Switchback Railroad Trail

The Switchback Railroad Trail connects Summit Hill and Jim Thorpe. It consists of two nine-mile trails that are ideal for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Both trails travel down the mountain and end right in the heart of Jim Thorpe. It’s a great place for hiking and biking. The trail runs parallel to the Mauch Chunk Creek and provides easy access for fishing.

Bike rental and shuttle services are available in downtown Jim Thorpe to drop you off at the trailhead in Summit Hill, where you can take the Switchback Trail downhill and back into town.

The Switchback Railroad Trail is one of 1600 rail trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines. This previously unused railroad corridor is now a “rail-trail” used for hiking and biking.

Two 9-mile routes intersect to make up the Switchback that runs between Stoney Lonesome Road in Summit Hill and the town of Jim Thorpe. Start in Summit Hill and bike downhill toward Jim Thorpe. For a shorter ride, pick up the trail from Mauch Chunk Lake Park. Amenities include camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and food and boat concessions.

Take the shuttle to the top and be rewarded with 9 miles of gentle downhill riding, through lovely woodlands, past the lake (a short, steep uphill of perhaps 100 yards there). Some loose gravely stretches, some with large embedded rocks, but nothing a hybrid bike can’t more than handle. Steep asphalt section at the very end dropping into Jim Thorpe. If you aren’t in shape to ride up, this is a great way to get out in the woods for a few hours!

Finally, finish your day at one of Jim Thorpe’s eateries.