There are plenty of different ways to experience outdoor adventures in the Pocono Mountains, but you can't go wrong with a classic activity like Pocono biking. Bike and hike trails in the Poconos are the perfect places to spend a day in the fresh air and offer something for everyone, no matter your skill level.
We’ve broken down cycling in the Poconos based on ability, with paths and routes for both beginners and experts to try. Grab your helmet, bring your own bike, and enjoy a fun and free day out on the beautiful winding trails or plan to rent wheels from local outfitters. Get ready to head to area parks and start pedaling!
For Beginner Cyclists
1. For Beginner Cyclists
If you’re still getting the hang of things or biking for the first time, Promised Land State Park offers six and a half miles of paved roads perfect for a smooth and simple ride. Take in the beauty of the park as you spin around Promised Land Lake. Use caution and keep an eye out, as riders do share the road with vehicles.
Insider Tip: Ready to step it up a notch? Promised Land State Park permits mountain biking on designated trails only within Delaware State Forest.
Promised Land State Park - Biking
- 100 Lower Lake Road
- (570) 676-3428
Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails only within Delaware State Forest. Riders share the road on the 6.5-mile paved road around Promised Land Lake, Lower Lake Road and in the park’s six campgrounds. Children age 12 and under…
Delaware State Forest - Biking
- High-Line Road
- (570) 895-4000
Break out your bike! The Delaware State Forest features over 100 miles of trails. Mountain bikes may be used on all roads and most trails in the Delaware State Forest. Natural areas and the Thunder Swamp Trail system are closed to this…
Worried that a day of biking will leave you huffing and puffing? Get a little help from technology with an electric bike rental or purchase from Bronson Ebikes & Trikes, located in Lehighton and offering easy access to the D&L Trail. Each ebike is equipped with a high performance, electric motor that will allow you to go further and faster. Outfitters like Naturfi not only deliver your bike rentals right to your chosen destination, but they can also help find a trail perfectly tailored to your skill level.
Bronson EBikes & Trikes
- 500 A Bridge Street
- (484) 613-0560
The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etrikes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer high performance technology to make you go further and faster. They are a locally-owned retailer located in Weissport, PA offering rentals…
Naturfi
- 139 Snyder Lane
- (570) 269-1949
Naturfi is revving up for biking adventures! Offering bike rentals to so many amazing trails all over the Poconos like the McDate or Switchback. They bring the equipment right to your Pocono adventure site. No need to worry about…
For Moderate Explorers
2. For Moderate Explorers
The Switchback Railroad Trail is one of the most historic trails in Pennsylvania's Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The track was originally cleared for a gravity railroad built for transporting coal. In the 1800s, it was operated as a Victorian tourist attraction and is considered one of the world's first roller coasters. The 18-mile, hard-packed dirt path is now clear of railroad ties and offers adventure for bikers and hikers alike. Trace your way through Mauch Chunk Lake Park and along the outskirts of Jim Thorpe.
Insider Tip: Biking downhill towards Jim Thorpe is the easier way to navigate the trail; taking the grade in reverse is more challenging.
Switchback Railroad Trail - Biking
- PO Box 73
- (570) 325-8255
The Switchback Trail is the most historic among the trails in Pennsylvania's Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It traces the route of the historic Switchback Gravity Railroad Trail, an 18-mile round trip through countryside once called "The…
Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Biking
- 625 Lentz Trail
- (570) 325-3669
Visiting Jim Thorpe? Be sure to bike at Mauch Chunk Lake Park! Biking trails include the Switchback Trail, Shoreline Trail, Fireline Trail and the Woods Trail.
For Adventure Seekers
3. For Adventure Seekers
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor runs throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with roughly 26 miles winding through the Poconos from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. You can take on different sections of the corridor for shorter rides or conquer the whole corridor. One of the most stunning stretches is where the D&L Rail Trail carves its way through scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park. Sign up for a 13-mile or 26-mile trip with Whitewater Rafting Adventures, shuttle service included. Be sure to make your reservation in advance!
