The easiest big ride in the Poconos is the Lehigh Gorge Trail, a wide rail trail that follows the river through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Ride it from White Haven to Jim Thorpe and it's gently downhill the whole way, with a rental-shop shuttle to get you to the start.
For more of a challenge, the Switchback Trail climbs out of Jim Thorpe on an old gravity railroad bed, and Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton runs a lift-served downhill bike park. One thing to know before you load the bikes: Hickory Run State Park doesn't allow bikes on any of its trails.
Trails
- Lehigh Gorge Trail, White Haven to Jim Thorpe: 26 miles of the 165-mile D&L Trail run inside Lehigh Gorge State Park. It climbs about 2% going north, so ride from White Haven to Jim Thorpe for the downhill. Wide tires are recommended, and access points are far apart, so plan a shuttle. Restrooms are at White Haven, Rockport and Glen Onoko, with seasonal drinking water at Rockport.
- Switchback Trail, Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Jim Thorpe: Carbon County calls it the park's most popular trail. It's open to hiking and biking and follows the old Switchback Gravity Railroad up to the Mount Pisgah overlook of the Lehigh Gorge. The Fireline Trail, about 3.5 miles, also allows bikes; the Shoreline Trail is closed to bikes to protect wetlands.
- Hickory Run State Park: bikes aren't allowed on any of its 44 miles of trails, which are for hiking only. DCNR sends riders to the Lehigh Gorge Trail instead.
Blue Mountain Bike Park, Palmerton
Blue Mountain Resort runs a lift-served downhill bike park with green, blue and black trails. Helmets are required (full-face is optional), everyone signs a release, and riders under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign it. Rental bikes, shoes, pads and helmets must be bought in advance, and the park has lessons, a shop and repairs. Hours change through the season, so check the trail report on the resort's website before you go.
Rentals and shuttles
- Pocono Biking, Jim Thorpe (7 Hazard Sq.) and White Haven (501 Main St.): Trek rentals with shuttles. Routes include the Full Lehigh Gorge (25 miles, the most popular), Upper or Lower Gorge (10 or 15 miles), Black Diamond (11 miles), the Full Monty (36 miles) and the Switchback (9 miles). It also runs a Bike Train with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
- Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Nesquehoning: bike rentals and shuttles for self-guided 13- or 26-mile rides on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, from $39.95 (as of 2026).
- Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Lehighton: biking trips in Lehigh Gorge State Park.
- Pocono Whitewater, Jim Thorpe: rafting and biking combos with Pocono Biking.
