Lehighton

Just down the road from Jim Thorpe, the town of Lehighton offers outdoor adventure, restaurants, shops and more.

Located on the banks of the winding Lehigh River along a portion of the peaceful D&L Trail, Lehighton is an excellent base for a trip to the Jim Thorpe and the Lehigh Gorge State Park area. Take advantage of the plentiful free parking to enjoy the fresh mountain air, browse the unique local businesses downtown, attend a family-friendly weekend event and discover the area's history.

About the Town

About the Town:

Known as the “Gateway to Carbon County,” Lehighton first began to grow during the industrial boom of the nineteenth century. Businesses and factories sprang up, and the powerful current of the Lehigh River provided power for silk and lace mills. The railroad arrived in town in the mid-1800s; it was known as the “Route of the Black Diamond” due to its freight, Anthracite coal transported out of nearby Jim Thorpe. Today the town is home to quaint downtown businesses and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Accommodations

Accommodations:

Looking for a place to stay near Jim Thorpe? Lehighton is just a short drive away from the area's attractions and offers welcoming lodgings like Pocono Glamping, The Inn at Birch Wilds, Mahoning Inn, Country Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn Jim Thorpe Area of the Pocono Mts.

Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure:

Once Lehighton was an industrial corridor; now the town is part of the scenic Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. This peaceful path follows the route once taken by the train and canal, and Lehighton is a great starting point to take a hike or bike ride. Rent or buy an e-bike at Bronson EBikes and Trikes in The Hofford Mill to go further and faster during your D&L bike trip. Another business in the Hofford Mill, Keystone Kayaking Academy is a premier whitewater kayak academy and gear partner for those looking for whitewater kayaking instruction.

Located right along the trail, Jim Thorpe River Adventures offers whitewater rafting and tubing excursions, while Lehighton Outdoor Center provides bike rentals. As you paddle, pedal or pace along the Lehighton portion of the D&L, keep an eye out for murals painted by area artist Cruz Maria Gonzalez, who was inspired by the stories of people who travel along the trail.

Beltzville State Park in Lehighton also offers ample opportunities to enjoy a day on the lake or on the trails. Learn more about outdoor adventure in the surrounding area.

Family Fun

Family Fun:

The spacious outdoor amphitheater behind Lehighton Borough Hall was recently refurbished and hosts fun community events like the Annual Rocktoberfest every fall. Nearby in Colonel Jacob Weiss Park, the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market hosts area growers, makers and sellers on select Saturdays. Head to First Street to spend the day enjoying board games and the escape room at Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe. Take the family to Walker's Tree Farm or Yenser's Tree Farm for seasonal festivals celebrating the bounty of the seasons, from sunflowers to pumpkins to Christmas trees! Nearby Archery Addictions offers a wide variety of outdoor adventure gear as well as archery lessons and classes year-round for ages six and up.

The nearby town of Lansford also offers community happenings for all ages hosted by Lansford Alive, as well as exciting tours and an underground look at local history at the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum. Be sure to check out the annual Coal Miner's Heritage Festival which brings the region's past to life with fun activities for the whole family. Learn more about family fun throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Shopping

Shopping:

Make a stop along Route 209 to stroll through Lehighton's downtown district! From board games to antiques, you'll find plenty to fill an afternoon of shopping. Browse the eclectic goods at Within Harmony, or sign up for their holistic wellness services. Perfect for a rainy day with the kids, Country Junction - World's Largest General Store offers goods of all sorts as well as a petting zoo and ice cream parlor. Don't forget to check out their year-round calendar of family-friendly events! Learn more about shopping in the surrounding area.

Dining & Spirits

Dining & Spirits:

Ready to eat? Sample Lehighton restaurants like the Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill, serving up delicious dishes in a vintage 1930s atmosphere. Grab a drink at Pocono Beverage Trail locations like Wine & More on 1st. Planning a wedding, group gathering or meeting? Get in touch with Ateira's on First Catering and Events.

Venture into the small town of Weissport, right across the Lehigh River, to try delicious food from The Gorge Eatery and Chantilly Goods. For a throwback, check out The 80's Bar in nearby Lansford. Learn more about dining in the surrounding area.

Winter Fun

Winter Fun:

Bundle up to enjoy the snowy weather around Lehighton and Jim Thorpe! Beltzville State Park has open fields and nine miles of trails for cross-country skiers to explore. For downhill action including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, head to nearby Blue Mountain Resort, Jack Frost Mountain or Big Boulder Ski Area. Learn more about winter fun throughout the Pocono Mountains.

FAQ & Parking

FAQ & Parking:

  • Lehighton is a roughly seven-minute drive from Jim Thorpe along Route 209. For hikers or bikers along the D&L Trail, the distance is about four and a half miles (one way) between the two towns. Why not park and ride with Bronson EBikes and Trikes? Skip the Jim Thorpe traffic and park at The Hofford Mill in Weissport then enjoy an easy cycle into the historic downtown on an electric bike.

  • Downtown Jim Thorpe offers limited paid public parking, but the lots and street spaces can fill up quickly especially on weekends and during holiday events. If you’re looking for an alternative and are up for a hike or bike ride in the fresh air, consider parking (for free!) in nearby small towns like Lehighton or Weissport. Take some time to enjoy the local events and unique businesses in the Lehighton area, then follow the peaceful D&L Trail along the Lehigh River for four and a half miles to reach downtown Jim Thorpe.

Top