South Wyoming Valley

Living in the South Wyoming Valley means a choice of calm residential streets, small-city blocks and rural roads where life moves at an easy pace. The region sits just a short drive from Wilkes-Barre and major employment centers, offering convenient access to shopping districts, healthcare offices and daily services.

Stretching across forested hills, river valleys and farmland, the South Wyoming Valley includes the city of Nanticoke, the boroughs of Plymouth, Nescopeck, New Columbus and Shickshinny, along with surrounding townships and villages. Residents experience Moon Lake Recreation Area, Susquehanna River access points, and a growing mix of parks, trails and family attractions.

Recreation continues to expand with upgraded playgrounds, athletic fields, riverfront access, and local businesses offering everything from goat yoga to guided kayaking and paddling trips. The South Wyoming Valley also provides quick access to Pinchot State Forest, adding miles of trails and scenic outdoor spaces to the region’s recreation options.

Community Life & Local Connections

Community life in the South Wyoming Valley revolves around neighborhood events, parish picnics, youth sports and long-standing local traditions. Plymouth’s Polish heritage shines each summer at the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival, where food, music and vendors fill Main Street. In Nanticoke, locally loved spots like Sanitary Bakery, NEPA’rogi and Tarnowski’s famous kielbasa keep regional Polish food traditions alive. It’s also a popular starting point for those searching for things to do near Wilkes-Barre and outdoor recreation across NEPA.

Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke serves as a major educational and cultural anchor for the region, offering academic programs, workforce training and community events that support residents of all ages.

The region also supports family-run businesses, farm markets and specialty shops that anchor everyday life. Heller Orchards welcomes visitors for seasonal fruit and fall activities. Pisano Family Wines hosts warm-weather gatherings with wine, food trucks and live music. Garden Drive-In Theater pairs movies with markets and special events, creating a classic NEPA experience.

Whether planning a relaxed weekend, exploring things to do near Wilkes-Barre or looking for one of Luzerne County’s most easygoing regions, the South Wyoming Valley offers four-season activities and small-town appeal. These connections make the South Wyoming Valley one of Luzerne County’s most community-focused regions.

Like much of the Wyoming Valley, Plymouth and Nanticoke played key roles in the rise of the anthracite coal industry. The first anthracite mine in Nanticoke opened in 1825, and by the late 1800s the area had grown into a major coal-mining center. Immigrant families arrived to work in the mines, shaping the region’s strong working-class identity and vibrant ethnic traditions.

As coal declined, communities along the South Wyoming Valley shifted toward new industries, education and service jobs while maintaining a deep sense of local pride. Today, historical societies, monuments and preserved structures help share this heritage with new generations.

Did You Know?

The name “Shickshinny” is believed to mean “Five Mountains” in the Choctaw language. Five nearby peaks—Newport, Knob, Lee, River and Rocky—rise around the borough and Shickshinny Creek along the Susquehanna River.

Moon Lake Recreation Area, located within the Pinchot State Forest and now part of a larger public recreation effort, features miles of trails and a scenic lake that once served as a popular county park and continues to draw hikers, mountain bikers and paddlers from across Northeastern PA.