Luzerne County Levee Trail Guide & Map

The Luzerne County Levee Trail offers 12.8 miles of scenic, paved pathways along the Susquehanna River. The popular trail connects multiple communities throughout the Wyoming Valley. With river views, easy access to parks, and a smooth, level surface it’s one of NEPA’s most inclusive outdoor destinations.

From Flood Control to Recreation

Flood control in Luzerne County began after severe flooding in the 1930s devastated communities along the Susquehanna River. In 1935, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a levee system designed to protect the Wyoming Valley up to 33 feet. Major floods in 1936 underscored the need for stronger defenses. This led to the National Flood Control Act and decades of levee construction through the 1940s and 1950s.

In 1972, Tropical Storm Agnes crested at a catastrophic 40.91 feet. As a result, the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project increased levee heights and upgraded infrastructure. In 1996, the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority was established to maintain and improve the 16-mile flood control system.

Soon after, the paved, 12.8-mile Luzerne County Levee Trail was created. Today, the Luzerne County Levee Trail remains one of the most accessible and most widely-used recreational trails in the region.

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Aerial view of a bike rider on the Luzerne County Levee Trail in Wyoming, PA.

Luzerne County Levee Trail Rules

The Luzerne County Levee Trail was built as a maintenance and emergency access road that is open to the public for safe and responsible recreation. Please be mindful that maintenance and emergency response activities take precedence over recreation at all times. Please be courteous and respectful to other users and keep the trail clean.

No illegal drugs or alcohol. Intoxication, indecent language, and disorderly conduct are prohibited.
No unauthorized motorized vehicles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, golf carts, scooters, unicycles, and other motorized transportation modes.
Traditional pedal powered bicycles allowed.
E-bike usage limited to human power or pedal-assist power at a safe speed (electric assist while pedaling).
All bikes to maintain safe speeds at all times, consider trail and weather conditions, and be aware of other users.
All users to stay to the right and pass on the left at a safe speed.
Pedestrians have the Right-of-Way to all other modes of travel.
No littering or dumping.
All animals are to be strictly controlled on a leash. Waste must be removed.
No horses or other large animals.
Damage to trail amenities such as landscape plantings, benches, trash receptacles, and other signage is not permitted.

Any person violating the above rules and code of conduct will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Trail Hours Are Dusk to Dawn

Jonathan Davies

Writer

Jonathan was born and raised in NEPA. He enjoys writing about local beer, local food, fishing and hiking. He especially keeps an eye out for unique people, places and things throughout the region.

Matt Giambra

Photographer

Matt is a life-long resident of NEPA who couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. He enjoys an array of outdoor recreational activities, spending quality time with his wife and three children and is not ashamed when people hear that he puts butter in his coffee.