Jim Thorpe itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

Two nights in Jim Thorpe

Arrive for Broadway and dinner, give Saturday to the scenic railway and historic houses, then choose a bike, raft, or gorge walk before heading home.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

Two nights separate Jim Thorpe's railway-and-mansion day from an active morning in the gorge.

Best length

2 nights

Two nights provide one complete town-and-railway day plus a distinct gorge block. A third night is useful only when rafting and a long bike ride both matter.

Stay

The Inn At Jim Thorpe

Built in 1849, this Victorian inn offers historic-district rooms, a ground-floor grille, EV charging, and secure bike storage with e-bike outlets.

Main activity

Broadway, scenic railway, Packer Hill, Mauch Chunk history, and one Lehigh Gorge outing

Keep Saturday centered on the railway and historic district. Reserve Sunday morning for one outdoor outing whose distance and return time fit the drive home.

Two days in town

Town day, gorge morning

Check the railway, mansion, and outfitter calendars before fixing meal times; their operating days change through the year.

Broadway in Jim Thorpe at the beginning of evening
On Friday, walk Broadway past stone facades and the wooded slope before dinner.
Scenic railway following the Lehigh River through the gorge
On Saturday morning, the railway follows the Lehigh River into Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Asa Packer Mansion above downtown Jim Thorpe
On Saturday afternoon, climb from the station to the Packer mansions for the history of rail and coal wealth.
Cyclists on the Lehigh Gorge rail trail beside the river
Departure day can hold a bike shuttle, guided raft trip, or a shorter river walk—one outdoor commitment, not all three.

Friday

Park, check in, and follow Broadway uphill.

Walk from the station past the courthouse and stone storefronts, with the wooded slope rising behind Broadway, before dinner.

4:00 PM

6:30 PM

First dinner

Keep Friday dinner on Broadway.

Inside the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe, this Victorian pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside burgers, steaks, seafood, craft beer, and creative cocktails.

Saturday

Ride into the gorge, then climb into town history.

Board near the historic station, return for lunch, and spend the afternoon between Packer Hill, Broadway, and Race Street.

8:30 AM

Breakfast

Breakfast before the railway.

Choose breakfast or coffee near the room, then allow the railway's requested arrival time for parking, ticket pickup, and boarding.

Morning

Main activity

Take the scenic railway through the gorge.

The narrated round trip follows the Lehigh River past Glen Onoko and into Lehigh Gorge State Park. Confirm the exact train, car class, duration, and arrival guidance directly.

4:30 PM

Afternoon

Walk from the station to Packer Hill.

The ascent is short but steep. Match mansion tour availability to the day, then continue through the historic district at street level.

7:00 PM

Dinner

Return to Broadway for Saturday dinner.

Ouros fits a reserved dinner; Notch Eight or Stone Row keeps the evening relaxed after a full day on foot.

Highlight
The trip’s main event
Viator

Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour

Get a rare, bird’s eye view over the Poconos from above during this private sightseeing flight. Hop aboard a comfortable plane, with headsets provided for communication. Admire natural attractions like Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Camelback Mountain, and the region’s lakes from above, as well as local landmarks such as Mount Airy Casino and Camelback Resort.

Check availability

Sunday

Choose wheels, whitewater, or a river walk.

Book a bike shuttle or guided raft trip when the gorge is the reason for the weekend. Otherwise walk an out-and-back from the southern park access before the drive home.

Before checkout

Sunday morning

Breakfast before the gorge outing.

Eat near the room and check out before a bike shuttle or rafting check-in. A short D&L Trail walk allows a later start.

After checkout

Gorge outing

Finish beside the Lehigh River.

A White Haven bike shuttle or guided rafting trip takes much of the day. For an earlier drive home, walk the open D&L Trail from Jim Thorpe and choose the turnaround distance before setting out.