Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Lovely Day Out, Mixed Accessibility

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: A Charming Ride with Caveats

By Rick Chapman — September 2025

There’s a particular kind of thrill that comes with an old train whistle. In Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway delivers that satisfying blast of nostalgia along with seventy minutes of forested views, river bends, and the gentle clatter of wheels on rail. We made a family day of it — dog included — and while the ride was lovely, the experience did highlight a few accessibility hurdles worth knowing about.

Watch the view from the open-air carriage as the train rolls through the gorge.

Souvenir Tickets & First Impressions

We started with a proper, old-fashioned ticket — the sort you want to keep for the scrapbook. The station feels historic and atmospheric, which is part of the charm. It also means uneven paving, narrow doorways, and steps that can slow things down if you’ve got mobility considerations.

Hand holding a Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway souvenir ticket — Ticket to ride — round trip through the gorge.

Onboard the Open-Air Car

We chose an open-air carriage and the breeze was glorious. The line traces the Lehigh River; trees press close, rock walls rise up, and every so often the world opens to a postcard view. I treated myself to an ice-cold Reading Draft Black Cherry — a tiny ritual that turned the whole journey into a memory with flavour.

Hand holding a bottle of Reading Draft Black Cherry soda on the train — Local fizz, cool breeze, slow miles — simple joys.

Families (and Paws) Welcome

Good news for fellow pet people: the railway is dog-friendly. Our corgi came along and was an absolute gentleman, content to watch the trees whip by and say hello to small admirers on the platform. Bringing him made the day feel complete.

Children waving near the green-and-yellow locomotive with a corgi at the edge of frame — Excited kids, obliging dog, and that classic green-and-yellow engine.

Accessibility: The Honest Bits

Because the rolling stock and station are vintage, accessibility is a mixed bag. Here’s what we encountered:

Boarding: Steeper steps into the carriages and narrow entries. Staff were kind, but there’s no modern low-floor boarding.
Paths & Surfaces: Cracked pavements, kerbs, and gaps that require care — especially after rain.
Inside the Cars: Tight aisles and fixed seating limit manoeuvrability and transfer options.
Facilities: Accessible loos weren’t clearly signed, and wayfinding could be improved.
Parking: Accessible bays exist near the station, but the route to the platform includes pinch points.

Narrow old ramp and doorway at the station — Historic charm often equals tight angles and awkward ramps.

Between Trains: Jim Thorpe’s Lively Centre

Before and after the ride, we lingered in the square: lemonade stands, kettle corn, and a festival hum of people-watching. The town is handsome and photogenic, though listed buildings and steps reflect its age — lovely for the camera, less so for wheels.

Kettle corn and lemonade stalls in Jim Thorpe's square — Snacks, shade, and plenty of bustle.

Practical Tips

Arrive early for closer parking and a calm boarding window.
Ask staff which carriage entry is widest; they’ll usually point you to the least fiddly option.
Boarding assistance is available with a portable lift gate.
Consider the open-air car in warm weather — better views and easier photography.
Bring a lightweight cushion if you need back support; seating is vintage and firm.
Dogs: bring water, keep leads short on platforms, and expect plenty of attention from fellow passengers.

Verdict

As a scenic, family-and-dog-friendly outing, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a delight — a gentle step back in time with fresh mountain air. From an accessibility standpoint, it’s doable with planning but not fully modern: stairs, narrow aisles, and uneven approaches are the main hurdles. If you go in aware and allow extra time, you’ll likely come away with the same thing we did — a camera full of greenery and a grin that lingers.