Bowmanstown

RiverView Park. Rules and Regs.

One of the newest parks along the Lehigh River Riverview came into existence only about four years ago. It started with the boat ramp pictured below and a couple pull off access sites. Until this past Sunday I thought that was all that it was. To my surprise I found a brand new disc golf course outside of the main parking lot, pics below. On the opposite end of the main parking lot from the course it looks as though something else is being added to the park. A large area has been clear. It may just be an addition to the parking area or it may be a new surprise coming soon.   
     This is a great launch point for kayaks and canoes. Make sure they have the proper tags though, this like all of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission access sites is patrolled. I would not suggest launching a powered boat here but I have seen individuals do so. The river gets shallow quickly both up and down stream and small rapid sections can be found in both directions. This past summer I started using this access for night fishing. Out of three tries at this location I only pulled up one small catfish, you can try it too, but if you would like better places contact me and I can suggest some. Or keep reading my blog because some of the better fishing sites are coming up soon.

PFBC Boat Ramp.

View from the Ramp.

Disc Golf.

Score Cards and Pencils Ready.

Can You See the Hole?

The Switchback

View from the Top of the Switchback.

Some things need to be kept a secret and the area where I park to access the switchback is one that I am keeping. Yes, I want you to go out and explore, but I can't give you everything. If you want to go to the Switchback it is shown on my map, but you will probably have to take the long path to get there. This is mostly out of courtesy for those who live near where I park. This is another location with a history relating to the coal mines in this region of PA. If you are interested in the history of this site please visit this link The Switchback and click on Switchback History on the left side bar. I found the Switchback not because of its history, but because it sat on a mountain I had never climbed before.
        One day while at Glen Onoco I looked up at the mountain on which the Switchback sits and I saw a large rock outcropping. I decided to find a way up there and I eventually I did. I found trails and made my way to the top. No matter what trail you take to the top it is not easy. Some are very long, but flat and others are shorted, but incredibly steep. The view is worth it though. The picture above was taken on an overcast day and it still was not that bad of a view. If you wander around enough on the top you will find the remnants of an old train bridge and the car pictured below. The car still puzzles me. Currently there are no roads to get there and with the height of the trees there has not been for about thirty years. The only option would have been to come up the Switchback cut also pictured below.

Mystery Car at the Top.

Switchback Cut was Once Rails.

Historic Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe Court House and Souvenir Shop.

As a local resident I dread driving through Jim Thorpe on busy weekends and I very rarely spend time walking around this neighboring town. People seem to love it though and travel long distances to visit this historic town. Events are happening all the time and to keep up to date on what is going on you can visit this link Jim Thorpe. History, architecture and trains are what seem to bring tourists in and if you are interested in one or more of these items this town might be for you. The towns name was changed from Mauch Chunk to Jim Thorpe years ago in honor of the Olympian who still calls this town home. Currently you can still visit Jim Thorpe's grave on the opposite side of the river, but there has been controversy surrounding his final resting place and in the future Mr. Thorpe may be moved. Asa Packer the founder of Lehigh University also called this town home and his mansion can be toured if you do decide to visit. The Molly Maguires also had an influence on this town in the past as well.
         For me this trip today was short and sweet. Historic Jim Thorpe is just not for me. I hope you enjoy the photos below and if you are interested in finding more about the town check out the link above and visit it for yourself. There is much more to see and learn about than I am willing to add to my blog, but I did want to give this town a mention because of all of the tourists that do come to visit. I mentioned train rides during my Glen Onoco blog and this is where you can catch the train. Photos below will show you the train station and the prices are listed in the one pic. Prices may vary from year to year and the rides are generally only available on weekends. I will warn you that on some busy summer weekends the traffic can be backed up enough that you may be waiting two hours to get into town. Remember this too, if you are going to be traveling through Jim Thorpe to get to other destinations in the Lehigh Gorge.

Souvenir Shop Now Featuring Segway Tours.

Historic Marker. No Good Angle to Picture the Mansion Itself.

Train Yard.

Train Station.

Train Station.

Glen Onoco to Jim Thorpe: A Weekend Tip

Converted Rail Bridge.

