Lehigh Gorge State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park protects 6,107 acres along the spectacular Lehigh River gorge in Luzerne and Carbon counties. The park extends from the Francis E. Walter Dam outlet in the north to the historic town of Jim Thorpe in the south, encompassing over 20 miles of dramatic river scenery. The centerpiece is the Lehigh Gorge Trail, following 26 miles of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor along the old Lehigh Valley Railroad bed. This scenic rail trail provides unparalleled access to the gorge's beauty, passing waterfalls, rapids, and towering rock walls. The park is renowned for whitewater boating when dam releases create challenging rapids. Multiple access points at White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Onoko offer varied experiences from easy biking to challenging hikes and world-class whitewater paddling.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Dogs on-leash welcome on Lehigh Gorge Trail; crushed-stone surface, river access. Use shorter out-and-backs, stay controlled, clean up, bring water.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Lehigh Gorge offers scenic 26-mile downhill rail trail from White Haven to Jim Thorpe; shuttle, rapids, hikes, waterfalls, fall foliage.
Tips from Visitors
- The 26-mile rail trail is mostly downhill from White Haven to Jim Thorpe - popular one-way bike trip
- Bike shuttle services available in Jim Thorpe for return transport
- Whitewater season is typically spring and during dam releases - check schedules
- Glen Onoko Falls trail is currently closed - do not attempt
- Multiple access points allow customizing trip length
- Rail trail is crushed stone - suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes, not road bikes
Amenities
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Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Lehigh Gorge State Park:
- Jim Thorpe Historic DistrictVictorian town known as 'Switzerland of America' with shops, restaurants, and scenic train ridesWithin the park
- Hickory Run State ParkAdjacent park with Boulder Field and extensive trails5 miles away
- Asa Packer MansionVictorian mansion museum in Jim Thorpe showcasing Gilded Age opulence20 miles away
Things to Do at Lehigh Gorge State Park
Camping at Lehigh Gorge State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park prohibits overnight camping; day-use only with picnic tables/grills, restrooms, no hookups, use nearby campgrounds, first-come parking fills
Hiking Trails
Lehigh Gorge Trail
EasyThe main rail trail following the Lehigh River through the gorge from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. Mostly downhill heading south with crushed stone surface. Part of the 165-mile D&L Trail.
Bald Mountain Loop Trail
StrenuousChallenging loop trail climbing away from the river to ridge tops with panoramic views. Blue-blazed trail with significant elevation gain.
Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail
StrenuousSteep trail to spectacular waterfalls and overlook. NOTE: This trail is currently closed due to safety concerns. Check current status before visiting.
Directions
For White Haven access: From I-80, take Exit 273 for PA-940. Follow PA-940 East into White Haven and look for park access signs. For Jim Thorpe access: From I-476, take Exit 74 to US-209 South into Jim Thorpe. Park at Jim Thorpe train station area and access trail. Multiple access points exist along the gorge.