Switchback Railroad Trail

The Switchback Trail consists of two nine-mile routes that intersect. Regardless of which you choose, you will want to start in Summit Hill and bike downhill toward Jim Thorpe. The grade in reverse is challenging. With its hard-packed dirt surface, the down track is the easier southern route. This track takes you along Mauch Chunk Lake, through forests and at Mile 7 it ends abruptly on Lentz road. Cross the road, heading downhill toward Jim Thorpe and continue past the power plant entrance (just go around the gated drive), and pick up the trail again at the back of the power plant access road. From here you will continue on a peaceful wooded trail, riding on a bluff overlooking the community of Jim Thorpe below. The northern, Back track is recommended only for mountain bikes. As this section of the trail winds down just outside of Jim Thorpe you’ll discover an optional small loop that takes you to a scenic overview. At the trail’s end, you will encounter a knee-breaking descent on a steep, slippery rock surface where keeping your footing while holding your bike will be a challenge.