Whatever season you stay at Poconos vacation rentals, your days are bound to be filled with outdoor activities. The autumn months invite hunters to seek hogs and deer in the wild. In the winter, skiing and sledding await you on the mountains' powdery slopes. You can find Jim Thorpe vacation homes tucked away near these rolling mountains. In the summer, sightseeing in a town that holds such charm will be a great diversion from all the outdoor activities that you can indulge in. Biking and long walks, however, occupy most visitors and locals. With all the beauty of its surrounding nature trails, you will be tempted to follow suit.
Easing into the Trails
Ride or stroll along the Lehigh Canal path by entering at its Jim Thorpe section, and you will see the Lehigh River and railroad tracks. If you have five hours to spare, the Switchback Railroad loop will treat you to wide paths and interesting scenery. Break out your mountain bike at the 8.4-mile Buzzard's Point Trail, and you will be thrilled at the grassy fields, an overlook to a gorge, and a bit of a rocky ride down to Butcher Hollow.
Sweating It Out
When you want a more intense experience, pat yourself on the back for staying in one of the Jim Thorpe vacation homes. Your access to the more rugged terrain is within close reach. Follow the safety warning signs at the Glen Onoko Falls Trail, and you will be rewarded with the sight of cascading water over smooth flattened rocks, a gushing stream and gorges. Its beauty belies the slippery and rocky ground, so plan to head out in broad daylight so you can ensure your safety. The nine-mile Mauch Chunk Ridge will challenge bikers with a rocky trail, while Drake's Creek can be a straining uphill ride where you will catch a glimpse of wild turkeys.
Taking a Tour
If you would much rather immerse yourself into the town's best spots, see it through the eyes of JTX, or the Jim Thorpe Experience. They will take you on an enjoyable walking or biking tour around town and its nearby trails.
The JTX Town and Country Tour will be a feast of brick downtown buildings, stories of the town's past and the secrets of Glen Onoko that you may not find if you venture out on your own. Bring your own bike and take advantage of their weekend offering of Switchback Ride and Mining. Along the way, you will have lunch by the lake, get into the nitty-gritty of coal mining, and marvel at fascinating stories and legends. Admissions to the mine and jail are inclusive. If you want to explore Hickory Run State Park, it also offers a guided hike through a waterfall and a view of the Lehigh Gorge.
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