Lehigh Gorge: 26 Miles of Gravel, One Train Ride Up

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Lehigh Gorge: 26 Miles of Gravel, One Train Ride Up

Quick Facts

  • Location: Carbon County (Jim Thorpe to White Haven)
  • Size: 6,107 acres
  • Key Feature: D&L Trail (26 miles, crushed stone)
  • Best For: Cyclists, rafters (on dam release days)
  • Warnings: Glen Onoko Falls is closed (fines enforced), rattlesnakes on trail, parking in Jim Thorpe fills fast.

Lehigh Gorge State Park used to be about waterfalls. Glen Onoko Falls was the draw - steep, dangerous, and closed in 2019 after eight deaths. Now, the park is about bikes. The D&L Trail runs 26 miles through the gorge on crushed stone, downhill from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. On summer weekends, it’s a biking highway. You can shuttle up in a van, or you can take the Bike Train - load your bike onto a vintage train, ride to White Haven, and coast back down. Either way, you’re not hiking to waterfalls anymore.

The 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail is part of the 165-mile D&L Trail system. Visit the PA DCNR site for trail updates and check AllTrails for current conditions.

Cyclists riding crushed-stone D&L Trail through Lehigh Gorge with river views The D&L Trail - 26 miles of crushed stone through the gorge

Glen Onoko Falls is Closed (Don’t Try It)

Why It’s Closed

Glen Onoko Falls has been closed since May 1, 2019. Eight people died on the trail between 1977 and 2019. The terrain is steep, rocky, and eroded. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, which manages the land, closed it permanently due to safety concerns and the strain on emergency services.

The Fine

If you trespass, you’ll be fined $100-200. Rangers patrol the area regularly. People who ignore the closure and need rescue get ticketed heavily.

Alternative

Visit Buttermilk Falls near the Rockport Access. It’s a tall cascade you can see right from the parking area - no fines attached.

The D&L Trail (The Main Event)

The Delaware & Lehigh Trail runs 26 miles through Lehigh Gorge State Park, from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. It’s a crushed stone rail-trail that follows the Lehigh River. The grade is flat with a gentle downhill slope toward Jim Thorpe (2% grade).

How to Ride It

You have three options:

  1. Shuttle Service: Drive to Jim Thorpe, park, and take a shuttle (Pocono Bike Rentals, Lehighton Outdoor Center) to White Haven. Bike back down (25 miles, 2-4 hours).
  2. The Bike Train: Load your bike onto the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, ride the train to White Haven, and bike back. It’s the coolest option but runs on select weekends and requires reservations.
  3. Out-and-Back: Park at Rockport Access (midpoint) and ride in either direction.

What to Expect

  • Surface: Crushed stone (gravel). Road bikes with skinny tires will struggle. Bring a hybrid or mountain bike.
  • Crowds: It’s busy on weekends. Watch for families and slower riders perfectly side-by-side.
  • Wildlife: Rattlesnakes are common. Stay on the trail and watch where you step.

The Lehigh River (Rafting on Dam Release Days)

The Lehigh River runs alongside the D&L Trail. Rafting is only possible on scheduled dam release weekends (May-October) when the Francis E. Walter Dam releases water.

  • Rapids: Class II-III (fun but not insane).
  • Outfitters: Pocono Whitewater, Jim Thorpe River Adventures.
  • Note: You cannot just “tube” the gorge freely like the Delaware. You need a shuttle or a structured trip.

Parking and Access Points

Jim Thorpe (Southern Access)

  • Parking: Large municipal lot (paid, fills by mid-morning on weekends).
  • Vibe: Tourist town. Restaurants, bike shops, train station.
  • Best For: Starting or ending your ride (if you shuttle).

Rockport Access (Midpoint)

  • Parking: Free, but fills by mid-morning.
  • Best For: Shorter rides or accessing Buttermilk Falls.

White Haven (Northern Access)

  • Parking: Free.
  • Best For: Starting point if you’re shuttling yourself or taking the Bike Train.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Don’t Bring a Road Bike

The crushed stone surface is rough. Road bikes with skinny tires struggle. Bring a hybrid or gravel bike.

The Bike Train Sells Out

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs on select weekends and requires reservations. Book ahead.

Rattlesnakes Are Real

They’re common on the trail, especially in summer. Stay on the path.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring: Waterfalls (Buttermilk Falls) are flowing. Fewer crowds.
  • Summer: Peak season for biking and rafting. The trail is packed on weekends.
  • Fall: October foliage is spectacular. The Bike Train offers “Fall Foliage” pricing.

FAQ

Is Glen Onoko Falls open? No. It’s been closed since May 2019 and will not reopen soon.

Is the trail paved? No. It’s crushed stone (gravel).

How long does the bike ride take? 25 miles from White Haven to Jim Thorpe takes 2-4 hours, depending on your pace.

Can you swim in the river? Not safely. The currents are strong, and there are no designated swimming areas.

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