Summit Hill: Switchback, Forest, and Local History

Summit Hill brings together the history of the Switchback Railroad, forest trails, a section along Mauch Chunk Lake, and traces of the past in town. The variety of perspectives makes planning a trip appealing: there are combined driving and hiking tours, the Switchback Trail with two intersecting routes, and a walking path through Ludlow Park in the heart of town. You can tailor your stay to whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors or explore local landmarks.

Switchback: Tours and Trail

The Summit Hill Walker’s Tours on the Switchback are combined driving and hiking tours through the western section of the route. You can explore four locations, traveling by car along part of the Switchback route. When planning, it is therefore important to decide whether to focus on a combined driving and hiking tour or one of the trail routes. The Switchback Railroad Trail differs in its layout: it consists of two intersecting routes, each nine miles long. Summit Hill is recommended as a starting point for the trail. Conditions for the Walker’s Tours may change, so check the current tour conditions before making plans.

Forest and Lake on the Southern Route

The easier southern route of the Switchback Railroad Trail follows a firm, compacted dirt surface along Mauch Chunk Lake and through forests. The lakeside section and forest passages give this part of the route varied landscape, while the firm dirt surface is another specific feature of the trail. If you’re looking for a hike that alternates between water and forest, the southern route is a practical option. Check current trail conditions before your hike.

Landmarks in Summit Hill

Ludlow Park is in the center of town on West Ludlow Street. A walking path, shade trees, and a pavilion define the park, along with historic monuments. Here, recreation and local history sit side by side. A monument in the park commemorates Philip Ginder, who received a small plot of land as compensation for his discovery. Another historic site is at the corner of Pine Street and Ludlow Street: Pine Street Crossover recalls the former Switchback Railroad. A specific date is also part of the town’s history: in 1859, a burning underground mine was discovered on the western edge of Summit Hill.

Between Trail Planning and Local History

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center, located in Summit Hill, offers a different perspective on nature. Its elevated walkway takes visitors past birds of prey that cannot be released into the wild. If you’re interested in birds of prey, you can include this focus in your trip planning alongside the forest and lake.

When looking for a vacation rental in Summit Hill, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. The trail’s recommended starting point gives route-focused planning a specific reference, while the walking path in Ludlow Park offers an alternative centered on the town.

Discover more destinations: Jim Thorpe, Beaver Meadows, Albrightsville, Lake Harmony, Lehighton, Palmerton.

Return to the main travel overview: Carbon.