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The Back Mountain is the wooded plateau rising behind Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, a cluster of small towns such as Dallas, Shavertown and Harveys Lake rather than a single municipality. Locals named it for its position on the far side of the mountain ridge that walls in the Wyoming Valley, and it grew from farms and resort lakes into a quiet residential area.
Harveys Lake, the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania by volume, has been a summer escape since the 1800s, when lakeside hotels and an amusement park drew crowds from the coal towns below. Frances Slocum State Park, named for a settler girl captured by the Lenape in 1778, centers on a winding lake for paddling and fishing.
The Back Mountain Trail follows an old rail line between towns, and The Lands at Hillside Farms preserves a historic dairy farm with animals and homemade ice cream. Each summer the Luzerne County Fair fills the fairgrounds in Lehman Township, and the waterfalls of Ricketts Glen State Park lie about 40 minutes west.
The largest natural lake in Pennsylvania by water volume, ringed by cottages, marinas and lakeside restaurants. Boating, waterskiing and fishing for walleye and bass fill summer days, and a small public beach and fishing areas give access. Weekday mornings are calm for kayaking.
About 40 minutes west, this park is famous for the Falls Trail, which passes more than 20 named waterfalls in old-growth forest along Kitchen Creek, including 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The loop is steep and slippery, so wear boots with good grip and avoid it in icy conditions.
A horseshoe-shaped lake surrounded by woods, with boat rentals, picnic groves and easy trails, including a path to the rock ledge where Frances Slocum is said to have been held. Only electric motors are allowed, so paddling is peaceful. Campsites book up quickly on summer weekends.
A multi-use trail on a former railroad grade running through woods and wetlands between Luzerne and Dallas, with plans to extend toward Harveys Lake. The crushed stone surface suits walkers, runners and hybrid bikes. Trailheads have small parking areas, and fall color along the route is lovely.
A nonprofit conservancy on a historic Shavertown dairy farm, with cows, horses and other animals, walking trails, gardens and a creamery serving homemade ice cream. Farm tours, seasonal festivals and a farmers' market run through the year. Kids love the barns, and the creamery line moves fast.
Held each September at the fairgrounds in Lehman Township, this traditional fair has livestock barns, tractor pulls, rides, concerts and plenty of fair food. It draws families from across northeastern Pennsylvania. Weeknight visits are less crowded, and parking fees go to local groups.
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Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bri from Philadelphia, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Alex Cuse at Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jakec, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bri from Philadelphia, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Diana, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Diana, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tyler Savitski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: User:Ruhrfisch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: User:Ruhrfisch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: User:Ruhrfisch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: User:Ruhrfisch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0