Switchback Railroad Trail (Hiking)
Intermediate/Beginner Hiking
Starts and ends in Downtown Jim Thorpe (Train Station)
10.31 Miles OR 16.6 KILOMETRES (quarter to half day Hike)
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Overview
This hike starts in historic downtown Jim Thorpe. You will hike west on the old Switchback Railroad Trail toward Mauch Chunk Lake. After passing the lake, you will ascend Mt. Pisgah on the old “uptrack" of the railroad. At this point, you will be heading back east toward Jim Thorpe. At the peak of Mt. Pisgah, be sure to explore around and take advantage of the multiple vistas before descending. This route leads you down the very steep and straight Pisgah Plane trail. This trail is where the railroad carts were originally pulled to the top of the mountain. Be sure to explore at the top of this area and see if you can find the remnants of the engine house. Once you have descended the Pisgah Plane, you’ll find yourself in a park and back in Jim Thorpe. You’ll stroll through one neighborhood before heading down Packer hill where you cannot miss the views of the old mansions. Once past the mansions, you’ll be back in downtown Jim Thorpe.
Cue Sheet
START | Downtown Jim Thorpe (Train Station)
Head West on Broadway
Turn right on Hill Rd.
Turn left onto the Switchback Trail (lower)
Cross Lentz Trail to Flagstaff Rd.
Continue westward on the Switchback Trail as it parallels Mauch Chunk Creek
Cross East White Bear Drive near the Mauch Chunk Lake Park ranger station
Continue on the Lower Switchback Trail until it intersects with the Upper Switchback Trail
Turn nearly 180 degrees and ascend the Upper Switchback Trail
After passing the vistas on Mt. Pisgah, descend the Pisgah Plane
Walk through the park and turn Left onto North Avenue
Continue to the end of North Avenue and turn right onto the Switchback Trail
Turn left at Packer Hill Road
END | Downtown Jim Thorpe (Train Station)