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Switchback Railroad Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Switchback Railroad Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring a lake and trails, including one with a scenic viewpoint.
What runners say about Switchback Railroad Trail
“Beautiful scenery and nature to help a mind relax and the trail is clean.”
“The Switchblade Railroad Trail is a beautiful place for a walk, in this case, a walk with my dog.”
“It's such a peaceful trail to enjoy.”
We started at the parking lot at Much Lake and went across the road and up the trail. Slight hill, not bad. Turned right at first intersection taking trail toward Mt Pisgah. Flat and super easy. At one point you have to traverse a 5-inch ledge for about 15 feet. Drop off is maybe 10 feet. Then flat again.
What a great trail. I've been coming here for years. Absolutely beautiful in all seasons. Today's visit was in the throws of Winter. Just beautiful. The lake was completely frozen over causing it to make a beautiful melody of strange sounds as the ice was expanding and contracting.
The Switchback Trail has a variety of sections, with the main branch running along Mount Pisgah. Two spectacular overlooks are located on the Jim Thorpe end of the trail. One overlook is towards Blue Mountain and the Lehigh Gap, the other looks at the lower end of Lehigh Gorge State Park.
The Switchblade Railroad Trail is a beautiful place for a walk, in this case, a walk with my dog. A very clean treelined trail with plenty of shade. Beautiful!
Trail conditions & character
“The Switchblade Railroad Trail is a beautiful place for a walk, in this case, a walk with my dog.”
“Nice white/Green level gravel and crushed rock trail.”
“Beautiful area with trails of grass or packed gravel.”
“We started at the parking lot at Much Lake and went across the road and up the trail.”
Plan your run at Switchback Railroad Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetraillink.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Jim Thorpe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bake Oven Knob
4.7 ★★★★★ 565 reviews
Easy view point, reached via a rocky trail, popular for hiking and families.
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Rockport Access
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,544 reviews
Park along the Lehigh River with miles of multiuse trails & activities such as whitewater rafting.
