At A Glance

The Back Mountain Rail Trail in Luzerne, PA offers a quiet escape from the urban bustle, traversing a lovely wooded path alongside Toby Creek. The route is 6.2 miles out-and-back, but can be explored as much or as little as the adventurer chooses. It is a great spot for birdwatching, hiking, and biking, and is pet friendly. Open year-round, the trail is beautiful in any season, sporting dainty wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in fall, and a brisk refreshing walk in winter.

Photo by Mark Rutkowski

Description

The Back Mountain Trail was originally built by Albert Lewis, a lumber and ice magnate from Wyoming Valley, 115 years ago. In 1887, it was acquired by the Lehigh Valley Railroad and was used to transport lumber, ice, leather goods, and anthracite coal from the Endless Mountains and Susquehanna River Basin to urban markets and steel mills until the 1940s. The corridor was abandoned in 1963. In 1996, the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association secured easements and developed deeds with Luzerne County for public use. Eventually, 14 miles will be developed from Riverfront Park on the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre to Harvey’s Lake.

Currently, the trail spans about 3 miles through scenic woodlands, featuring a meandering creek, a lovely waterfall, and open fields of flowers. It picks up additional miles through Shavertown, as well as with a disconnected piece known as the Judith and David Rimple Loop. These pieces bring the current total mileage of the trail to 7 miles. Some sections run close to the highway, but this doesn’t detract from the feeling of escaping into nature.

Parking and Trail Access

To reach parking at the southern endpoint from I-81, take Exit 170B for SR 309 N toward Wilkes-Barre, and go 0.3 mile. Continue onto 309 N, and go 4.4 miles. Take Exit 6 toward Luzerne, go 0.3 mile, and then turn right at a signal at the end of the ramp onto Union St. Go 0.3 mile, and turn right at a signal onto Main St. Take an immediate left onto Parry St.

Parking for the Back Mountain Trail is available near the trailhead. You can find parking along Parry St or nearby lots in town. Access to the trail is easy and convenient, ensuring you can start your hike, bike ride, or bird watching adventures without hassle. The trailheads are well-marked, providing clear entry points to the scenic route.

Remember to check for any specific parking regulations or time restrictions at these locations.