Pennsylvania · United States
Cycling in Jim Thorpe
Best season: April–November
Jim Thorpe — the Victorian railroad town once called Mauch Chunk — is the gateway to the Lehigh Gorge section of the D&L Trail, a crushed-gravel former railbed that drops gently downhill for about 25 miles from White Haven to town, following the Lehigh River past waterfalls, rock cuts, and railroad relics inside Lehigh Gorge State Park. The signature format here is the shuttle-assisted one-way ride: every outfitter in town runs vans to White Haven, Rockport, or the Black Diamond trailhead, so you climb by wheel and descend by pedal.
The town’s lodging is unusually wired into the riding. The historic 1849 Inn at Jim Thorpe is Pocono Biking’s official lodging partner — its two-day overnight bike package pairs 57 miles of D&L riding with shuttles and breakfasts, and the inn keeps a secure bike shed with e-bike charging. A block away, The Y on Broadway advertises its own adventure packages with the same outfitter family. If you’d rather freelance, three rental shops sit within a few blocks of Hazard Square, with all-day bikes from about $30.
Beyond the gorge, the 9-mile Switchback Trail traces the bed of America’s second-oldest railroad from Summit Hill back into town, and the D&L continues south toward Lehighton and the Lehigh Valley for longer days. Grades are gentle railroad grade throughout and hybrid tires are fine on the crushed stone.
The season runs roughly April through November. October is the crunch: fall-foliage weekends are the busiest ride days of the year, and at least one shop makes reservations mandatory then — book bikes, shuttles, and rooms well ahead.
Weather in Jim Thorpe
Live · NWSLoading current conditions…
Typical by month
avg high/low · 1991–2020 normals · LEHIGHTON 1SSW- Jan 36° 19° 3.8"
- Feb 38° 21° 2.9"
- Mar 47° 28° 3.9"
- Apr 61° 38° 3.9"
- May 70° 48° 4.3"
- Jun 78° 57° 5.2"
- Jul 82° 62° 4.7"
- Aug 80° 60° 4.9"
- Sep 73° 53° 5.6"
- Oct 62° 41° 4.7"
- Nov 50° 32° 3.9"
- Dec 40° 24° 4.4"
Bike-friendly hotels
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The Inn at Jim Thorpe
Historic 1849 hotel one block from Pocono Biking's adventure center and named that outfitter's official lodging partner — its 2-day overnight bike package covers 57 D&L miles from $285/person, and the inn has a secure bike shed with e-bike charging.
From $119+/night
Before you book: Confirm 2026 package pricing and whether it's booked via the hotel or Pocono Biking (570-325-3656), plus bike-shed capacity and waiver — call 800-329-2599.
Bike program verified via source (2026-07-12)
The Y on Broadway
19-room boutique hotel and spa in the 1894 former Mauch Chunk YMCA, a short walk to the D&L trailhead; its own site advertises adventure packages with Pocono Whitewater/Pocono Biking, whose lodging page lists the Y for rafting and biking packages.
Before you book: Confirm the biking package's price and contents (rental, shuttle, trail section), bike storage, and whether to book via the hotel or the outfitter — call 570-249-2469.
Bike program verified via source (2026-07-12)
Where to rent or borrow a bike
Blue Mountain Sports
From $29.99/day
In-town shop on Susquehanna St renting all-day bikes for $29.99 + tax with shuttles to the 15- or 25-mile Lehigh Gorge drop-offs ($19.99) and the Switchback Trail ($15.99); reservations recommended year-round and mandatory in October.
Call ahead: Confirm waiver requirement and e-bike availability (none mentioned online) — call 570-325-4421.
Verified via source (2026-07-12)
Pocono Bike Rental (Glen Onoko)
From $29.95/day
Based at the Glen Onoko access point of Lehigh Gorge State Park (April–November, 9–6 daily): sport bikes $29.95 to performance $49.95 and kids' bikes $19.95, with VIP shuttles to White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Summit; rentals must be booked with a shuttle.
Call ahead: Confirm waiver requirement and same-day booking fees — call 570-899-0400.
Verified via source (2026-07-12)
Pocono Biking — Jim Thorpe Adventure Center
From $49/day
The anchor outfitter at 7 Hazard Square with a Trek rental fleet and shuttle trips on the Lehigh Gorge D&L sections — Full Gorge 25 mi, Black Diamond 11 mi, 'Full Monty' 36 mi, and the 9-mi Switchback Trail; $49/day rate is from its 2-day package pricing.
Call ahead: Confirm standalone rental and shuttle rates, e-bike availability, and waiver — call 570-325-3656.
Verified via source (2026-07-12)
Guided bike tours
2-Day Jim Thorpe Overnight Bike Package
Pocono Biking · from $285
Shuttle-supported, self-guided weekend: two nights at the Inn at Jim Thorpe, 57 miles on the D&L (36-mile 'Full Monty' day one, 21-mile Lehigh Gap day two), shuttles and Broadway Grille breakfasts included; from $285/person midweek, bike rental +$49.
Where these are on the map Jim Thorpe
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