Meet HL Alison and Bob Gagnon,610-547-0034 robertgagnon@verizon.net, at Josiah White Park in front of the Jim Thorpe Visitors Center for a day hike on the Switchback loop trail in Jim Thorpe, PA. Despite its name, the trail is not a typical switchback ascent, but rather is a historical local railroad line (“Switchback Gravity Railroad”) converted into a hiking trail. Hence, the trail is mostly straight and flat, with a modest climb to the ridge overlooking the town, ending at the top of Mt Pisgah, which has a nice view of Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Valley. The hike will finish with a walk down the lower half of Broadway, which is the main shopping and restaurant area of the town. Bring water, snack, lunch. Restrooms are available. Those interested are invited to stay after the hike for food and/or drink at Molly Maguires, which is located adjacent to the visitors center.
Directions: Follow the NE Extension of the PA turnpike to Lehigh Avenue, Jim Thorpe. GPS: 40.8638, -75.7369. There is ample parking next to the visitors center, in the lot along Lehigh Avenue (a parking fee is required). Carpool: meet at 7:30 AM at Gateway Shopping Center, Swedesford Road, Wayne, outside of the Starbucks.