The ULTIMATE Day Trip to the Poconos Mountains – Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway | Pennsylvania
Looking for the perfect trip to the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania? How does it sound to take a vintage style train ride through the mountains, visit a quaint local town, and have a picnic at a state park? If this seems like a lovely way to spend time in the Poconos, then this itinerary is just for you! Perfect for a day excursion full of fun, particularly in the fall (when it’s too late for white water rafting and too early for skiing)
I lived near Philadelphia until I was 21 years old and yet I had never visited the Poconos Mountains! It’s really quite a crime considering they are only about a two hour drive away from my house and about an hour and a half from Philly.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
I was so excited when I came across such a fun thing to do in the Poconos. Definitely a one of a kind experience, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers a lovely 16 mile ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park. It is exceptionally beautiful in the autumn with the changing leaves. You can see the forest, the river, waterfalls, and even possibly some bears!
An old fashioned steam engine (with the traditional tooting of the horn) will tug tug through the historic area and beautiful scenery. Conductors in perfect uniform will give fun facts about the area. They offer open air coaches, standard coach, and you can even ride in the caboose!
Costing only about $17 per person, it’d definitely worth the ride and experience. And the best part of all is that they are pet friendly! We were so happy to be able to bring our puppy along with us (she also made the pictures much much cuter!)
If you’re looking for a longer train excursion, they do offer full day trip and half day trips for those interested. The trains run every day, multiple times per day, and all year round. Consider getting your tickets in advance though as it is quite the popular tourist attraction! There will most likely be many people visiting with you, especially in the autumn when everyone is eager to see the changing leaves.
Jim Thorpe Town
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is located within the town of Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe is The town is cute and quaint with local shops of all sorts and unqique places to eat. With its beautiful buildings, stunning views of the mountains, and old american town vibes, it’s certainly a fun place to walk around and explore. Buy some local donuts or handmade household items to keep as memorabilia before you head out of this fun place.
Lehigh Gorge State Park – Picnic
Although there are certainly many nice places to eat within the town of Jim Thorpe, we decided to pack a picnic for our day trip. As much as I love my cute coffee shops, nothing tops a picnic!
After our train ride and explorations through the town, we had to find the perfect picnic spot. There were so many options of beautiful places around – Lake Harmony, Mauch Chunk Lake Park, and the one we decided upon – Lehigh Gorge State Park.
This is the same park that we took our scenic train ride through, but as it’s quite large (over 6,000 acres) we decided to explore more of it on foot.
There were countless hiking trails, views of the river gorge, and interesting things to see at this park, but we had our minds on one thing-the perfect picnic spot. If you’re looking for the most beautiful hike, the Tank Hollow Vista is the perfect option- a short and simple hike with stunning views!
We found the perfect picnic table, with views of the changing leaves and a little trail leading to the river. Setting up the picnic, we took out our picnic blanket – my grandmother’s that you passed down generation after generation (was even used to swaddle my mom when she was a baby) and my grandmother’s picnic basket and thermos.
We took out our goodies and enjoyed our meal with a view of the forest on one side and the occasional passing train on the other.
When sunset time came around, the already beautiful fall leaves all turned golden with the setting sun. It was the perfect way to end the day!
When to Visit the Poconos
Although the Poconos are most famous for their skiing options, there are so many things to do there year-round. Endless hikes, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs all year, horseback riding, white water rafting, visiting the quaint old American towns, and more! Of course in the autumn, the leaves in the forests turn majestic and colorful, but the waterfalls and rivers are stunning year-round. Whenever you choose to visit, there are countless things to do. For a day trip EXACTLY like mine, I would recommend visiting in October or November when the changing leaves are at their finest.
Tips for Visiting the Poconos Mountains
- Wildlife– It’s important to remember that you are going up into the mountains of Pennsylvania. Much of this area is filled with untouched wildlife. It’s quite common to see snakes, bears, deer, and much more. Although they tend not to bother people, always be aware.
- Hunting Grounds– Much of the Lehigh Gorge State Park is also state game land/hunting grounds. Depending on the season, it’s probably a good idea to check if there may be hunters out if you’re going for a hike in the mountains.
- Insects– Pennsylvania is one of the top areas in the country that is endemic with deer ticks that carry a variety of diseases including Lyme Disease. BE SURE TO BRING STRONG BUG SPRAY. Especially if you are going hiking, it’s important to check yourself for bug bites after going out in the woods, particularly to make sure that no tick has managed to attach itself to you. Of course there are mosquitos and other biting insects as well, but the ticks are the biggest and most dangerous threat in Pennsylvania.
- Cost– most of the park entrances are free, so many activities can be done without a cost whatsoever. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway costs about $17 per person.
Looking for more amazing things to do in Pennsylvania? Maybe a day trip to Philly? Check out all of our other Pennsylvania posts for unique and interesting things to do!
