D & L Trail - Lehigh Gorge State Park Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:

This trail cuts through 4,500 acres of dramatic river gorge parkland along the Lehigh River on a former canal and railroad route.
Board a shuttle in Jim Thorpe to cycle from the northern point in White Haven back to Jim Thorpe. For a shorter, 15-mile experience, pick up the trail in Rockport. The entire route features river views on one side and waterfalls scattered on the steep rock face on the other. Although there is no obvious grade, cyclists have to pedal the entire way. During the last five miles, an active railroad line runs above the trail. The trail officially ends in a parking lot about 1.5 miles north of Jim Thorpe. The town of Jim Thorpe is full of charming shops, and has outdoor outfitters that offer bike rentals and shuttles to the surrounding trails. Two other area rail-trails are the Lehigh Canal North and the Switchback Railroad Trail.
Lehigh Gorge State Park offers whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, and cross country skiing.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To northern trailhead in White Haven: Take exit 273 from I-80 into White Haven Borough. Follow 940 east to the White Haven Shopping Center. Go through the shopping center parking lot and bear left to the state park access area.
To the southern trailhead just outside Jim Thorpe: from I-476 Take Exit 74 to 209 South. Follow 209 out of Jim Thorpe to 903 north and cross over the Lehigh River to Coalport road. Turn off of Colaport to Glen Onoko. Interestingly, 209 South actually runs north into Jim Thorpe, so don't be confused by that.
To the Rockport trailhead: This is an access point 15 miles north of Jim Thorpe. From Jim Thorpe, take 209 S to PA 93 north. Continue to Lehigh Gorge Drive into the village or Rockport. Turn on SR4014 to access the parking lot for this trailhead.
This entire 26 mile trail is wheelchair accessible.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
A wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs are offered April to November. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and campfire programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.
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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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Does not get any better!
By dhoerl on August 23, 2010
The trail from White Haven to Jim Thorpe is in excellent condition - well packed and very find gravel - wide and level. You should be able to ride this with even skinny road tires. Then, the views - again, it doesn't get much better - the river, occasional water falls, forest, and the gorge.

Absolutely no technical challenge - just a nice ride with great views. I took a shuttle to White Haven, and Steve our driver said that in the fall the color is unbelievable. I'll be back then!
Did the 10 miles north of White Haven
By dhoerl on August 23, 2010
The northern section starts of bad, and just gets worse. While pretty, the trail itself beings with enough loose ballast that you cannot do more than 7-8 MPH. Once past Moosehead Lake (about 5 miles), the trail has been covered with loose ballast I assume to prevent erosion. Its nearly impossible to ride on, and my speed was around 5 MPH at best.

Byt the time I got to Glen Summit (the end of the trail) I was exhausted, and chose to ride back on RTE 437 (quite hilly - in hind sight taking Tunnel Rd would probably have been a better bet).
Lehigh Gorge Trail 6/7/10
By youker on June 07, 2010
On Saturday June 5 they opened 3 new miles of the trail that now allows you to bike right into and out of downtown Jim Thorpe instead of having to drive up 3 miles to Glen Onoko. We stayed a few steps from the new trail section right in Jim Thorpe at the Inn which has a room for storing bicycles. My wife shuttled me up to Rockport and I biked the 15 miles right back to the Inn. The Mountain Laurel were in spectacular bloom and it is a wonderful trail and Jim Thorpe is a most interesting town. Youker
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This was the view from the top of Switchback Trail. Beautiful and peaceful. Well worth the effort!
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Jim Thorpe to White Haven
Counties: Carbon, Luzerne
Trail Length: 26 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016997

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