Jim Thorpe combines the charm of a mountain town with a passion for outdoor adventures. The town is nestled in the Pocono Mountains and named after Jim Thorpe, the first Native American Olympic gold medallist. Stroll around the charming downtown district, ride a heritage railway and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Things to do in Jim Thorpe
Downtown Jim Thorpe charms visitors with its handsome Victorian mansions and turn-of-the-century homes built by wealthy coal magnates. They’re beautifully restored and reimagined as cafes, boutiques and B&Bs. Hunt for treasures in antique stores and stock up on soaps, jams, olive oil and chocolates made by local artisans.
Learn about the town’s coal mining heritage at the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Centre. It’s housed in a Victorian church and showcases relics from the industrial era. Exhibits also spotlight the life and legacy of Olympic champion, Jim Thorpe.
Climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and enjoy a scenic ride through the Pennsylvania countryside. The heritage railway features century-old coaches pulled by a diesel-powered locomotive. The track winds through Lehigh Gorge State Park and showcases forests, rivers and rugged cliffs.
Get your pulse racing with a variety of mountain sports. The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor snakes through Eastern Pennsylvania and follows the path of the Lehigh River. Hike sections of the iconic trail or rent a bike and cover more distance. Whitewater rafting trips on the Lehigh River are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Jim Thorpe is also a gateway to some of the best downhill mountain biking trails in the Keystone State.
Getting around Jim Thorpe
Downtown Jim Thorpe is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Carbon County in Eastern Pennsylvania, a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Jim Thorpe and explore Carbon County at your own pace.