The historic old Switchback Railway was an amazing part of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800's. Now it is a nice trail to walk/hike/jog or ride bike. It has a 4 percent grade, so it's a little harder going one way. Suggested hikes are from Flagstaff Road to Mauch Chunk Lake and back (3.5 miles), or make a long loop out of it from Flagstaff road to MCLake, cross road, U-turn at 5-mile tree, all the way to Point, down Wagon road, then through town and back on Trail toward Flagstaff Rd. This is one of many trails in the Jim Thorpe area, so if you want a guide to help you make the most of your time here, look up 'the JTX'. Doing part or all of the Switchback takes you through some nice areas, and almost everyone can do at least some of it. A great trail.
Start in town or at Flagstaff Road or near Mauch Chunk Lake entrance, go as long as you want in an out-n-back format, or do a whole loop
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=1258