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
73 Comments
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Retirement and Dogs
November 29, 2020 at 4:02 pmLove the area. Great blog
Colorful Sisters
November 29, 2020 at 4:05 pmThank you!! It really is a beautiful area 🙂
hisprodigal1
December 19, 2020 at 3:09 pmGrowing up in Philly . . . back when dinosaurs roamed the earth . . . I spent my summers exploring the Poconos forests and fishing it’s lakes at Promised Land, PA. It left me with a repertoire of precious memories that always stretch a smile across my ole mug. Thanks for reviving them.
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Keep Looking Up
Colorful Sisters
December 19, 2020 at 6:39 pmOh wow that sounds soooo lovely! I love all the lakes in Pennsylvania and fishing is relaxing. I love boating of all kinds too! Happy it could bring back some good memories! 🙂
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November 29, 2020 at 4:03 pm[…] View the full post: THE ULTIMATE DAY TRIP TO THE POCONOS MOUNTAINS – LEHIGH GORGE SCENIC RAILWAY | PENNSYLVANIA […]
NazaInnocent
November 29, 2020 at 4:06 pmThe pictures are amazing.
Colorful Sisters
November 29, 2020 at 4:43 pmThank you so much!!
Timothy Price
November 29, 2020 at 4:15 pmSo cool. I love old trains.
Colorful Sisters
November 29, 2020 at 4:43 pmYess they really are super cool! Especially when they have a great view!
rescuedogdexter
November 29, 2020 at 5:04 pmGood blog. What is the name of your dog?
Colorful Sisters
November 29, 2020 at 5:09 pmThanks! We actually have 3 dogs, but this one is named Mishmesh. It means apricot in Hebrew and since she is a reddish/apricot color it’s a perfect fit 🙂
rescuedogdexter
November 30, 2020 at 3:57 pmWell, Mishmesh looks very happy.
Olympus Mountaineering
November 29, 2020 at 5:42 pmGreat post with amazing photos as usual from you. 🙂 Well done
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 9:39 amThank you so very much!
jbcowgill
November 29, 2020 at 6:49 pmGreat railroad, and a great town. One of my best all time photos was taken in Jim Thorpe.
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 9:39 amIt really is a great place! I’d love to see the photo!!
jbcowgill
November 30, 2020 at 10:18 amSadly, it is buried in my online file. It is of a teenaged lady praying at the altar in the church.
jbcowgill
November 30, 2020 at 10:29 amHere is that photo. https://jbcowgill.blog/2020/11/30/flashback-at-the-altar/
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 4:26 pmOh wow really is beautiful! The colors and the designs are really cool!
marlagro
November 29, 2020 at 8:16 pmYour pictures, stories and modeling are so beautiful. And your puppy! I lived in Pittsburgh until I was 35. Wonderful place to grow up. And honeymooned in Poconos. 🙂 Keep on exploring the world so we can enjoy it!
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 9:40 amAwww thank you so very much!! I’m happy you are enjoying and you must have had a wonderful time on your honeymoon in the pococnos! It’s a lovely place for sure 🙂
lisaonthebeach
November 30, 2020 at 12:19 amThat sounds like a most perfect and unique day outing. I would simply love an adventure such as that. Thank you for making me feel almost like I joined you on your ride 😊
I also love your photos! ❣
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 9:41 amThank you so much!! I’m so happy you felt like you could almost be there! I hope maybe one day you can experience it for real as well 🙂
Magaidh Bryan
November 30, 2020 at 12:23 amI think this is one of my favorites of your photoshoots! ♥️📸
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 9:42 amThank you so much!!! It’s one of my favorite as well!! We were really happy with how it turned out 🙂
Magaidh Bryan
November 30, 2020 at 8:22 pmYeah, they’re so pretty and aesthetic! ♥️
Jyothi
November 30, 2020 at 4:47 pmWow. Superb pictures!
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 7:25 pmThank you so very much!!
Francina
December 1, 2020 at 12:24 pmLovely pictures ! Thank you for sharing, Your post brings back many good memories,
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 4:46 pmThank you so much! Have you been here before?
Francina
December 2, 2020 at 5:13 pmYes, a long time ago though , it was also a day trip and we rented a rowboat to spend some time on the lake before we had to go back.
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 10:35 pmWow that sounds so lovely, boating of all kinds is just amazing 🙂
Simon
December 1, 2020 at 6:17 pmWhat an amazing place, you captures the colours really well 🙂
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 4:47 pmThanks so much!! It was such a lovely day, the lighting and everything was so perfect 🙂
Kris
December 2, 2020 at 6:44 amThis looked like so much fun!!! Something I’ll add to my someday if I visit the East Coast list. The colors are incredible and your information was not just ‘stuff’ but useful. fun fun fun!!!
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 4:49 pmThank you so much!!! I’m happy you found it informative as well 🙂 I hope you can visit the East Coast one day! Where are you from?
Kris
December 3, 2020 at 12:19 amI live in Eastern Oregon at this time, grew up in Alaska and have spent my summers there for the last several years.
Colorful Sisters
December 3, 2020 at 8:33 amWow that seems lovely, I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska-looks like such stunning and untouched beauty! My only problem is that I hate the cold! But hopefully I’ll be able to visit one day regardless 🙂
Kris
December 4, 2020 at 6:26 amSummer isn’t very cold. :o)
Colorful Sisters
December 4, 2020 at 3:24 pmTrueee! We’ll have to plan a trip in the summertime! Or just embrace the cold in winter!
