Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway |
| Website | https://www.lgsry.com/ |
| Train ride | Steam or diesel pulled passenger train consisting of heritagele railroad equipment |
| Location | 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Length of trip | 16 miles 70 minute round trip |
| Cost of single ticket | $23.00 |
| Special Trains | Bike Trains St. Patrick’s Day trains Easter Bunny Express Autumn Leaf Trains Santa Clause Special |
History/information
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a popular tourist attraction located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The railway is operated by the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, a freight and passenger rail company based in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers scenic train rides through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, a 4,548-acre natural area in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania.
History of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway:
The railway began operating in 2005 and was originally known as the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. It was operated by the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, which acquired the rail line from Conrail in 1996. The line was originally built in the 19th century by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to transport coal from the mines in the region to markets in Philadelphia and New York City.
History of the Reading Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad:
The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad was formed in 1990 when the Reading Company and the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad merged. The Reading Company was one of the largest railroad companies in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad was a short-line railroad that operated in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Today, the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad operates more than 300 miles of track in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
The Rail Line:
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates on a 16-mile section of the Lehigh Valley Railroad’s former main line between Packerton and White Haven. The rail line was built in the 19th century to transport coal from the mines in the region to markets in Philadelphia and New York City. Today, the rail line offers scenic views of the Lehigh River and the surrounding mountains.
The Ride:
The train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway takes approximately 70 minutes round-trip and offers stunning views of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Passengers can choose to ride in open-air cars or enclosed coaches. Along the way, the train passes through Glen Onoko, a scenic waterfall, and the town of Penn Haven Junction, which was once a hub of rail activity in the region.
Other Local Attractions:
Jim Thorpe, the town where the railway is located, is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of attractions, including historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Other nearby attractions include the Mauch Chunk Opera House, the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, and the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Train Equipment:
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates a variety of vintage diesel-electric locomotives and passenger cars. Some of the equipment dates back to the 1950s and 1960s and has been restored to its original condition.
Notable roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 425 | 4-6-2 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1928 | Ex-GM&N |
| 2102 | 4-8-4 | Reading Shops 1945 | Ex-Reading |
| 270 & 275 | F9A & F7B | EMD | Ex-NS |
Getting There
Closest Amtrak Station:
The closest Amtrak station to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is in downtown Philadelphia, approximately 80 miles away. From there, passengers can take the SEPTA regional rail to the Lansdale station, where they can transfer to a bus that will take them to Jim Thorpe.
Closest Commercial Airport:
The closest commercial airport to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is Lehigh Valley International Airport, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles away. From the airport, passengers can rent a car or take a taxi to Jim Thorpe.
Driving Directions:
To reach the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway by car, take exit 74 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and follow Route 209 north for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto Route 903 and follow it for approximately 2 miles. The railway is located on the right-hand side of the road. Parking is available on-site.
