Montage Ski Resort

Northeastern Pennsylvania, commonly known as NEPA, is booming, no matter the season. As coal mining declined decades ago, as the population. Northeast PA has developed a reputation as an area in which the future was bleak. At the heart of coal country, NEPA is littered with open pit mines and abandoned coal mills and railroad beds. A declining population in the city of Scranton, especially bleak prospects left on the residents who remained. But as the population and the largest industry in the region has declined, a new light began to emerge at the end of the rail tunnel. It was pride. Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and the Poconos have increased several ways over the years when the coal was gone. New construction, new ideas, projects, mine reclamation, tourism and the influx of New York and New Jersey residents looking for a somewhat quieter life have made our NEPA shockwaves activity.

Outdoor activity, in particular, has developed in our parks and recreation areas. There are new walking trails and hiking in particular the "Rails to Trails" program which took over the property and converted old railroad beds of abandoned railway in scenic, recreation trails for walking, hiking and jogging . Sections of the trail is found throughout the NEPA along the river at both the Lackawanna and Susquehanna, and through many cities and residential areas as well as woods, private areas. The trails are particularly busy in Spring, summer, autumn and months when the weather is cooperating.

Lakes and reservoirs of NEPA is also busy in the warmer seasons, and for ice fishing, even in winter. NEPA is the home of Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania's largest artificial lake. This lake is one in particular that attracts thousands each year for boating and water sports and even comes with its own islands. Further south lies Lake Harvey's another first in North PA lakes for water sports and boating. Small lakes and reservoirs are too numerous to list, but fortunately, they are scattered NEPA.

For music lovers it's even better ... Northwest has its own PA Montage Mountain Amphitheatre, which includes top of the entertainment year after year. This course is a pay-as-you-go place but there are a lot of music around the region that does not cost a penny. Nay Aug. park offers the opportunity for summer concerts outdoors in public. Then there are the festivals of the district, carnivals, church events and the outdoors with live music, including ethnic music for all to enjoy.

Winter is no shortage of outdoor activities either. Ski resorts are open during the winter months when the weather does not cooperate, they are just doing their own snow. There are several ski resorts scattered throughout the Poconos, near Scranton, and a few miles north of Scranton near the picturesque town of Uniondale. And it does not stop there, snowmobiling is also available for those who need speed or those who feel the need to go where many others can not. There are snowmobile trails accessible to the public, the club-owned and operated as well as trails in state parks sanctioned select for your enjoyment.

Overall, you can not go wrong with a visit to NEPA, if you love the outdoors. With friendly, hospitable people and many options for the whole family occupied Northeast PA has become a destination for those wishing to enjoy the natural mother, regardless of season.