Leaves are changing, the air is getting crisper, and the ideal season for taking a bike ride is upon us. Just in time for fall, our newest digital bike camping guide will help you plan a trip through one of our region’s most scenic areas: the Lehigh Gorge. 

Developed in partnership with the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, this new guide explores a section of the D&L Trail between Jim Thorpe and White Haven, PA. The trail here follows railroad beds through Lehigh Gorge State Park where riders are rewarded with riverside views, trickling waterfalls, and a mountainous escape from city or suburban life. Nestled between two state parks, this area is a nature lover’s dream and the perfect place for quality time outside. When you’re ready to unwind after a day of adventure, the charming town of Jim Thorpe welcomes you back with great bites, tasty wine, unique museums and store-lined streets ideal for a relaxing stroll. With something for everyone, this area offers a scenic getaway perfect for a trip with family or friends.  

All Bikeout Guides follow a choose-your-own-adventure format so that it’s easy for riders to build an experience around their own abilities and interests. No matter which path you choose, our ride begins at the renovated Municipal County Parking Lot in Jim Thorpe, just an hour and half drive from Philadelphia and a two hour drive from New York. For easy navigation, you’ll be able to reference live turn-by-turn directions on your phone, or a printable cue sheet available for download. After grabbing breakfast at the Bagel Bunch or Muggles Mug, a Harry Potter Themed coffee shop, riders will travel onto the D&L trail toward White Haven. 

The stretch of the D&L Trail between Jim Thorpe and White Haven offers 24 miles of protected trail and uninterrupted views. Riders can take breaks overlooking the Lehigh river, or stop to enjoy the scenic views of Luke’s and Buttermilk Falls. After a pleasant ride, you’ll arrive in White Haven where you can enjoy lunch or a local ice cream. From here, riders can decide to shuttle back to Jim Thorpe with a local partner, or continue onto campgrounds in Lehigh Gorge or Hickory Run State Park. 

After your return trip the next day, we recommend exploring the many points of interest we’ve included in Jim Thorpe which promises rich history, local libations and great food. Of course, if you prefer something more adventurous, you only need to venture back out into one of the areas two state parks. Whether you kayak, hike, bike, white water raft or all of the above, this outdoor playground is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.   

This guide costs $10 and includes everything you should need to coordinate a trip like turn-by-turn directions, a sample itinerary, packing list, discounts from local partners, local Covid-19 resources, and much more. Proceeds from this guide benefit the Delaware and Lehigh National Corridor, the organization responsible for protecting and preserving this historic area, while supporting Bikeout’s mission of sharing bike travel with more people. 

We hope this guide inspires you to get outside on your bike this season. The beauty of this area is unparalleled and is the perfect backdrop for spending time outdoors. When times are challenging, we see biking as a welcome respite and we hope you’ll join us in this opportunity to reset and recharge.