Overview
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, dubbed "The Switzerland of America," is a Victorian jewel cradled in the Pocono Mountains, where steep valleys and historic charm draw over 200,000 visitors yearly to its alpine-like splendor. Nestled at 700 feet along the Lehigh River, this town of 4,500-50 miles northwest of Allentown began as Mauch Chunk in 1829, a coal and railroad hub. Renamed in 1954 to honor Olympian Jim Thorpe (despite his never visiting), it boasts dramatic cliffs, a storybook downtown, and outdoor thrills like whitewater rafting and rail trails. With its 19th-century mansions, the Asa Packer Mansion, and a nickname earned from its Swiss-esque peaks, Jim Thorpe is an offbeat escape blending history, nature, and a touch of quirky fame- perfect for travelers craving mountain magic with a twist.
Top Attractions
Asa Packer Mansion
An 1861 Italianate masterpiece-tours ($15) reveal the coal baron's gilded life, open May-October.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
A 4,548-acre playground-26 miles of rail trail biking and Class III rapids on the Lehigh River.
Old Jail Museum
An 1871 prison-$10 tours show the eerie "handprint cell," tied to Molly Maguires' executions.
Jim Thorpe Historic District
Over 300 Victorian buildings-Broadway's shops and Opera House glow with 1880s charm.
Glen Onoko Falls
A 2-mile hike in the park-65-foot cascades crash through a lush gorge, a hidden gem.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
A 345-acre lake-swim, fish, or rent kayaks ($10/day), 4 miles north of town.
Unique Stories & Facts
- Switchback Gravity Railroad: From 1827, America's first roller coaster-8 miles of coal-hauling tracks thrilled tourists 'til 1933.
- Molly Maguires: In 1877, six Irish miners were hanged at the jail-leaving a mysterious handprint that defies cleaning.
- Name Swap: After Jim Thorpe's 1953 death, his widow sold his burial rights-Mauch Chunk became his namesake, sparking debate.
- Switzerland Nod: In 1910, travel writers coined the nickname-its steep cliffs and river valley echo the Alps.
Best Travel Seasons
Spring (Mar-May)
Cool (40-65°F), blooming trails at Glen Onoko-quiet for history tours.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm (70-85°F), rafting peaks-busiest, book Asa Packer early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Crisp (45-70°F), fiery foliage-perfect for Fall Foliage Fest (October 11-12, 2025).
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold (20-40°F), snowy peaks-cozy Victorian charm and ice fishing shine.
Popular Activities
- Mansion Tour: Explore Asa Packer's home-$15, weekends May-October, book at asapackermansion.com.
- Rafting: Tackle Lehigh River rapids-Jim Thorpe River Adventures offers half-day trips ($50, jimthorperiveradventures.com).
- Biking: Ride the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail-26 miles, flat, rentals at Pocono Biking ($25/day).
- Hiking: Climb to Glen Onoko Falls-2 miles, moderate, slippery rocks demand caution.
- Jail Visit: Tour the Old Jail-$10, daily May-October, hear Molly Maguires' tales (carboncountyhistory.com).
- Shopping: Browse Broadway-hit Country Junction for quirky gifts or Victorian keepsakes.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
Mohegan Sun Pocono (Wilkes-Barre, 30 miles): 2,300 slots and table games-closest gaming spot.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)
Molly's Handprint
A jail cell mark-legend says it's from a hanged miner, resisting paint for 150 years.
Switchback Remnants
Old rail ties peek from trails-echoes of the gravity railroad's wild rides.
Bear Rock
A boulder near Glen Onoko-locals swear it growls in storms.
No. 9 Coal Mine
(Lansford, 12 miles): A 160-foot underground ride-America's oldest coal mine tour.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)
- Old Jail Museum (Jim Thorpe): Molly Maguires' ghosts-cell doors creak, handprint chills linger.
- Asa Packer Mansion (Jim Thorpe): Asa's spirit roams-staff hear footsteps in empty halls.
- Harry Packer Mansion (Jim Thorpe): An 1874 inn-guests report Victorian apparitions in Room 6.
Local Events/Festivals
- Fall Foliage Festival (October 11-12, 2025): Train rides, crafts, and leaf-peeping downtown.
- Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration (May 24-25, 2025): Olympian tribute-parades and sports demos.
- Olde Tyme Christmas (December 6-7, 2025): Victorian caroling, tree lighting-snow-dusted charm.
- Celtic Fling (June 21-22, 2025): Music and dance-Irish roots at Memorial Park.
Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)
Luxury: Inn at Jim Thorpe
1840s elegance with spa vibes (from $180/night).
Mid-Range: Harry Packer Mansion Inn
Victorian B&B with ghost lore (from $140/night).
Budget: Jim Thorpe Guesthouse
Cozy rooms near Broadway (from $90/night).
Camping: Lehigh Gorge Campground (Park)
Riverside sites with trails (from $25/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)
Moya
Duck confit and local wines-upscale on Race Street's stone walls.
Stone Row Pub
Veggie burgers and craft beer-hip vibe in an 1850s rowhouse.
Molly Maguires Pub
Shepherd's pie and stouts-Irish flair at the Inn at Jim Thorpe.
Enchanted Woods Tea Room
Scones and chai-Victorian whimsy on Broadway.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack: Layers for October 2025 (40-70°F), hiking boots, camera-raft trips book at jimthorperiveradventures.com.
- Safety: Low crime (small town), safe trails-watch for wet rocks and river currents.
- Accessibility: Downtown is walkable; some trails are steep-call 570-325-8485 for Inn specifics.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles
- Lehighton (10 miles): Lehigh River access and quaint shops.
- Palmerton (15 miles): Zinc mining history and Blue Mountain views.
- Lansford (12 miles): No. 9 Coal Mine and museum.
- Weatherly (18 miles): Eckley Miners' Village-preserved coal town.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: Covers mansion tours, rafting, and a festival or hike.
Target Travelers
- Families: Rail trail biking and lake fun.
- Adventure Seekers: Rafting and Glen Onoko hikes.
- History Buffs: Packer Mansion and jail tales.
- Nature Lovers: Pinnacle views and park trails.
Destination Joke
Because its peaks and past keep the charm alpine-high!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania: Switzerland of the Poconos" - Your audio guide to this mountain marvel!
Your Jim Thorpe, PA Dane D Blaze Ebook of Thrills!
Ready to conquer the "Switzerland of America"? This ebook is your ultimate pass to Jim Thorpe's Victorian secrets, Lehigh Gorge adventures, haunted jailhouse tales, and where to find the best brew after a day on the rails or rapids!
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your Jim Thorpe Thrill?
Answer these to find your Pocono persona!
Adventure Seekers hit the rapids, History Buffs tour the mansions, and Nature Lovers soak in those mountain views!
Eccentrics might brave the Old Jail's Molly Maguires ghosts, while Couples might prefer the charming Victorian apparitions at a historic inn!
Nature Lovers will adore the fall foliage, while Families often prefer the summer splash of rafting and lake fun!
You're all about that adrenaline rush, those challenging trails, and the thrill of the great outdoors. Jim Thorpe's got your adventure covered!