Many of the
County Links on the left will keep you specifically in Carbon County, home of the town of Jim Thorpe, also known as the "Switzerland of America" in the northeastern PA Pocono Mountains. We add new listings and links on a regular basis. Use the "PA State Map" link on the left to get around the other 66 PA counties.
Jim Thorpe, the county seat, was originally incorporated on January 26, 1850, as the borough of Mauch Chunk, an Indian name meaning "bear mountain." It was renamed in 1954 for the famous Indian athlete, who is buried there.
The Lehigh River, one of the finest and most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the East, winds through the heart of Carbon County. Whitewater season runs from early spring through June and then again in the fall.
The month of June sees an explosion of the soft white petals of the mountain laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower.
Summertime means outdoor recreation and a wide array of activities from sightseeing and train rides to mountain biking and water-skiing. This is the season for festivals, fairs and flea markets. For historic house tours and horseback riding. For swimming, boating or picnicking or just plain relaxing at one of the many state and county parks.
Autumn brings the changing of the seasons. This is the season of Oktoborfests and Arts & Crafts Fairs, of flaming foliage excursions by train and flaming foliage festivals.