Visiting Back Mountain: Planning Your Trip

Understanding Back Mountain

Back Mountain is not a city in the strict sense, but a region of Luzerne County in northeastern Pennsylvania. It stretches northwest of Wilkes-Barre and includes several communities, notably Dallas, Shavertown, Trucksville, and Lehman. People come less for a compact historic center than for its lived-in countryside atmosphere, rolling landscapes, and easy access to lakes and natural areas. As you plan your trip, locate the places that interest you on a map: distances and car travel shape the experience.

The region suits travelers looking to slow down after a few days in a large city, visit family or friends, or explore a lesser-known part of Pennsylvania. Shops, restaurants, and services cluster along roads and in the villages, while homes, woods, and open land make up much of the landscape. The atmosphere changes with the seasons: brilliant fall foliage, sometimes snowy winters, green springtime, and summers well suited to activities by the water.

Think of Back Mountain as an outdoor base and a gateway to several regional destinations, rather than a resort where everything can be explored on foot. Wilkes-Barre offers more urban services, while Harveys Lake and nearby trails add a nature-focused element to a stay. A rental car makes exploring considerably easier. If you prefer to limit your driving, choose accommodation near the services you need and plan outings around a few well-defined stops.

Sights and Landscapes to Discover

Harveys Lake is Back Mountain’s main natural landmark. This glacial lake, set in a residential area, draws visitors for its views, scenic roads, and seasonal opportunities for water-based recreation, depending on the facilities available. It is not an entirely visitor-oriented area: much of the shoreline is lined with private properties. Respect posted access restrictions and check where swimming, launching a boat, or walking is permitted. A drive around the lake offers a chance to take in the scenery, but viewpoints and parking options vary along the shore.

Nearby Frances Slocum State Park makes an appealing outing for walking, picnicking, or enjoying the wooded setting around a reservoir. The park is popular for its trails and outdoor activities, with what is available depending on conditions, the season, and park rules. Bring suitable footwear and check local information before setting out, especially if you plan to take part in a water activity. A visit can easily be combined with a relaxed day in the region’s villages.

To learn about local history, stop at the Back Mountain Museum in Dallas when its hours and visitor arrangements permit. Its collections and exhibits explore the past of rural communities and the region’s development. In the wider area, the Wyoming Valley offers insight into the industrial and mining history of northeastern Pennsylvania, with heritage and cultural sites around Wilkes-Barre. These visits complement the scenery, explaining how towns, roads, and economic activity developed around the valleys and hills.

Villages and Areas to Explore

Dallas is one of Back Mountain’s main centers. You’ll find shops, restaurants, services, and a small-town atmosphere that make it a practical base. It is a sensible choice if you want to stay close to amenities without lodging in the busier center of Wilkes-Barre. However, points of interest do not form one continuous pedestrian-friendly district, so expect to drive between shops, natural areas, and your accommodation.

Shavertown and Trucksville follow one another along the roads connecting the communities. Their commercial areas offer convenient places to eat, pick up a few things, or find services, while the residential streets feel quieter. These areas suit visitors who prioritize practical accommodation and road access. Before booking, check the actual distance to the activities you have planned: an address listed as being in Back Mountain may still be several minutes’ drive from a lake or trail.

The Harveys Lake area is a better fit for travelers drawn to water and scenery. It has a more residential feel, and the availability of public access should be checked carefully. Lehman and the surrounding communities offer a more rural setting, with wooded roads and scattered homes. For a change of pace, Wilkes-Barre to the south has an urban center, cultural attractions, and more dining choices. You can stay in the quiet of Back Mountain and dedicate an outing to the valley, provided you account for the drive in your plans.

Where to Stay for Your Trip

In Back Mountain, it is often easier to choose accommodation based on how you plan to get around and what you want to do than by looking for a traditional tourist district. Hotels and motels in the region or valley suit short stays, travelers with cars, and road-trip stopovers. Compare their locations relative to Dallas, Harveys Lake, and Wilkes-Barre, as well as parking arrangements and included services. Lodging near a main road is convenient, but may offer less peace and character than places set farther back.

For a family trip or a stay of several nights, look for a vacation rental with a kitchen and living space. Accommodation near a lake can be especially appealing, but do not assume a booking includes access to a private beach, dock, or boat launch. Read the terms carefully regarding outdoor spaces, parking, and amenities. Secluded homes offer more privacy, but make shopping and evening outings less convenient without a car.

If you plan to visit several restaurants and cultural attractions or take day trips, consider staying in a Wilkes-Barre hotel and making day trips to Back Mountain. Staying in the region itself, however, cuts down on morning drives to trails and shorelines. Compare driving times rather than distance alone, as local roads and seasonal conditions can affect your route. Small-capacity accommodations and rentals that are in demand at certain times are worth booking in advance, while checking the cancellation rules and fees shown by the provider.

