Excerpted from Mountain Bike! Mid-Atlantic States by Joe Surkiewicz

The optional ride to the first overlook goes down a rocky power-line cut; the view of the gorge (almost 1,000 feet deep) makes it worth the return climb. The second overlook is even better: Jim Thorpe, with Flagstaff Park towering over it, straddles both sides of the river flowing deep inside the gorge below.

Finding the trail: Jim Thorpe, between Allentown and Scranton, is about a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia. Take the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 34 and follow US 209 south to Jim Thorpe. Drive north on PA 209 for two miles to the first traffic light (PA 93) and turn right. Go approximately three miles and park in the second lot on the right near the gate. The fire road beyond the gate starts the ride.

Notes on the trail: The recommended way to ride this loop is in a figure eight. From the second pulloff on PA 93, ride beyond the gate on the fire road. After 2.5 miles, turn right and follow the power lines. At the intersection a mile later, go straight for the descent to the first overlook. Return to this intersection from the overlook and turn right. (It will be a left if you come down the power lines.) Follow this loop for 2.5 miles back to the first intersection. Turn left and retrace the ride along the power lines; at the intersection where you went straight to the overlook, turn right.

After a half-mile there is a T-intersection; turn left to reach the second overlook. Double back to the T-intersection and go straight. Follow the road for three miles (through two stream crossings and a steep climb) to the next intersection; continue straight. At the gate in the parking lot on PA 93, turn right and ride one mile along the road to your car.

Move on to Weekend Warrior Trail Map

Move on to Summer's Loop

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