As I have stated in my previous blog Glen Onoco is packed on weekends, but so is historic Jim Thorpe, my next destination. Jim Thorpe has very limited parking unless you want to pay for it and Glen Onoco has free parking. If you do not mind a scenic walk or bike, ride here is what I would suggest. Park at the Glen and either hoof or peddle it to Jim Thorpe. The trail is flat and well maintained. Generally you can find parking in the outer lots at the Glen and this will get you some exercise and keep a couple extra bucks in your pocket.
        You will get to use the newly completed path across an old rail bridge above. Taking this route will also give you the options of checking out some smaller trails on the Glen side of the river which lead to old foundations and run against the canal which once was in operations many years ago. This way will take you right to the train station in Jim Thorpe.

River View from the Bridge.

Glen Onoco

Tunnel Entrance

Glen Onoco is tucked away in the outskirts of Jim Thorpe. In recent years new parking areas and the completion of new trails have opened this area up to tourists. In the summer, spring and fall this area on weekends is packed with those who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It can get really crowded. I waited until today to venture there myself because weekdays it is normally close to empty and I got what I expected. An entire section of the Lehigh Gorge State Park almost all to myself.
     The Glen as the locals call it has several features that attract the outdoor enthusiast, families on outings, train hobbyists and even historians. The highlights include a large out of commission railroad tunnel (like the tunnel at Rockport, but on a grander scale), the Lehigh River that meanders through this park, awe inspiring waterfalls and a nicely maintained trail for hikers and bikers witch extends throughout the gorge and will eventually run all the way to Easton when completed. For the historians and train buffs there is still an active rail that is use somewhat frequently and in an upcoming blog I will even tell you how you can take a ride on one of the passenger trains that still runs through the area.
     Today I arrived at the Glen a little after 11am and except for a couple cars the place was empty. I stopped at the entrance to the tunnel on my way in and if you decided to go it will be on the right hand side of the access road, easily missed if you are not looking for it. I walked through the tunnel and out to the edge. The view to me is great and so you can see it I have a video below. I then walked down to the river and headed to the falls trail. The picture below shows the warning for the trail and to most it is not an easy hike. The walk was peaceful and I did not go up to far, the falls I made it to are pictured below. For those interested there is a larger fall further up the trail that is about thirty feet high. I headed back to the parking area and still did not see anyone. It really was a nice change though, visiting the Glen without literally hundreds of people around. If you have a free weekday I would suggest checking this destination out. 

Falls Trail Warning.

Tunnel from Opposite Shore.

The Falls.

   

Gamelands Off Route 93

One of the Many Falls at This Location.

    

Off of route 93 I have found a wonderful hiking area that has very little traffic other than sportsmen. The location can be found on the google map I have put up in a previous blog. The location is within State Gamelands so I suggest if you do decide to hike through this area to check out the hunting seasons and always wear orange when hiking. This locations highlights include sand springs, a native brook trout catch and release stream and a path that follows the stream to waterfall after waterfall.

      I suggest that if you do this hike that you do it when there is no snow on the ground the trails can be treacherous in icy conditions. After parking I start down the strait path that also acts as a access road for Game Commission officers. I follow it strait for about a half of a mile and I am confronted with a four way intersection of paths. To the right the trail leads up hill and over the mountain down to a local prison. To the left the trail goes immediately down to the stream and strait takes you down hill to a lower section of the stream. At this juncture I would suggest checking out the sand springs and without knowing they are there most people would miss them. Take the left at the intersection then before you make it to the stream take a right into the woods. You will find the little sand springs scattered throughout the area. Then head back out to the intersection and make a left (strait if you are ignoring the sand springs). Like I said the trail will then take you down hill to the stream and at the stream you will make a right onto a much smaller path. On this path you can go all the way down to the Nesquehoning Creek which runs into the Lehigh, but the further you go down the harder the trail gets. Some parts are washed out and this is not a hike for beginners. Below are photos and videos of several trips of mine down this trail. It really is an outstanding place and is nice because few people travel it.   

To find State Gamelands in your area to hike or hunt you can visit this link PA State Gamelands.

Pools Below Falls are Great for Catching Native Brook Trout.

Falls are Slippery Do Not Climb.

Close to the Nesquehoning Creek.