Trail Switchback Trail

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

Shuttle with Own Bike

Reservations available for all trails.
This is the rate you pay when bringing your own bike

Standard Bike: $24.99
E-Bike: +$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

Hourly

Helmets included with bike rentals
Click here for rental bike options

Rental: $12.99
Rental & Shuttle: –

Full Day

Click here for rental bike options

Rental: $34.99
Rental & Shuttle: $49.99

E-Bike Rentals*

Hourly

Helmets included
Minimum Age 16
Pedal Assist
Modes – Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo
Click here for rental bike options

Rental: $35.99
Rental & Shuttle: *Note: All Pocono Biking E-bike rentals adhere to the following DCNR Pedalcycle Policy

Full Day

Click here for rental bike options

Rental: $79.99
Rental & Shuttle: $94.99

Specialty Rentals

Caboose

(Click for a picture)
Fits 1 – 2 kids, Max weight is 100lbs

Rental: $24.99 (fits one or two children)
Rental & Shuttle: $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.