Optimal Health
December 2, 2020 at 5:14 pmThat was some great adventure. The pictures are well-taken and help capture the goodness of it all.
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 10:34 pmIt really was so lovely! Such a wonderful day and a beautiful memory 🙂
Michael Polyak
December 3, 2020 at 7:12 pmGreat post– and incredible fall colors! Such an incredible time of year to be in PA! I’ve always wanted to visit Jim Thorpe town– it looks really cool! Btw– you’ve probably already heard of it, but my favorite spot to hike and see falls colors in PA is at the Kinzua Bridge State Park: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/KinzuaBridgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx . Cheers!
Colorful Sisters
December 4, 2020 at 3:26 pmOoo I haven’t heard of it! But I’ll have to check it out!
Charles Dada
December 5, 2020 at 8:22 pmI like the pooch! The trains are good too.
Colorful Sisters
December 6, 2020 at 8:54 amYesss the puppy is the best hahaha 🙂
Train Today to Reap Tomorrow
December 6, 2020 at 1:49 pmIt’s a beautiful place to be. You have described it very well.
Colorful Sisters
December 6, 2020 at 3:18 pmThanks so much!!
xaranahara
January 4, 2021 at 12:53 amMy mother lives two hours away from Jim Thorpe. It’s a beautiful and relaxing place. I would visit, but COVID-19 has my family locked down.
Colorful Sisters
January 4, 2021 at 12:33 pmOh wow so you’re so close! Well when all of this passes hopefully you can visit 🙂
xaranahara
January 7, 2021 at 12:46 amUnfortunately, I live in Georgia, one of the many homes of political unrest. My mother is fine. I, however, try to stay out of the public.
Colorful Sisters
January 7, 2021 at 8:44 amWell let’s hope that all of this passes soon! The political unrest and also corona!
xaranahara
January 9, 2021 at 8:34 pmExactly. This is all just stuuuupid.
Shashank Narayan
December 7, 2020 at 8:09 amBeautiful pictures, I love the place great post 🙂💐
Colorful Sisters
December 8, 2020 at 4:01 pmThank you so much!!
authorstephanieparkermckean
December 16, 2020 at 7:19 pmWhat a great trip! Lovely photos…a great adventure! Good for you!
Colorful Sisters
December 19, 2020 at 6:36 pmThanks so much!! Happy you enjoyed 🙂
Elaine
December 17, 2020 at 10:28 pmI was there in October 2019. Jim Thorpe is a great little town! If you’re interested in a B&B stay the Times House was wonderful! Had planned to go back this autumn but with COVID decided against it. Will definitely go back next year.
Colorful Sisters
December 19, 2020 at 6:38 pmOoo that little B&B looks so cute!! The town is really adorable. Hopefully you will be able to go back next year!
Markgtr
December 20, 2020 at 6:12 pmI grew up in Western Pa. but spend a year out this way. A beautiful part of the state for sure. By the way, your photos are excellent!
Colorful Sisters
December 20, 2020 at 7:11 pmThanks so much!! I never spent much time in Western Pa but I’m sure there are so many beautiful areas there!
-Eugenia
December 26, 2020 at 10:07 pmExcellent post and amazing photos! It’s good connecting with you and thank you for following my blog.
craig lock
January 5, 2021 at 5:40 pmthanks for another follow, Brooke and Danielle
All the best
“very bland and unfashionable” c
http://www.craigsblogs.wordpress.com
The ULTIMATE Day Trip to the Poconos Mountains – Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway | Pennsylvania – RedDragon CryptoDoubleBitcoin Investment Platform Blog
January 9, 2021 at 12:51 pm[…] The ULTIMATE Day Trip to the Poconos Mountains – Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway | Pennsylvania […]
Ann Garcia - River Blossoms
January 9, 2021 at 1:19 pmGreat blog! Love the pics and the energy!
Colorful Sisters
January 9, 2021 at 4:50 pmThank you so much!!
Katie
January 12, 2021 at 12:05 amBeautiful photos. Isn’t Jim Thorpe the coolest place?!
Colorful Sisters
January 12, 2021 at 8:54 amYesss it really is so unique!!! Loved it 🙂
SisDr
February 9, 2021 at 1:47 amMy parents used to live in the Poconos! You’re visit tugged at my heart strings. Keep traveling and sharing it with the world!
Colorful Sisters
February 9, 2021 at 11:38 amOhhh how amazing!! I’m happy that it brought back some lovely memories. It’s truly a magical place 🙂
SisDr
February 9, 2021 at 1:48 amApologies for the usage error / typo your vs you’re!
lavapix
April 2, 2021 at 11:48 pmI wasn’t expecting to see the Poconos in your blog 🙂 Went there often and the town of Jim Thorpe back in the 60s, 70,s, and 80s..
Colorful Sisters
April 5, 2021 at 7:15 amAmazing! I wonder how much it has changed since then…it still seems to have maintained it’s small town vibe 🙂