Why This Pennsylvania Town Deserves More Attention
Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is home to just 4,500 residents, making it easy for visitors to miss. However, this small town is surrounded by a steep river gorge, a historic railway, and 19th-century mansions, making it one of the most diverse in the region when it comes to attractions. It serves as a haven for whitewater rafters eager to paddle through the gorge or history fans wanting to explore an abandoned 19th-century jail. Even its restaurants offer incomparable views of the Poconos. Whatever your interests may be, you can easily craft the perfect itinerary for a trip to Jim Thorpe.
Outdoor Adventures
If you enjoy hiking, biking, or whitewater rafting, Jim Thorpe should be on your travel list in 2025. Lehigh Gorge State Park, which borders Jim Thorpe, is one of the most popular outdoor recreational spots near town. This park, spanning over 6,100 acres, is home to a steep gorge, carved over millions of years by the Lehigh River. The Gorge cuts through the Pocono Plateau for almost 20 miles, resulting in rocky escarpments, steep slopes, and small streams that turn into waterfalls. There is also an abandoned railway that stretches along the river that today provides the perfect path for hikers and bikers. In addition to hiking and biking, whitewater rafting is a popular activity in the park.
There are several nearby agencies for those seeking a guided whitewater rafting excursion. Pocono Whitewater Adventures offers both easier and more challenging whitewater rafting experiences, depending on your comfort level. These trips take place on the Lehigh River, one of the best rafting spots in the tri-state area.
Located on the outskirts of Jim Thorpe, travelers will find Mauch Chunk Lake Park, a county park that is ideal for a more relaxed afternoon. This county park is perfect for an afternoon of biking, with trails like Woods, Switchback, Shoreline, and Fireline, some of which wind around the 2.8-mile-long lake.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
After a day of hiking, biking, or rafting, you might want to slow things down. A ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway lets you continue taking in the scenery aboard a historic train. Some of the railway’s cars date back to 1917, powered by diesel engines that offer a trip into the past. Departing from the heart of Jim Thorpe, this 16-mile round trip winds along the river, through Lehigh Gorge State Park, and into the gorge before reaching the Old Penn Haven junction. The passenger coaches range from a 20th-century standard coach to an open-air car that the railway often uses in the warmer months.
Historic Landmarks
Jim Thorpe was founded in 1954 through the merger of two neighboring boroughs, Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk, both established in the 1850s. The newly formed town was named after Jim Thorpe, the legendary athlete and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the U.S., who is now buried there. While the town of Jim Thorpe itself is relatively new, its roots in Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk provide plenty of history to explore. Travelers interested in architecture will enjoy exploring the town’s mansions, such as the Harry Packer Mansion, a Victorian-era home that dates back to 1874. Inside, visitors can admire marble fireplaces, 15-foot ceilings, and gilded mirrors. On the outside, its fascinating facade even inspired Disney World's “Haunted Mansion”.
The Old Mauch Chunk Landing, built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is another historic landmark worth visiting. Once a key part of Pennsylvania’s railway system, it now serves as the visitor center, so make sure to stop in for helpful information. Travelers also have the opportunity to see what life was like as a Pennsylvania prisoner in the 19th and 20th centuries. At the Old Jail Museum, visitors can tour a historic 19th-century jail that remained in use until 1995. The museum features reconstructed gallows and a mysterious handprint on the wall, left by a prisoner who claimed his innocence.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Whether you prefer a restaurant with mountain views or one set in a historic landmark, dining in Jim Thorpe completes the cultural experience. At the Marion Hose Bar, for example, visitors can dine in a renovated firehouse dating back to 1885. The food is just as impressive as the setting, with dishes like Irish stout stew, Marion’s mac n’ cheese, French dip sandwiches, and Firehouse chili. For unbeatable views of the Poconos, drive out to Roadies Restaurant and Bar, which offers a diverse menu and panoramic views from both its outdoor deck and indoor dining room. If you are looking to try locally brewed drafts, be sure to stop by Bright Path Brewing, a family-owned, multigenerational brewery. Here, travelers can enjoy a selection of more than 10 in-house beers in the friendly, rustic-style taproom.
Final Thoughts
It is no new conundrum that small towns are often overshadowed by their larger neighbors. However, Jim Thorpe is a perfect example of a town that has used its tight-knit community to preserve its railroads, rivers, and historic homes, creating a fascinating destination like no other. Even if hiking or biking isn't your thing, you can still explore nature through attractions like the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, allowing every traveler to appreciate eastern Pennsylvania's beauty. So, if you are still in search of travel plans for 2025, rest assured that Jim Thorpe offers the adventure you are seeking.
