Description
The Back Mountain Trail, originally built by lumber and ice king Albert Lewis of Wyoming Valley 115 years ago, was acquired by the Lehigh Valley Railroad in 1887. Lumber, ice, leather goods and anthracite coal were milled, tanned, mined and routed to urban markets and steel mills from the Endless Mountains and Susquehanna River Basin well into the 1940s. The corridor fell into disuse in 1963.
In 1996 the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association acquired easements and recorded deeds with Luzerne County for public use of the corridor. Eventually, 14 miles will be developed from Riverfront Park on the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake, bringing back memories and supporting a new mode of travel in the region.
Today you'll find a 4.5-mile trail that cuts through scenic woodlands, complete with a meandering creek, a pretty waterfall and open fields of flowers. Sections of the trail run close to the highway but don't compromise the feeling of getting away from it all.
Parking and Trail Access
To reach the Back Mountain Trail from I-81, take Exit 170 onto State Route 309 North. Take Exit 5/6 and drive north on Main Street to a four-way stop sign. Continue straight ahead onto Parry Street. There's parking at the Knights of Columbus lot. Walk up to the Gateway to the Back Mountain Trailhead.
Nice Ride and picked up some geocahes
By
dnnyedy
in
May, 2013
It's a nice but could use a little maintenance. Couple places the roots, old rail ties made it rough enough I thought it better to walk the bike though. I should have counted those steps at Trucksville. whew! Point of information: There is about a 500' ...
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Nice walk
By
cknorek
in
March, 2013
My husband and I took our two big dogs along the trail..we went to about the 2 mi mark..very nice, easy walk..just to do something. Will be going back for sure! A little noisy from the highway but easy to tune out.
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Nice trail
By
rebeccabeck0416
in
August, 2012
My husband & I rode this trail on Saturday and really enjoyed it. This was out first ride in several years. It was well-maintained & shady. You will need some strength to push (or carry) your bike up and down about 40 steps in Trucksville. I do want to ...
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