The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway smashed all of its ridership records in 2015 as over 100,000 visitors rode LGSR trains last year.

Although LGSR has been a successful tourist railroad attraction in Jim Thorpe for the past 10 years, its highest prior ridership had been 72,300 in 2014. The railroad averaged 55,000 total riders between 2010 and 2013.According to Andy Muller Jr., owner and CEO of LGSR, the reasons for the substantial increase in ridership are simple."People love trains and we cater to those people," he said. "We have clean cars and knowledgeable conductors who make our train trips family friendly. And we bring our trains to communities with a long tradition of railroading so that our older riders can share their love of railroading with their kids and grandkids."Among the successful programs expanded by LGSR in 2015 are Bike Trains along the Lehigh River where people can take the train 25 miles into Lehigh Gorge and then bike back to Jim Thorpe. Rides were offered for Winterfest, Valentine's Day and Easter.No. 425 steam locomotive rides from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe sold out in the October season.In total, a record seven Fall Foliage trips were offered. Additionally, the trips into the Lehigh Gorge are always popular during peak autumn leaf color. Also, the option of taking a two hour train ride to the Hometown High Bridge was available during Fall Foliage Festival weekends. This trip offers a ride past two lakes to the 168 foot tall Hometown High Bridge.Santa trains bring Christmas to Jim Thorpe and many additional communities."Christmas time is always special with the kids riding the train. It gets you in the spirit seeing their faces light up when they see Santa and hear 'All Aboard' at the beginning of the trip" said Solomon. A special offering to families occurred during Santa Claus Specials - for every paying adult, a child aged 3 to 12 rode for free. Children under 3 ride free all season long. Many families in Eastern Pennsylvania took advantage of this gift the railroad offered to the public.Besides operating LGSR trains in Jim Thorpe, many special trips ran in Schuylkill County, Luzerne County, and Wyoming County during 2015 in cooperation with related company Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad.Trains are running in Jim Thorpe for Winterfest on Feb. 13 and 14.Also, a special Valentine's Day train will operate from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe and return on Feb. 14. Please visit

www.lgsry.com or go to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Facebook for official updates.