ice age landscape at Hickory Run State Park & Boulder Field.
Things to Do for the Outdoor Adventurer
• Grab bike rentals from Bronson Bikes & Trikes, Pocono Biking, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures and pedal your way along the D&L Trail.
• For more advanced cyclists, tackle the 18-mile round trip on the Switchback Railroad Trail.
• Brave the rapids of the Lehigh River during whitewater rafting excursions with Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Pocono Whitewater Adventures, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures.
• Saddle up at Daisy Field Farm in White Haven for a peaceful horseback riding trip.
• In the winter, strap on skis or snowboard and hit the slopes at local ski resorts like Blue Mountain Resort, Jack Frost Mountain, and Big Boulder Ski Area.
Things to Do near Jim Thorpe for Families
• Let the kids marvel at the creatures at Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary.
• Ride the rails with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway during a classic train excursion.
• Take time to smell the flowers as you wander the fields at Quiet Hills Lavender Farm.
• Stock up on treats from Jenny’s Sweets & More in Lehighton.
• Find a fun board game at Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe or try their escape room!
• Sit down together for a family meal at The Gorge Eatery in Weissport.
• Attend a family-friendly seasonal event in Jim Thorpe or Lehighton.
• Visit Country Junction – World’s Largest General Store and follow the yellow brick road to the petting zoo, ice cream parlor, and much more.
Things to Do near Jim Thorpe for Adults and Couples
Check out a live performance from your favorite artists at Penn’s Peak.
View the exhibits at The Stabin Museum, which showcases environmentally-conscious fine art.
• Sign up for a Murder Mystery Weekend at The Harry Packer Mansion Inn.
• Sample the hand-crafted beer, wine, and spirits produced in the area along the Pocono Beverage Trail at stops like Bright Path Brewing and Wild Elder.
Add Comment