Biking The Jim Thorpe area has long been known as a hot-spot for mountain biking, largely because there is something here for every ability. From the wide, flat Lehigh Gorge trail with its beautiful scenery to the intermediate-level Broad Mountain loop which overlooks the Gorge, and including the expert terrain of Mauch Chunk Ridge and Mt Pisgah, every rider can have a great time in the woods around here! While there has been some controversy over riding certain state lands, there is still PLENTY of riding to be found within a short distance. Riding right from Mary's Guesthouse, all levels of riders can find trails within minutes. We have packages available with local outfitters, and guided historical rides are available (ask us for details). Here's a listing of some local riding opportunities:

Off-Road Bicycling

Lehigh River Gorge Trail, 5 minutes away (ride to it!) 26 miles White Haven to Jim Thorpe, beginner: 1% grade WH to JT is 'downhill', riding from here is 'uphill' but at 1% it is barely a hill. Very scenic riding, great surface, many stopping areas, photo-ops, etc. We've ridden rail-trails all across America - this is one of the best anywhere! Switchback Trail, 5 minutes away (ride to it!) 4% grade, 9 miles each way with more available, starting point for rides of all levels - stay on it for beginner level. Ride the upper ("back") track for a fun intermediate ride with a great view. Ride the upper then hit Mt Pisgah for some serious expert terrain. Be sure to go with someone who knows the trails!

Luzerne County Rail Trail, 40 minutes away
20 miles White Haven to Avoca, 4% grade, beginner
Under construction - parts open for riding
When this is done, pair it up with the Gorge trail for a 46-miler!

Lehigh Canal Towpath, 10 minutes away
12 miles from Jim Thorpe to Walnutport, some hills, intermediate
mostly easy riding, some nice scenery, parts under construction

Mountain Biking

Broad Mtn- 11 miles mapped trails, plus others unmapped, 10 minutes away. Some nice intermediate on the 'Loop' with scenic overlooks as rewards. Expert trails are technically closed to riding. Mt. Pisgah- 12 miles unmapped trails, 10 minutes away (ride to it!). Start on the Switchback and head up onto Pisgah, then into the StripMine playground, but be sure you go with someone who knows the area. Flagstaff Mtn- 6 miles mapped trails, 10 minutes away (ride to it!). Start on the Switchback, climb Flagstaff Road (barely a road), then hit the Ridge trail for some fun up and down fire-road riding. Out and back is a real nice workout. Take Bob's Option for a technical descent back to Swithchback.

Buzzard's Point- 6 miles mapped trails, 15 minutes away
Drive your bike up, do this nice out-n-back and have another perspective of the Lehigh Gorge from the overlooks. Pretty tough trail!
Summer Mountain- 8 miles mapped trails, 10 minutes away
Newer riding spot for this area - a bunch of different terrain and kinds of trails (single/double/fire) - still exploring these!
Camelback- 10 miles unmapped trails, 40 minutes away
This is a ski slope, but the trails are mostly in a park that surrounds it. Even so, being around the slopes, you can guess that there are a lot of long ups and long downs!
Pohopoco Rec. Area- 14 miles mapped trails
An ATV-style trail system in a state land area. Good for technical practice - can you say 'rocky?' And some nice spots, especially up by the fire tower - the highest spot around.

Road Riding
Several mapped loops available, from 20 to 60 miles each, some major hills!
Mahoning Valley is beautiful, Reservoir Road has great scenery, climbing the Broad is a local workout regiment - give it a try!

Bike Rentals
· Mountain & Comfort bike Rentals available in town
Blue Mountain Sports packages available!
Lehigh Gorge Outpost

Shuttles
· Shuttles to Rail-Trails available from town
Blue Mountain Sports packages available!
Lehigh Gorge Outpost