Lehigh River Gorge Region

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
Things to Do for the Outdoor Adventurer
Things to Do near Jim Thorpe for Families
Things to Do near Jim Thorpe for Adults & Couples

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway allows guests to take a scenic ride through Lehigh Gorge State Park in the Poconos.

Things to Do 3 months ago

Complete Guide to Lehigh Gorge State Park

7 minute read

Boasting over 6,000 acres of natural beauty and a rich history, Lehigh Gorge State Park is an ideal destination for summer outdoor…

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.

Historic Stone Row

Asa Packer built these 16 row houses for engineers and foremen of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The…

Jim Thorpe Trolley Company

Discover and explore Jim Thorpe aboard an open-air trolley! The Historic Trolley Tour Pass is a…

Old Jail Museum

Do not pass Jim Thorpe, go directly to The Old Jail Museum! Hear the story of the condemned Molly…

Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center

Learn the history of Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe) through video, artifacts, images and more. The…

Dimmick Memorial Library

Cottage styled cross-gabled library located in historic Jim Thorpe designed by T. Rooney Williamson…

Asa Packer Mansion

Take a guided tour of this historic Pocono Mountains mansion. Built in the Victorian Italianate…

No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum

Tour a real coal mine dating back to 1855! Hop in a mine car and take the tracks over 1,600 feet…

Hickory Run State Park & Boulder Field

Boulder field is a true relic of the past. This area is a National Natural Landmark, and State Park…

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.

Bronson EBikes & Trikes

The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etrikes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer…

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…

D&L Trail - Biking

Discover the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Explore natural heritage and see glimpses…

Switchback Railroad Trail - Biking

The Switchback Trail is the most historic among the trails in Pennsylvania's Rails-to-Trails…

Jim Thorpe River Adventures

Thrilling whitewater action awaits! Head out on the Lehigh with Jim Thorpe River Adventures and…

Pocono Whitewater Adventures

Pocono Whitewater offers something fun for everyone! Scenic views, water battles, and more! Visit…

Whitewater Rafting Adventures

A premier adventure center for whitewater rafting, biking, paintball and zip lining. With nearly 40…

Daisy Field Farm

Enjoy a peaceful ride on a private, Pocono Mountains family farm. Daisy Field Farm is a picturesque…

Blue Mountain Resort

A bustling mountain with fun to discover all year round, Blue Mountain Resort is an ideal…

Jack Frost Mountain

Ski up to 20 trails at Jack Frost in the Pocono Mountains! Jack Frost Mountain provides a variety of…

Big Boulder Ski Area

Find seasonal paradise at Jack Frost Big Boulder in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic Pocono…

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.
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 Wine & More on 1st.