Hazle Township, located at the southern tip of Luzerne County, serves as the suburban buffer surrounding the city of Hazleton and West Hazleton Borough. In the early 18th century, the lush valley region encompassing the township was used as a popular trade route for Native American tribes and settlers alike. The well-worn path soon transformed into a logging road, and, not long after, the town became a lucrative logging outpost. By the mid-19th century, coal had replaced lumber as the dominant industry, and it brought with it a wave of settlement and rapid development. For over 100 years, Hazle Township and the Greater Hazleton Area grew into a formidable industrial region, nearly rivalling its northern neighbors – Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. And as coal production peaked and began to decline in the mid 20th century, the Township turned its gaze toward the future.

Suburban peace of mind with convenient city access.

Hazle Township spreads out around bustling, vibrant Hazleton, offering direct, easy access to the amenity-filled city with the comfort of quiet neighborhoods and abundant stretches of nature. Highway access within the township also allows for fast travel to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Bloomsburg, the Poconos, the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Hazle Township is home to just under 10,000 residents. Many diverse neighborhoods spread out into the lush, hilly landscape. Safety, security and space are defining factors in all of the township’s residential areas. The suburban community is served by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Hazle Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company. All of the township resides within the Hazleton Area School District, which operates 10 elementary and middle schools, Hazleton Area High School, the Academy of Sciences and the Hazleton Area Career Center.

The Lehigh Valley Health Network operates a Hazleton-based hospital, multiple satellite clinics and a cancer center. The township is also home to several Geisinger clinics and the Geisinger Hazleton Children’s Hospital.

Family and community make up the heart of Hazle Township. All throughout the town’s sprawling footprint, neighborhoods come together at playgrounds, public sports fields, community green spaces and various churches.

Don’t let the suburban feel fool you. There are plenty of things to do for the whole family throughout Hazle Township. And, if you can’t find it within the township, you’re only a few minutes outside of Hazleton, one of the region’s largest cities.

Fresh air and plenty of outdoor fun.

Finding a little fresh air in Hazle Township has never been easier with the spacious Hazle Twp. Community Park. Since 1959, the local park has offered township residents a peaceful respite from their ordinarily busy lives. Through the ensuing decades since its establishment, the park has grown to include the 26-acre, PA Fish Commission-stocked Lake Irena. Walking and hiking paths weave through the park. You’ll also find bike racks, soccer fields, picnic tables, benches, charcoal grills, a playground and public restroom facilities. Residents can also gather for events and parties under one of the park’s two pavilions.

Residents and visitors also make great use of Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails. Several sections of the popular hiking and biking trail run directly through the township. The trail follows old rail lines and features gently graded, crushed stone paths and just over 9 miles of beautiful scenery.

The refreshing outdoor fun continues at the 118-acre Butler Preserve. This stunning nature preserve is owned by the North Branch Land Trust. It sits along the equally scenic Dreck Creek Reservoir and offers plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking and birdwatching. The Butler Preserve is accessible via Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails.