Living in the North Pocono Region of Lackawanna County, PA
Living in North Pocono means enjoying peaceful neighborhoods, community parks, strong local schools and easy access to everyday conveniences. The region sits just a short drive from Scranton and the wider Pocono Mountains, creating a comfortable balance of rural quiet and regional accessibility. Visitors also appreciate North Pocono’s convenient connection to Pocono attractions.
Stretching across forested hillsides, farmland, lakes and streams, North Pocono includes the communities of Covington, Elmhurst, Jefferson, Madison, Roaring Brook, Spring Brook and Thornhurst Townships, along with the boroughs of Moscow and Mount Cobb. Residents enjoy places like Covington Park, the North Pocono Trail System, Pinchot State Forest and popular warm-weather stops stops at local farms and orchards.
Community Life & Local Connections
Daily life in North Pocono centers on its community parks, libraries, youth programs and active local nonprofits. The North Pocono Public Library in Moscow offers workshops, activities, gardens and year-round programs that bring neighbors together. Seasonal events like the Moscow Country Street Fair and summer music nights at local parks add to the region’s vibrant calendar. The region also features unique specialty shops, artisan boutiques, wellness studios and small local markets that support a thriving shop-local culture.
Whether planning a relaxing weekend, searching for outdoor recreation near Scranton or exploring one of Lackawanna County’s most welcoming communities, North Pocono offers something memorable in every season.
A Glimpse of Life in North Pocono
Spring brings blooming orchards, trout season on clear mountain streams and early trail hikes in Pinchot State Forest. Summer is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking and family picnics at Covington Park or enjoying a breezy round at Marjon Golf Course. Residents can paddle or kayak on area lakes and reservoirs throughout the warmer months.
Fall highlights apple picking, pumpkin patches, cider pressing and scenic foliage drives along the Pocono Plateau. Winter arrives with snow-covered trail systems, holiday festivals, local fireworks events and cold-weather fun.
The region’s food scene features beloved pizza shops, cafés, breweries, family restaurants and popular ice cream spots. Trails, local flavors and year-round events make North Pocono a well-rounded place to explore or call home.
Residents also benefit from quick access to grocery stores, healthcare offices, gyms and shopping centers, making everyday errands simple and convenient. Cozy inns, family-run lodges and local getaway spots offer comfortable overnight options throughout the region.
Known For:
Covington Park
North Pocono Trail System
Pinchot State Forest (Elmhurst & Thornhurst Tracts)
Choke Creek Falls
Balloon Chase Adventures
Wood Winery
Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm
Ritter’s Cider Mill
By the Numbers:
Est. Population: 18,925
Geographical Area: 175.85 square miles
Communities: The townships of Covington, Elmhurst, Jefferson, Madison, Roaring Brook, Spring Brook, Thornhurst and the boroughs of Moscow and Mount Cobb
School Districts: North Pocono School District — known for strong academics, active arts programs and robust community involvement.
Housing & Neighborhoods: The region offers a mix of historic homes, suburban neighborhoods, rural properties, lakeside communities and new developments, giving residents a wide range of options.
Commute & Accessibility: Major routes like I-84, I-380 and Route 435 make commuting to Scranton, the Wyoming Valley and the broader Pocono Mountains quick and convenient.
North Pocono Public Library
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A Peek Into North Pocono’s Past
North Pocono’s early history was shaped by farming, timbering and milling operations that used the region’s dense forests and abundant waterways. The expansion of coal mining in the Wyoming Valley brought railroads into the area, encouraging settlement and industry. By the early 20th century, major roadways—now I-84 and I-380—helped transform North Pocono into a gateway to the surrounding Pocono Mountains and a convenient residential region for the Scranton area.
The region’s history lives on through local historical societies, preserved landmarks and outdoor interpretive sites across Pinchot State Forest.
Did you Know?
Panther Creek, a 2.7-mile tributary of Spring Brook in the eastern edge of North Pocono, is considered Class A Wild Trout Water for brook trout by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The creek, accessible via the Pinchot Trail within Pinchot State Forest, is a catch-and-release-only fishery.
Ferri’s Pizza in Moscow features its own coal mining museum, complete with a replica coal mine honoring the region’s heritage.
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