The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners last week approved a significant land exchange involving the popular but long-closed Glen Onoko Falls trail near Jim Thorpe, moving one step closer to reopening a site that has long captured the interest of hikers, local leaders, and state officials alike.

During its meeting last week, the board signed off on five land acquisitions that would add more than 635 acres to state game lands. Among them was a proposed exchange with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, a deal that includes the transfer of the Glen Onoko Falls area.

The exchange would see DCNR transfer roughly 368 acres in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, and nearly 6 acres in Pine Township, Crawford County, to the Game Commission.

In return, the Game Commission would give up about 495 acres of State Game Lands 141, which includes Glen Onoko Falls — a trail that closed in 2019 due to safety concerns.

“This tract includes Glen Onoko Falls, a popular destination for hikers before trails there were closed due to dangerous conditions and recurring serious injuries that created a challenge for emergency response,” the Game Commission stated in its summary of the exchange.

DCNR has plans to rehabilitate the trails and reopen the area to the public.

“After a planning process and improvements, DCNR would reopen the Glen Onoko Falls Trail, increasing safe access to waterfalls and scenic views,” a DCNR newsletter issued earlier this year said.

The Game Commission emphasized that while the area being transferred is scenic, the agency’s focus is on wildlife management, and the steep terrain around Glen Onoko presented challenges that didn’t align with its mission. It added that the nearby land it would acquire is more suitable for hunting and habitat management.

“We had proposed this transfer to DCNR a few years ago, before the trail was even closed, but the Game Commission and DCNR could not come to an agreement on what land would be swapped,” state Rep. Doyle Heffley said in February.

Heffley expressed cautious optimism about the plan, noting the importance of proper trail management and safety.

“I think it would be great to have the trail opened, but it has to be managed properly,” he said. “We have to ensure that the people who are going to hike it are safe and that it’s not going to overburden our local EMS providers.”

The Glen Onoko Falls Trail was officially closed by the Game Commission in May 2019. At the time, the agency cited deteriorating trail conditions and frequent accidents that posed risks to both hikers and emergency responders.

According to the commission, at least eight people had died on the trail since 1977, and numerous others were injured.

The terrain, which includes a 600-foot elevation gain over a short distance, was especially difficult to navigate during rescues.

“Local emergency services often faced demanding and hazardous rescue operations, sometimes requiring up to 50 firefighters and lasting several hours,” the commission noted.

State Sen. Dave Argall underscored the trail’s value to local residents and visitors alike.

“Ever since this trail was shut down in 2019 to protect the safety of hikers and our first responders, it has been sorely missed,” Argall said. “I support all efforts to safely reopen this trail — it’s truly one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever enjoyed with my family in all of Pennsylvania.”

However, local leaders are urging that their concerns be addressed as part of the planning process. Jim Thorpe Borough Council President Greg Strubinger emphasized the importance of including municipal voices in the discussion.

“I think that’s something we need to reach out to, whether it be Representative Heffley or someone else, and have a big seat at that discussion table,” Strubinger said during a meeting in February.

Councilman Mike Yeastedt, who also serves as a member of the Jim Thorpe Municipal Fire Department, emphasized the need for funding.

“We need to make sure we get funding for the fire department, for rescue equipment and training,” Yeastedt said.

In addition to safety, traffic and congestion were brought up as likely challenges.

“I just think some thought has to be put into that,” Strubinger said. “If this comes to pass in a few years, what you’re going to be looking at up there ... You’re not going to be able to get on Main Street. It’s going to turn into Main Street USA up there.”

While the Game Commission’s board has approved the exchange, the deal is not yet finalized. Legislation must still be passed for the transfer to be completed.