The Lehigh River Gorge is more than just beautiful. It’s also historical, as an area from which coal trains once carried their loads downhill all the way to New York City. Which leads us to today - it turns out these now-abandoned railroad beds make terrific trails for mountain biking.
This 26-mile trail is considered easy by more experienced riders. Its crushed limestone surface is fairly close to pavement, and along the way you can see fascinating remnants of what once was here. The ruins of the former Lehigh Canal, the dramatic Penn Haven Planes - steep inclines where coal was hauled to the top of a mountain to be lowered onto boats, abandoned in 1863 - and the Lehigh Tannery ruins are all here.
In fact, up until about 1937, the Switch Back - once a road with rails that was used to carry coal in rail cars by gravity - was in effect the nation’s first roller coaster. The steam locomotive eventually made the gravity method obsolete, and the fun began - in 1873, the railroad re-opened carrying passengers downhill fast. It’s closed now, but the trails remain. Enjoy!
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Things to know:
Region: Pocono
Fun facts: This 25 mile path is at a slight incline - you ride downhill the whole way!
Entrance fees : Rental & Shuttle: $37.95 Shuttle Only: $17.95
Related activities: There are scenic picnic stops along the trail - stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the view!
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