Discover the Landscape of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Northeastern Pennsylvania spans 6,203 square miles across ten counties and is home to more than 1.1 million residents. City energy meets village charm here. Forests, river valleys, and rolling peaks set the scene for everyday life. Over a million people call NEPA home, drawn by outdoor access, thriving cities and towns, and year-round events.
To make exploring simple, NEPA is grouped into three distinct regions. The Valley Communities anchor culture and commerce. The Pocono Mountains deliver four-season recreation and getaway vibes. The Endless Mountains offer quiet roads, historic towns, and scenic farmland. Together, they create a connected place to live, work, and play.
NEPA at a glance:
- Covers 6,200+ square miles across 10 counties
- Home to 1.1 million residents
- Features dozens of state parks and recreation areas
- Includes 20+ colleges & universities
- Offers four-season outdoor adventure and vibrant communities
Explore the Regions of NEPA
Culture, commerce & connected communities
The Valley Communities span Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, and Schuylkill Counties. This region traces the iconic Wyoming Valley and many of NEPA’s largest cities. Historic industry shaped its story. Today, universities, healthcare, and small business shape its future.
Life here feels easy and active. Walkable downtowns host galleries, theaters, and festivals. Trail systems and riverfronts invite quick escapes. Pizza shops, cafés, and family eateries fuel game nights and concerts. With strong schools, major road access, and regional amenities, the Valley balances convenience with culture.
Valley Communities at a glance:
- Covers 2,600+ square miles across four counties
- Home to ~750,000 residents
- Includes NEPA’s largest cities — Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston & Hazleton
- Features 20+ colleges & universities and 40+ school districts
- Includes 9 state parks and scenic outdoor spots like Seven Tubs Recreation Area
- Hosts professional sports like the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Famous for its local pizza culture and historic neighborhoods
Adventure, relaxation & four-season fun
The Pocono Mountains cover Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties along NEPA’s eastern edge. Rolling peaks, deep forests, and hundreds of lakes define the landscape. Towns and villages sit near parks, trailheads, and iconic waterways.
Adventure runs year-round. Winter brings ski days at beloved resorts. Spring and summer mean hikes, bike rides, and time on Lake Wallenpaupack. Fall steals the show with brilliant foliage and harvest fun. Resorts, local shops, NEPA wineries, and vibrant main streets round out a lifestyle that blends escape with everyday comfort.
Pocono Mountains at a glance:
- Covers 2,300+ square miles across four counties
- Home to ~340,000 residents
- Features 8 state parks and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Offers six major ski resorts and year-round adventure
- Anchored by Lake Wallenpaupack, a 5,700-acre destination for water recreation
- Historic towns include Jim Thorpe, Honesdale, Milford, and Stroudsburg
- Known for a growing brewery, winery & farm-to-table dining scene
Scenic beauty & small-town charm
The Endless Mountains include Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties just north of Scranton. This is countryside NEPA at its most peaceful. River bends, farm fields, and ridge lines create endless views.
Small towns welcome with cafés, galleries, and local theaters. State parks, rail-trails, and river access keep weekends outdoors. Scenic drives connect covered bridges, historic sites, and roadside markets. For those who value space, community, and timeless landscapes, the Endless Mountains feel like home.
Endless Mountains at a glance:
- Covers 1,200+ square miles across two counties
- Home to ~64,000 residents
- Features Salt Springs State Park and Vosburg Neck State Park
- Offers the D&H Rail-Trail, Pennsylvania’s 2021 Trail of the Year
- Home to landmarks like the Tunkhannock Viaduct
- Celebrated for family farms, festivals & historic small towns
Experience All of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Together, the Valley Communities, Pocono Mountains, and Endless Mountains showcase the best of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Each region offers its own mix of lifestyle, culture, and outdoor adventure, but all share the same spirit of community and opportunity. Explore them all and find the place that feels like home.