Jim Thorpe, PA

Single Track Sunday
Place: D&L Canal, Jim Thorpe, PA
Ridden: October 2015

Click on video to play

Jim Thorpe is a town in eastern Pennsylvania that has been called the "Switzerland of America" due to the picturesque scenery, mountainous location, and architecture; as well as the "Gateway to the Poconos".  Jim Thorpe was founded as Mauch Chunk, a Native American term for "bear place". The name was changed to Jim Thorpe in honor of one of our nations greatest athletes.

The town's roots lie in the coal mining industry and the need to have a railroad and canal system that could transport coal from eastern Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia area.  As focus turned away from industry, Jim Thorpe became a tourist destination due to the scenic views, charm, and access to outdoor activities.  Many of the railways remained and have become cycling destinations such as the D&L Canal, Switchback/Gravity Railroad, and many surrounding single track trails (see blog post from ride in 2014 for single track trails, click here)

The D&L Canal out of Jim Thorpe runs north for about 26 miles through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Waterfalls (especially at the Glen Onoko parking area), remnants of the Lehigh Canal, and breathtaking views of the the Lehigh River and surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The trail is crushed stone and being that it is an old railbed is flat with a slight grade up one way and down the other.

Our ride to Jim Thorpe consisted of a family outing on the D&L and then into Jim Thorpe to see the sights. Kayakers and trains were watched; stopping for views of the river and fall foliage on the mountains was also part of the outing. A great way to spend a day with family.

- words by Jess
- video by Joël