Pocono Pedaling

Summer's Loop

Length/configuration : 15-mile loop.
Aerobic difficulty : Moderate, with a few short, steep climbs.
Technical difficulty : Creek crossings and rough surfaces require good bike-handling skills.
Scenery : Deep forests and views of Lehigh River Gorge.
Special comments : Come here for views most visitors to the area never see.
General location : Jim Thorpe.
Elevation change : About 600 feet.
Season : Summer and fall are best. The mountain is usually covered with snow in winter and deep mud from melting snow in early spring.
Services : All services are available in Jim Thorpe. Mountain bikes can be rented at Blue Mountain Sports & Wear.
Hazards : The biggest danger is running out of water. Watch for snakes in warm weather and avoid riding during fall hunting season (or ride on Sundays when hunting is permitted). Use care on the long descents.
Rescue index : Poor. The small private community of Christmansville is near the start of the ride. If you've begun the descent toward Drake's Creek and need help, keep going in that direction toward your car.
Land status : State game lands.
Maps : The USGS 7.5-minute quad is Christmans.

This 15-mile loop on state game land is characterized by deep forests, making it a nice ride on hot days. Great views of Lehigh River Gorge, especially in the fall, are an added attraction. During mid-June, the mountain laurel is in full bloom. Watch for wildlife, including deer, black bear, and birds.

While this ride is entirely on forest roads, sections of steep descents and climbs on rutted surfaces make it challenging, especially if they're ridden fast. After starting on pavement, the trail changes to dirt with some stretches of coarse gravel. On the return leg, a creek crossing is followed by a hard-pack uphill. Midway through the ride, the trail passes over Rockport Tunnel, an active railroad tunnel through the mountain. The view of Lehigh River Gorge is one of the best — and one few visitors to the area ever see. A series of steep, short climbs ends the ride.

< Previous

Next >

Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 29 Apr 2002
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.