Luzerne Living

The Community

Luzerne County is located in scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania, two hours from Philadelphia and New York City. Featured as one of the best outdoor destinations in Pennsylvania, the region is robust with state parks, forests and ample public lands. The area is easily accessible via Interstates 80, 81, 84, and the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is located at the northern tier of the county. The area’s two largest cities are Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, and the county is home to approximately 350,000 residents.

History & Sightseeing

Rich in history and in ethnic cultures, the region is filled with diversity. Local festivals and community parades occur throughout the year which celebrate many of these cultures.

Sports

. Sports are abundant in our area. Here you can find games of all kinds, including:

  • AAA RailRiders Baseball (farm team for New York Yankees)
  • AHL Penguins Hockey (farm team for Pittsburgh Penguins)
  • Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino & Harness Racing
  • Pocono 400 NASCAR Racing

Trails & Parks

The 12 mile Levee Bike Trail along the Susquehanna River is a year-round trail used by bikers, walkers, and runners. Other Rails to Trails and single tracks can be found throughout the county. One of the longest is the 28-mile Lehigh River Gorge Trail. Shorter trails include the Back Mountain Trail and Hazleton Rail Trail. Ample single tracks can be found at Moon Lake, Francis Slocum, and Mocanaqua Loop. Ricketts Glen State Park has received nationwide recognition. The Falls Trail Loop, considered most difficult at Ricketts Glen, was voted People’s Choice “Best Hike in PA" by Backpacker Magazine.

Schools

Luzerne County has several colleges, universities, and public and private schools offering a variety of educational programs. These schools contribute to the social, athletic, and cultural atmosphere of the area.

Arts & Entertainment

The county is alive with theater, performing arts, music, and culture from local artists to visiting exhibits to top name performances. The Mohegan Sun Arena features numerous performances, concerts, and events. The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is a restored art-deco designed theater offering top name entertainment and family programs.

Recreation

There are numerous ski resorts only minutes away. Ample golf courses offer play for all skill levels, from municipal to private golf clubs and the area’s links courses. The Lehigh River Gorge, paralleling the bike trail, is known for its class I-III rapids. Self-guided and group rafting and kayaking are permitted on the river.

Luzerne County is proud of its wonderful quality of life and we look forward to welcoming you and your family to a great place to live, work, and play.

Luzerne County Regions

Back Mountain

Back Mountain is the affectionate name for the northwestern section of Luzerne County that is home to towns such as Dallas and Harvey’s Lake. Visitors will enjoy Hillside Farms, a working Victorian-era farm which has a gift shop, greenhouses, and general store with must have home-made ice cream. Spend a few hours and drive around Harvey’s Lake and admire the charming mansions and enjoy pizza at the famous original Grotto Pizza. Waterfalls abound at Ricketts Glen State Park in Red Rock where you can also enjoy sunning on the beach at Lake Jean. Be sure to mark your calendars for the Luzerne County Fair which takes place in September at the fairgrounds in Dallas.

Pocono Plateau

Heading east from the Susquehanna River towards the Poconos are the lovely areas of Mountaintop, Bear Creek, and White Haven. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Frances Walter Reservoir overlooking the Lehigh River. Whitewater rafting on the Lehigh is a thrill not to be missed. Or rent a bike and ride along the Delaware and Lehigh Black Diamond Trail on Rt. 437 that heads into the quaint town of White Haven. Visit the White Haven Community Library and Visitors Center.

North River

The Susquehanna River winds its way through many charming, vibrant towns along its journey into the Northern sections of the county which are home to the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Pittston. No visit is complete without a visit to Main Street in Pittston. Shop in the  boutiques and enjoy the local fare. Wilkes-Barre is home to hotspots like the Mohegan Sun Pocono, showcasing the casino and harness racing, and Mohegan Sun Arena where you can see top notch entertainment. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Wilkes-Barre and the arts district on South Main Street.

Southern Crossroads

Home to Hazleton and many other charming towns which are located in this historic region. This area was the center of commerce, finance, and culture due to the region's rich veins of anthracite coal. No visit would be complete with a tour of Eckley Miners' Village where you can visit an actual "patchtown" and a museum. Don't forget to stop at the Hazleton and Conyngham historical societies to see life as it once was and then dine on local fare from the various ethnicities that settled here.

South Valley

Traveling south along the Susquehanna River, visitors will find many charming towns full of history, heritage, and recreational opportunities. Birdwatch, picnic or walk the Susquehanna Riverlands, visit the nature center, or bike the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. Take a break in Nescopeck, a quaint little town with shops, antiques, and more, which also home of the annual Briggs Farm Blues Festival.

Luzerne County Map