Jim Thorpe Day Trip from NYC: Scenic Train Ride & Swiss Town

Summary

Victorian facades, autumn colors and laughter on the rails

You’ll ride from New York to Jim Thorpe with a bilingual guide sharing stories along the way. Wander Victorian streets, hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge train for mountain views, and snack on treats as you go. Kids get special travel passports (and half-price tickets in summer). It’s a day for slowing down — there’s something quietly joyful about hearing that train whistle echo through town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Jim Thorpe wasn’t the buildings — it was the sound of the train’s whistle echoing off those green hills. We’d left New York early, coffee in hand, and after three hours (give or take — traffic was kind), our guide Li pointed out the town’s nickname: “Little Switzerland.” The houses really do look like they belong in some European storybook. There’s this bakery on Broadway that smells like cinnamon and old wood; I ducked in just to warm up my hands for a minute. Didn’t buy anything at first, but ended up with a sticky bun anyway.

Li switched between English and Mandarin as we wandered past antique shops and galleries. She told us about Jim Thorpe himself — Olympic gold medals, wild backstory, honestly I’d never heard half of it before. Kids darted between us with their “travel passports” (they stamp them at each stop), which made me wish I’d brought my nephew along. The main event is definitely the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway — you can pick your car type, but I went for the open-air one because it felt right. When that train started rolling through orange and red trees along the river, everyone got quiet for a second except this one toddler who kept yelling “choo-choo!” It’s funny what sticks with you.

Snacks came around twice (nothing fancy, mostly cookies and candies), but it hit the spot after all that fresh air. Our driver cracked jokes about Pennsylvania weather being “four seasons in an hour,” which turned out to be true — sun, then drizzle, then sun again. If you’re thinking of booking this Jim Thorpe day trip from NYC, just know it’s not about rushing through sights. It’s more like pausing in a place that feels both familiar and strange at once. On the way back I watched someone try to pronounce “Lehigh” for five minutes straight — pretty sure none of us got it right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from New York to Jim Thorpe

• Depart from New York City
• Drive to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
• Explore European-style town streets
• Visit boutiques and vintage bookstores
• Ride the small scenic train (optional)
• Enjoy views of Lehigh River and forest
• Return drive to New York City

Top questions

How long is the day trip from New York to Jim Thorpe?

The total duration is approximately 9-12 hours including travel time and stops.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; departure is from a set location in New York City.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, unlimited bottled water and sweet snacks are included throughout the trip.

What language does the tour guide speak?

The guide provides commentary in both English and Chinese.

Is there a train ride included in Jim Thorpe?

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway ride is available if selected when booking; several seating options are offered.

Are kids’ tickets discounted?

Children aged 3–11 get 50% off admission during July & August 2025.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes; infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap or use a pram/stroller as needed.

What happens if attractions are closed?

If attractions are closed or changed due to holidays or other reasons, alternatives will be provided to maintain quality.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation between New York City and Jim Thorpe by professional vehicle (size depends on group), unlimited bottled water, twice-daily sweet snacks served with a smile, guidance from an English & Chinese-speaking tour guide and driver, plus access to various classes of seating on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway if chosen when booking. Each guest receives an exclusive Local Exploration Travel Passport for collecting stamps at stops along the way before returning to NYC in the evening.