Local Food and Dining

Back Mountain’s food reflects the northeastern United States and the valley’s multicultural heritage. Look for regional specialties such as pierogi, dumplings from Central and Eastern Europe often served with generous toppings, or Pennsylvania Dutch scrapple, a breakfast dish made with grains and meat. Classic American fare—sandwiches, burgers, grilled dishes, and comfort food—is common. Menus vary from one establishment to another, but these flavors offer a taste of the region beyond national chains.

Dallas and Shavertown are convenient areas for a casual meal, a coffee, or takeout. For a wider selection, head to Wilkes-Barre, where the dining scene is more urban and varied. Restaurants are spread along the roads rather than concentrated on one pedestrian street, so check the location and parking before setting out, especially in the evening. If you are staying in a rental home, nearby grocery stores make it easy to prepare simple meals and picnics.

To choose a place, check the restaurant’s current menu and opt for one whose cuisine, hours, and atmosphere suit your plans. Hours may be more limited in smaller communities than downtown, particularly on weekdays or outside the peak season. If you are spending time around the lake, bring water and a few provisions if you are unsure where you will stop next. Travelers with specific dietary needs should confirm ingredients and options for adjustments directly rather than relying on a general description.

Getting There and Getting Around

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, near Avoca, is the region’s main airport. It lies northeast of Back Mountain and serves as an arrival point for some domestic travelers. Depending on where you are coming from, flying into a major East Coast hub may offer more connections, but it will mean a longer onward ground journey. Compare the total cost and door-to-door travel time, not just the time spent in the air. Flights and connections vary, so check the available options with airlines and booking platforms.

A rental car is generally the most practical way to reach Back Mountain and get around its villages, lakes, and parks. At the airport, compare vehicle categories, pickup arrangements, the insurance offered, and return terms. A compact car is often enough for a typical itinerary, while a larger vehicle may be useful for a family or bulky luggage. In winter, account for snow and secondary roads, and adjust your driving to local conditions.

Pre-booked airport transfers may work if you do not want to drive, but organizing local travel then becomes more difficult. Do not assume taxis and ride-hailing services are always available in rural areas. Public transportation serves some parts of the valley, but does not offer the same flexibility as a car for reaching Back Mountain’s sights. If you choose to travel without a vehicle, focus your stay on accommodation near services and confirm transport options for each outing.

Outdoor Activities and Excursions

Hiking and walks in wooded areas are among the easiest activities to enjoy. Frances Slocum State Park provides a suitable setting for an outdoor outing, with trails whose length and condition can vary. Choose a route that matches your experience and the weather, and remember that signage and facilities are those of a natural park, not an urban attraction. Fishing, canoeing, and other water-based activities may be possible in designated areas; check the rules and conditions before setting out.

Around Harveys Lake, the appeal often lies in the scenery, a drive around the lake, or a water activity arranged at a location with suitable access. Options are not the same all along the shore, and private areas should not be entered. Fall outings are especially popular for the foliage, while summer is well suited to days by the water, subject to what facilities are open. In winter, activities depend on snowfall and road conditions.

For an excursion beyond Back Mountain, Wilkes-Barre offers cultural attractions and a chance to explore the history of the valley. Farther away, the Pocono Mountains and their outdoor destinations can fill a day or more, but they are not part of Back Mountain: plan a separate drive and check distances before putting together your itinerary. Guided visits, activity tickets, or seasonal outings may be available in the region, but schedules vary. Book only after confirming the exact location, access arrangements, and cancellation terms.

When to Visit and How to Plan Your Stay

Allow two or three days for a first look: one day for Harveys Lake and the villages, another for Frances Slocum State Park, and then time for the museum or Wilkes-Barre. A longer stay works well for walks, family visits, and excursions in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since attractions are spread out, avoid planning several distant stops without accounting for time behind the wheel. Group visits by area and leave room for breaks and changes in the weather.

Fall is a pleasant time to see the foliage, but weekends draw visitors to wooded areas. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and time around the water; spring brings green landscapes, though trails can sometimes be wet. Winter can be peaceful, but snow or ice affects travel and limits some activities. Check local information about parks and access before setting out. Whatever the season, bring clothing suited to changing temperatures and footwear appropriate for the terrain.

Book flights and a car first if you need one, then choose accommodation that fits your stops. Vacation rentals require particular attention to stay rules, the amenities actually included, and access to the water. For guided activities or tickets, check dates and terms with the provider before finalizing your day. A flexible itinerary, an offline map, and a few nearby dining options make for a more relaxing stay, especially in areas where shops and transport are spread out.

Keep your journey going

Discover more and plan your next stop with our travel guides.

All our guides and tips for Back Mountain →

Explore nearby destinations

More destinations in the country

Written with AI without consulting external websites. Information is not verified in real time. Check current prices, availability and conditions with the provider before booking.

How this guide was produced