Stretching across 6,107 acres of pristine wilderness from the Francis E. Walter Dam down to historic downtown Jim Thorpe, Lehigh Gorge State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most awe-inspiring outdoor destinations.
Carved over millions of years by the roaring Lehigh River, the park features a deep, 1,000-foot steep-walled canyon, cascading waterfalls, dense hardwood forests, and over 26 miles of multi-use trails along the historic Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) National Heritage Corridor.
“Whether you’re mountain biking along the river, riding Class III whitewater rapids, or watching autumn foliage unfold from a heritage railcar, Lehigh Gorge offers world-class outdoor adventure in the Pocono Mountains.”
The Three Main Park Access Points
Lehigh Gorge State Park spans Carbon and Luzerne counties with three primary public access areas:
- Jim Thorpe Access (South Entrance): Located adjacent to Josiah White Park and the train station in downtown Jim Thorpe. The busiest entrance, serving as the hub for bike rentals, scenic train rides, and southern D&L Trail access.
- Rockport Access (Middle Entrance): Tucked away near Weatherly, PA. A peaceful midpoint entrance ideal for quiet trail walks, birdwatching, and visiting the park’s two most famous accessible waterfalls.
- White Haven Access (North Entrance): Located at the northern boundary off I-80. The starting point for long-distance bike rides down the gorge toward Jim Thorpe.
Biking the D&L Trail & The Bike Train
The centerpiece of the park is the D&L National Heritage Trail, a smooth, crushed-limestone rail-trail following the former route of the Lehigh Valley Railroad along the riverbank.
The Famous “Bike Train” Experience
A favorite adventure for visitors is renting a bicycle in downtown Jim Thorpe, boarding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Bike Train, and riding vintage railcars 15 to 25 miles up the gorge to Rockport or White Haven. From there, riders enjoy a gentle, 100% downhill pedal along the river back to Jim Thorpe.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The Lehigh River cuts directly through the gorge, delivering some of the finest whitewater rafting in the mid-Atlantic:
- Dam Release Weekends: Scheduled water releases from the Francis E. Walter Dam create exciting Class II and Class III rapids through the canyon from May through September.
- Guided Trips: Local outfitters offer family-friendly raft trips, inflatable kayak excursions, and high-adrenaline whitewater runs through the steepest canyon chutes.
Waterfalls, Overlooks & Historic Landmarks
- Buttermilk Falls (Rockport): A stunning 50-foot cascading waterfall located just a short 0.2-mile walk from the Rockport trailhead.
- Luke’s Falls (Rockport): A picturesque 30-foot waterfall tucked in a shady ravine just south of Buttermilk Falls.
- Turn Hole Tunnel: An abandoned 1860s railroad tunnel near Glen Onoko offering historical masonry views and photography opportunities.
- Switchback Gravity Railroad Heritage: Learn about the world’s first roller coaster that once carried coal and tourists down the mountain into Mauch Chunk.
Seasonal Highlights
- Autumn Foliage: In October, the gorge explodes with fiery red, orange, and gold leaves. The park is a major destination during the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.
- Winter Scenery: In February, frozen waterfall ice formations drape the gorge walls, creating a magical backdrop for train excursions during Jim Thorpe WinterFest.
Essential Visitor Tips
- Park Hours & Fees: Open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset. Entrance to the state park is completely free.
- Trail Surface: The D&L Trail is flat and smooth, suitable for hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and strollers.
- Safety & Regulations: Swimming in the Lehigh River inside the gorge is prohibited due to dangerous undertows and swift currents.
- Explore Nearby: Heading south past Jim Thorpe leads along the D&L Trail directly to the peaceful Weissport Canal Park.