Jim Thorpe, PA
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-13- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationJim Thorpe, PA
- Rating4.5 ★7,505 Google reviews
- UpcomingTue, Aug 11
About Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates narrated round trips from the historic downtown Jim Thorpe station along the Reading & Northern main line, following the Lehigh River through Glen Onoko and into Lehigh Gorge State Park toward Old Penn Haven. The standard route covers about 16 miles round trip. Regular excursions, the condensed daily autumn schedule, bike trains, and later holiday programs have different durations and booking rules, so visitors should choose from the current official schedule rather than assume one year-round product.
Ways to Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupBest first train ride
Regular Scenic Train
The core visit is a narrated 70-minute, approximately 16-mile round trip from Jim Thorpe through Glen Onoko and along the Lehigh River toward Old Penn Haven.
Peak fall-color visit
2026 Autumn Leaf Train
Daily 45-minute departures run September 26 through November 15. The full route is retained, but only Standard Coach and Open Air seating are offered on the local LGSR trains during this season.
Cyclists and active groups
White Haven Bike Train
Ride about 25 miles by train to White Haven with a personal bike or rental, then pedal the gently descending Lehigh Gorge trail back to Jim Thorpe. Advance phone booking is required.
Upgraded or private trip
Premium and private seating
Outside Autumn Leaf season, selected trains may offer Crown Class, Vista Dome, the Mauch Chunk Club lounge, or a six-passenger private caboose; availability changes with the operating calendar.
Upcoming Events
Complete official date check
2026 special-event calendar
These dates come directly from the operator. USA Train Rides adds trip-planning details only when they are backed by reviewed sources. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- SeasonThe published 2026 regular schedule runs daily through September 25; daily Autumn Leaf trains run September 26 through November 15, and regular service resumes November 16
- Trip LengthRegular trains are 70 minutes; Autumn Leaf trains are 45 minutes; most holiday trains are 80 minutes. The regular route is approximately 16 miles round trip
- ArriveArrive at least one hour before departure to allow time for Carbon County parking, ticket pickup, and boarding; scheduled trains leave on time
- ParkingThe railroad does not own or control parking. Carbon County manages the main paid parking area one block west of the ticket booth; allow extra time during fall and holidays
- AccessibilityJim Thorpe Station has an ADA-certified lift, and most wheelchairs fit inside Standard Coaches. Other Reading & Northern departure locations do not have ADA lifts; call before booking
- WeatherTrains operate rain, snow, or shine. Tickets are nonrefundable, but unused tickets can be exchanged for a future trip under the operator's current policy
- RestroomsRestrooms are available at the station and on all trains; Standard, Crown, and Vista cars are specifically described with onboard restrooms
- Good ForFamilies, fall-color trips, photographers, railfans, couples, dog owners, dome-car riders, and cyclists using the White Haven Bike Train
- ContactTicket office: 570-325-8485, 8:30am-5:00pm daily. Call for accessibility details, private caboose booking, groups, and Bike Train tickets
Find the Depot
The Trains
The operator says its normal Jim Thorpe trains are diesel-powered unless a trip is specifically advertised otherwise. The passenger fleet includes vintage coaches built as early as 1917; many Standard Coaches were built by Bethlehem Steel in 1932. Depending on the date, choices can include outward-facing Open Air cars, Standard Coach, Crown Class, climate-controlled Vista Dome, the Mauch Chunk Club lounge, a private caboose, and a bike gondola. Equipment rotates for operational and maintenance needs, and premium cars are restricted during Autumn Leaf season.
History
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company completed the gravity railroad between Summit Hill and Mauch Chunk.
The Mauch Chunk Switchback carried 30,478 passengers during its scenic-railway era.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey station that now serves Jim Thorpe departures was built.
Blue Mountain & Reading began passenger trains on a short section of its growing Pennsylvania system.
Completion of a bridge across the Lehigh River in Jim Thorpe launched the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operation.
Reading & Northern began the current Jim Thorpe-to-Lehigh Gorge State Park trips from the former CNJ station in August.
See full history
Jim Thorpe's rail-tourism story reaches back to the 1827 Mauch Chunk gravity railroad and the excursion trade that followed its coal-hauling years. The present departure point is the former Central Railroad of New Jersey station, built in 1888. Blue Mountain & Reading began passenger operations elsewhere on its system in 1985; after expansion into Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern, completion of a bridge across the Lehigh River in 2005 launched the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The operator says Reading & Northern began the current trips from the former CNJ station into Lehigh Gorge State Park in August 2020.
Around the Depot
Start with the three strongest walkable history pairings rather than a generic directory. Asa Packer Mansion explains the railroad founder above the depot; the Mauch Chunk Museum connects coal, canals, railroads, and the town’s growth; the Old Jail adds labor and legal history farther along Broadway. All three open into substantive internal guides with public contact details and rights-documented galleries.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
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Tours & Activities near Jim Thorpe
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway depart?
Local Lehigh Gorge trains depart from 1 Susquehanna Street at the historic station in downtown Jim Thorpe. Reading & Northern also runs different excursions from other Pennsylvania stations, so confirm Jim Thorpe on your selected ticket.
How long is the Lehigh Gorge train ride?
Regular scenic rides last about 70 minutes. The 2026 Autumn Leaf trains are 45 minutes, while most holiday trains are advertised as 80 minutes. The regular route is approximately 16 miles round trip.
How early should I arrive in Jim Thorpe?
Arrive at least one hour before departure. Parking is controlled by Carbon County rather than the railroad, advance customers must exchange their confirmation for tickets, and trains are scheduled to leave on time.
Can I buy Lehigh Gorge tickets the same day?
Same-day tickets are sold in person at the Jim Thorpe booth, subject to availability. Advance online sales close at midnight the night before and phone sales close at 5:00pm. Autumn 2026 presales cover departures through 3:00pm; later trains are normally same-day sales.
Is the Lehigh Gorge train wheelchair accessible?
Jim Thorpe Station has an ADA-certified lift, and the operator says most wheelchairs fit inside Standard Coaches. Call 570-325-8485 before booking because equipment varies and other departure locations do not have ADA lifts.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available at Jim Thorpe Station and on every train. Standard, Crown, and Vista cars are specifically described with onboard restrooms.
Will the regular train be steam-powered?
Do not assume steam. The operator says all trains are diesel-powered unless a specific excursion is advertised otherwise, and equipment can change for operational or maintenance needs.
Can dogs ride the train?
The operator currently allows well-behaved dogs on its 45-, 70-, and 80-minute Lehigh Gorge trains at no charge. Tell the ticket agent so the dog receives the required free ticket.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 13, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official current schedule, ticket rules, seating, address, and phone
- Official 2026 Autumn Leaf dates, departure rules, and seating limits
- Official 2026 White Haven Bike Train dates and logistics
- Official visitor FAQ, parking, accessibility, and policies
- Official train route, coach types, and equipment caveats
- Official Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge railway history
- Official station and onboard King Coal Café information
- Wikimedia Commons Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway image category