OK Steve, I have a bit more info for you but not all I wanted. Will work on it in the next few days. First the official info on the Lehigh Gorge R-T is at: PA*DCNR*-*Lehigh Gorge State Park , with the maps and recreational guides here : PA*DCNR*-*Lehigh Gorge State Park. Now, the unofficial word which I will work on solidifying is that the Black Diamond section of the LG R-T is open but there is a bit of a detour around some private property. Second, my source says the LG R-T is open through to the Lehigh Canal Park in Weissport which would make this alone a nearly 60 mi ride and maybe too easy for experienced riders. There are two other trails in the area that are a bit more challenging. The first is the Switchback Trail. This was an old rail bed for transporting the mined coal down to the canal for transport down to the Lehigh Valley area. Some info can be found here: Switchback Trail | Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania Mountain Bike Trails | Trails.com. The second is the Mt Pisgah trail. Info at the trails.com site: Mount Pisgah | Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania Mountain Bike Trails | Trails.com. Yes, I know it is sparse at best.
I tried to find a connection to the Jim Thorpe Tourism Promotion Agency but it seems they went out of business as soon as they got in. I'll continue to look another day. Other trail suggestions are: ExplorePATrails.com
The Switch Back Trail
Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Biking - Poconos Outdoor Adventure
There are multiple B&Bs in the area as well as a Hampton Inn at the intersection of the PA Turnpike and Rt209/Interchange Rd.
This is just one resource, watch that the zip codes for the chosen place are either 18229 (Jim Thorpe) or 18235 (Lehighton). Otherwise you'll find yourself driving to Stroudsburg or Hawley a couple of hours away.
Poconos Bed & Breakfasts - Pocono Mountains Places to Stay
Another resource I haven't mentioned yet is Pocono Biking Pocono Rail Trail Biking: Rentals and Shuttles. They are the major source for biking and rafting in the area. They might be able to help you plan a bit better. There is an image on their website overlooking the river. You might want to ask them how to get there.
I don't know how many you plan to have in your group. If you use their transportation services, they do have a large fleet of buses and trailers for bikes and hey have a nice large parking lot away from the $10 per day per car the Municipal Parking lot charges. There is another way to get around that but it is way past time for me to go to bed.
Will work on getting you the tourist office and the LG R-T connections info.
Night,
AK