Switchback Trail
9 miles - Easy, Scenic Mountain Biking
New for 2026!
After multiple requests, we’re excited to reintroduce our Switchback Rail-Trail beginner-friendly mountain bike ride in Jim Thorpe for the 2026 season. Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, this historic trail follows the route of the famous Switchback Railroad — a narrow-gauge, gravity- and mule-powered railway originally built to haul coal and later became one of America’s most popular tourist attractions, second only to Niagara Falls.
Today, the tracks are long gone, the forest has reclaimed the corridor, and the route has been designated a National Historic Trail. The Switchback Rail-Trail is an extremely pleasant 9-mile downhill bike ride that follows Mauch Chunk Creek and finishes at the 19th-century Opera House in historic Jim Thorpe.
We provide bike rentals and a convenient shuttle service that transports you to the Switchback Trail’s starting point so you can enjoy a relaxed downhill ride back to Pocono Biking in downtown Jim Thorpe.
Switchback Trail Rates
| Bike Shuttles | Standard Bike | E-Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle with Own Bike Reservations available for all trails. This is the rate you pay when bringing your own bike | $24.99 | +$12. (upcharge per personal E-bike) E-bikes MUST: - Be pedal-assist - Not exceed 100lbs - Not exceed 20mph using the motor functionality - Be equipped with a motor of no more than 750 watts - View the entire DCNR Pedalcycle Policy here |
| Bike Rentals | Rental | Rental & Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Helmets included with bike rentals Click here for rental bike options | $12.99 | - |
| Full Day Click here for rental bike options | $34.99 | $49.99 |
| E-Bike Rentals* | Rental | Rental & Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Helmets included Minimum Age 16 Pedal Assist Modes - Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo Click here for rental bike options | $35.99 | *Note: All Pocono Biking E-bike rentals adhere to the following DCNR Pedalcycle Policy |
| Full Day Click here for rental bike options | $79.99 | $94.99 |
| Specialty Rentals | Rental | Rental & Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Caboose (Click for a picture) Fits 1 - 2 kids, Max weight is 100lbs | $24.99 (fits one or two children) | $44.99 - 1 child $64.99 - 2 children |
Switchback Trail Shuttle Schedule
- The following are biking shuttle DEPARTURE TIMES!
- We will board 10 minutes prior to departure, provide a trail briefing, and leave.
- It is recommended you arrive at check-in a minimum of 30 minutes prior to these shuttle departure times.
- Please allow ample time for travel and parking.
Jim Thorpe
Check in at Pocono Biking Jim Thorpe and we’ll shuttle you to the Switchback Trailhead in Summit Hill. Then, enjoy a leisurely 9 mile bike ride on the Switchback gravity railway. You’ll pass Mauch Chunk lake, ride along Mauch Chunk Creek, then finish at our bike shop in historic downtown Jim Thorpe.
| Months | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| May - October | Weekends & Holidays | 10:30am |