D&L Trail - Biking
- 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road
- (610) 923-3548
Discover the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Explore natural heritage and…
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Biking
- 3 Family Camp Road
- (272) 808-6192
The Lehigh Gorge Trail, which follows 26 miles of the D&L Trail, the foundation of the…
Whitewater Rafting Adventures - Biking
- 101 West Adventure Trail Road
- (570) 669-9127
Enjoy a spectacular day as you pedal your way through history. The Rail Trail runs through…
Insider Tip: Pocono Biking and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offer a bike train select dates June through November! Bring your own wheels or book a train ticket that includes a Trek bike rental. Hop aboard in Jim Thorpe and relax during the hour-long journey, then pedal the 26 miles from White Haven back to Jim Thorpe at your own pace. Pocono Biking also offers high-action Big Day Out packages that combine biking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
For Experienced Riders
4. For Experienced Riders
The McDade Recreational Trail runs 32 miles throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. From vertical drops to flat straightaways, this packed gravel path varies in difficulty while runs along the beautiful Delaware River. Bring your own bike or rent one through Edge of the Woods Outfitters.
Insider Tip: Mountain and hybrid bikes are recommended for the more challenging portions of the trail.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Biking
- River Road
- (570) 426-2452
Bike along the Delaware River, past fields and through forests in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Cycling is a popular form of recreation in the park. The McDade Recreational Trail, a packed gravel path, parallels the…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters
- 129 Main Street
- (570) 421-6681
Edge of the Woods Outfitters had the first bike rental program in the area. Rent mountain bikes on the scenic Joseph McDade Trail, located in the National Park and just minutes away from the shop. The most popular biking loop is 10 miles in…
For Mountain Bikers
5. For Mountain Bikers
Ready for an extreme ride? Feel like a BMX pro at Blue Mountain Bike Park. Experience the downhill thrills at Pennsylvania’s highest vertical. Bring your own full suspension bike or rent one on-site to conquer the varied terrain across 30 trails. Once you reach the bottom, a lift service is waiting to take you back to the top, so you can crush the mountain again and again.
Insider Tip: Sorry newbies, all riders must have previous mountain biking experience.
- 1660 Blue Mountain Drive
- (610) 826-7700
All you need are two wheels and a little fearlessness. From beginners to experts, there are bike trails to make everyone happy. Blue Mountain Resort's Bike Park offers 30 trails of lift-serviced…
Pocono Biking FAQ
6. Pocono Biking FAQ
1. Where can I bike in Jim Thorpe, PA?
Where can I bike in Jim Thorpe, PA?
Visitors can cross the Mansion House Bridge from downtown Jim Thorpe into Lehigh Gorge State Park to go biking along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
2. Is there mountain biking in the Poconos?
Is there mountain biking in the Poconos?
Many Pocono trails offer mountain biking, including the McDade Recreational Trail or the Switchback Railroad Trail. Advanced bikers will want to visit Blue Mountain Resort Downhill Mountain Biking.
3. Is the Lehigh Gorge Trail flat?
Is the Lehigh Gorge Trail flat?
There is a 2% uphill grade as you travel north along the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
4. Is the Lehigh Gorge Trail paved?
Is the Lehigh Gorge Trail paved?
The Lehigh Gorge Trail has a crushed gravel surface. Bikes with wide tires are recommended.
Poconos Biking Map
7. Poconos Biking Map
Ready to set off on your cycling adventure? Use the below map to plot out your route in advance or click here for more park map resources.
Grab a Poconos bike rental from local shops including Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers, Bronson Ebikes and Trikes, Edge of the Woods Outfitters, Naturfi, Pocono Biking, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures.
Adventure Center at Whitewater Challengers - Biking
Bring your own bike or rent one for the day. Offering breathtaking views of the river gorge, its…
Bronson EBikes & Trikes
The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etrikes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters
Edge of the Woods Outfitters had the first bike rental program in the area. Rent mountain bikes on…
Naturfi
Naturfi is revving up for biking adventures! Offering bike rentals to so many amazing trails all…
Pocono Biking
Pocono Biking offers a selection of trail options with daily shuttles and rentals from 10 to 36…
Whitewater Rafting Adventures - Biking
Enjoy a spectacular day as you pedal your way through history. The Rail Trail runs through the…
Don't forget to look for events and excursions hosted by local biking outfitters. Take advantage of extra savings with the special offers below, and plan ahead to find places to rest and refuel along the way!
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