A bridge across one of the many small streams that feed the Lehigh River.

Lehigh and Dry

• Jim Thorpe is north of Allentown, PA and sits along the Lehigh River.

• The Lehigh Gorge trail is another excellent biking trail for beginners and families with younger children. Like the Switchback Trail, the Lehigh Gorge trail is a long, sloping downgrade, but it is wider and smoother than the Switchback.

• The Lehigh Valley area is full of beautiful old coal-mining towns and lush Pennsylvania scenery and is less than four hours outside of New York City.

The Long Coast

• Several mountain biking outfitters offer rides to the top of the Switchback Trail and to other trailheads in the area. Cost for two people for bike rental and ride to the top of the mountain was $56.

• The Switchback Trail is about 95% long, gradual downgrade through heavy forest. The last part of the trail brings you into the center of Jim Thorpe, which makes it easy to return your gear at the end of the ride.

• The Switchback Trail takes 2-4 hours to ride one way, downhill, at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for an afternoon's outing.

Bring Along...

• Most outfitters will provide a map, bike, helmet, and even bottled water. You should bring along a daypack with snacks, first aid kit, camera, bug spray and sunscreen.

• If you're riding with a dog alongside, be sure to bring snacks and water for him, too.

Get Along, Little Doggy

• Be sure to bring a leash with you if your dog will join you. The Switchback Trail crosses a major thoroughfare three times during the trip, so you'll want to leash your dog for the crossings.

• Avoid trying to hold the leash (with your dog attached) and ride at the same time. A pulling dog could cause you to lose your balance. Also, the leash could become entangled in the hardware of the bike, seriously hurting you or your dog. When crossing major intersections, get off the bike, put Fido on the leash and walk. When you're safely back on the trail, you can let him run to your, and his, heart's content.

• If other riders are on the trail, pull to the side and leash your dog so they can pass without worrying about hitting (or being bowled over by) your pup.