Lehigh Gorge State Park
Continuing from the previous post, we had visited Lehigh Gorge State Park twice on the Pocono Mountain road trip. Both times we had entered by the Jim Thorpe entrance, Glen Onoko access. The park spans through Carbon and Luzerne Counties, so it is a vastly wide area containing so much beauty. Within the gorge there are water falls, rivers and 33 miles of trail to hike or bike. Where my family and I were standing, you could hop on the Lehigh Gorge Trail next to the Lehigh River.
I had enjoyed seeing all of the historical structures with beautiful landscapes surrounding the old railroad. This region of Pennsylvania is known for the logging and coal mining that started in the late 18th century continuing until the early 20th century. Left behind in the mountain, is a tunnel that leads to a railroad pier. Both used from around the 1860’s till 1956 to transport the lumber and coal. As well as other train piers marked 1913 when rails were erected away from the mountain. You can walk under the some of the piers that are now used for pedestrian, biking, and driving usage. It is where I found pretty cool graffiti along the the rocks and piers themselves.This is a wonderful place to take in local nature and history. On our way out of the gorge, we stopped at the New Man-Line Track Connection. The line starts in Philadelphia then goes all the way up to Montreal. Pictured below, is a photo of the sign with all the information on the railway.
I had only seen a part of the Lehigh Gorge State Park but I enjoyed walking along the river. If you are near the park take a pit stop like we did, then head to the little town that stole my heart. Come back on Sunday, to see why I fell in love with Jim Thorpe, Pa!
