The railway operates on a section of the track once owned by the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
The route passes through the Lehigh Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Lehigh River during the last glacial period.
The Reading & Northern Railroad, which operates this line, is one of the largest privately-owned regional railroads in the United States.
The route features historical industrial ruins, including remnants of old dams and locks from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company canal system.
The track travels through sections of the Lehigh Gorge State Park that are otherwise inaccessible by road vehicle.
Autumn excursions are specifically managed to track the peak foliage change in the Pocono Mountains.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates historic passenger excursions through the Lehigh Gorge State Park in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The railway utilizes vintage locomotives and restored passenger coaches to traverse the Lehigh River valley. Passengers view native forests, steep rock formations, and remnants of the 19th-century anthracite coal industry along the track. As a trademark of the Reading & Northern Railroad, the service offers trips ranging from short canyon tours to longer seasonal excursions. The tracks follow the path of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey, which historically transported coal and passengers through this corridor. Open-air and climate-controlled coaches are typically available depending on the season and specific train consist.
The back platform of the last car offers a clear view of the tracks receding into the gorge.
Choose open-air cars if the weather is clear to capture unobstructed views of the gorge walls.
Arrive early to park in town, as Jim Thorpe experiences heavy traffic on weekends during peak tourist months.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures in the gorge can be significantly cooler than in the town center due to shade and river proximity.
Waiting until the day of travel to purchase tickets, as peak-season weekend trains frequently sell out in advance.
Operates daily during summer months; transitions to weekends-only during the spring and autumn; closed during winter months.
Remain seated while the train is in motion; do not lean out of windows or stand on platforms of open-air cars.
