D&L Trail (Lehigh Gorge): 26 Miles Downhill

Quick Facts

• Distance: 26 miles (One-way from White Haven to Jim Thorpe)
• Elevation: -600 ft (2% downhill grade)
• Surface: Crushed stone (Smooth, fast, hybrid/gravel tires recommended)
• Difficulty: Easy (Downhill) to Moderate (If windy)
• Best Time: Spring/Fall (Avoid summer weekends if you hate crowds)

It’s the most famous bike ride in the Poconos. You park in Jim Thorpe, catch a shuttle to White Haven, and coast 26 miles downhill along the Lehigh River back to your car. On a perfect fall day, it feels like cheating.

But before you book your shuttle, you need to know the one thing the brochures don’t mention: The wind usually blows north.

That means while gravity is pulling you downhill, the wind is often pushing you backward. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it turns a “lazy coast” into an actual workout. If you’re ready for that (and the logistics of the shuttle), this is arguably the most scenic rail-trail in Pennsylvania.

This 26-mile section of the D&L Trail runs entirely within Lehigh Gorge State Park, following an old railroad grade through one of the most dramatic gorges in the state.

The Route (White Haven to Jim Thorpe)

This 26-mile section lies entirely within Lehigh Gorge State Park. It follows the old railroad grade, meaning it’s wide, flat, and impossible to get lost on.

Mile 0: White Haven (The Start)

The shuttle drops you off at the White Haven trailhead (Mile Marker 130). There are bathrooms, a grocery store, and plenty of space to gear up. From here, you head south, immediately entering the “Green Tunnel” of the gorge.

Mile 11: Rockport (The Middle)

About halfway down, you’ll hit the Rockport Access (Mile Marker 119).

• Buttermilk Falls: Look to your right just north of the access area. The falls drop about 40 feet and you can hear them before you see them.
• Luke’s Falls: Another waterfall nearby, slightly hidden by foliage in summer.
• Restrooms: There are pit toilets here if you need a pit stop.

Mile 21: Glen Onoko (The History)

As you near Jim Thorpe, you’ll pass the Glen Onoko access.

• Turn Hole Tunnel: An abandoned railroad tunnel carved through the rock. It’s a massive, dark archway that makes for a moody photo op. Stop and walk inside (watch your step).
• Note: The famous Glen Onoko Falls Trail (the hiking trail) is permanently closed due to erosion and injuries. Do not attempt to hike it. Stick to the D&L bike path.

Mile 26: Jim Thorpe (The Finish)

The trail ends in downtown Jim Thorpe. You’ll cross a bridge (check status, see warnings below) and roll right into the parking lot.

The Logistics (How to Actually Do This)

Unless you want to ride 52 miles (26 down, 26 back up), you need a shuttle.

1. The Classic Shuttle & Bike

This is how 90% of people do it:

1. Park in Jim Thorpe (Paid lot at the train station or free at Glen Onoko).
2. Book a Shuttle: Multiple providers run daily shuttles to White Haven.
3. Ride Back: You pedal at your own pace back to your car.

Shuttle Providers:

• Pocono Bike Rental: Departures from Jim Thorpe at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM (weekends). Reservations required. $20-$25 per person.
• Lehighton Outdoor Center: Daily shuttles from their lot. Call ahead at 610-377-1230. $24 per person.
• Blue Mountain Sports: 15-mile shuttle for $20 + tax.

Important Notes:

• Reservations are required for all shuttles (they sell out on weekends)
• E-bikes may incur an additional $25 fee or be restricted
• Shuttle + bike rental packages: $50-$75 total

2. The Bike Train (Weekends Only)

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers a “Bike Train” on select weekends. You board in Jim Thorpe with your bike, enjoy a one-hour scenic train ride up the gorge, and then bike back downhill.

Pros: More relaxing than a bus shuttle, great for families. Cons: Limited schedule, requires advance booking.

3. The DIY Car Shuttle

If you have two cars and a rack:

1. Drop Car A in Jim Thorpe.
2. Drive Car B (with bikes) to White Haven.
3. Ride down.
4. Drive Car A back to White Haven to retrieve Car B.

Verdict: It’s a hassle. Just pay for the shuttle.

Bike Rentals

Don’t have a bike? You can rent hybrids from Pocono Bike Rental, Lehighton Outdoor Center, or Blue Mountain Sports in Jim Thorpe or White Haven.

Rental Costs: $30-$50 per day for hybrids, $40-$60 for e-bikes.

Gear Tip: The crushed stone surface is smooth, but skinny road tires (under 28mm) will sink and slide. Hybrids, gravel bikes, or mountain bikes are best.

Parking & Access

Jim Thorpe (South End)

• Municipal Lot (Train Station): The most convenient, but it costs money ($10-$15/day). It fills up literally by 9:30 AM on October weekends.
• Glen Onoko Access: Free, but small. Fills up by 9 AM.

Rockport (Middle)

• Warning: The parking lot here is small. On weekends, it’s a nightmare. Ranger patrols are frequent, and they satisfy their quota writing tickets for illegal parking. Do not count on getting a spot here on a Saturday.

White Haven (North End)

• Ample parking under the I-80 bridge and near the grocery store. Free.

Safety & Warnings

⚠️ Cell Service: There’s almost zero cell service in the gorge between White Haven and Jim Thorpe. Download your maps offline and bring a repair kit. You can’t call an Uber if you get a flat at Mile 15.

⚠️ Hunting Season: The trail cuts through State Game Lands. If you ride in October/November (Archery/Rifle season), wear an orange vest or helmet cover. It’s required for hikers, and smart for bikers.

⚠️ Bridge Status: The pedestrian bridge connecting the trail to downtown Jim Thorpe (Mansion House Bridge) has faced sporadic closures for repairs. Check the D&L Trail alerts before you go. If closed, you may have to detour on roads.

FAQ

Do I need a mountain bike? No. A front-suspension hybrid is the standard rental. A gravel bike is the fastest weapon of choice.

Is it kid-friendly? Yes, if they have stamina. 26 miles is a long way for little legs, even downhill. Consider the shorter 15-mile ride from Rockport to Jim Thorpe (shuttles available for this too).

Are there bathrooms? Yes. White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Onoko all have facilities.

Can I swim in the river? The Lehigh River has strong currents and active whitewater rafting. Swimming is generally discouraged and dangerous in the rapids sections.

Explore More

• Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Explore the Poconos Region
• Jim Thorpe
• Hickory Run State Park (Just across the river, home to the Boulder Field)