10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Scranton, PA
If you live in or around
Scranton, Pennsylvania and you’re itching to explore beyond Lackawanna County, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you can find waterfalls, cute downtowns, mountain views, and peaceful lakes—all perfect for a quick day trip.
This guide focuses on fun things to do in the nearby counties of
Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, and
Wyoming. No need to hop on a plane. Just gas up the car, grab a coffee, and hit the road.
1. Explore Downtown Wilkes-Barre & the Susquehanna Riverfront (Luzerne County)
About 20–30 minutes south of Scranton,
Wilkes-Barre makes for an easy half-day trip.
Top things to do:
- Walk the River Common: Stroll along the paved paths by the Susquehanna River, check out the levee walls, and snap some views of the bridges.
- Stop by Public Square: This historic downtown area has shops, cafes, and old buildings that feel straight out of another era.
- Catch a show or event: Check the schedule at the F.M. Kirby Center for concerts, comedy, or classic movies.
I like to head down here on a Sunday afternoon, grab a coffee, and just wander the riverfront. It’s low-key but refreshing.
Why it’s a great Scranton day trip: Short drive, easy parking, and plenty of places to eat without feeling rushed.
2. Ride the Trails at Seven Tubs Recreation Area (Luzerne County)
Just outside Wilkes-Barre,
Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a small but beautiful natural playground.
What to expect:
- A short loop trail (about 1–2 miles) with rocky paths
- Natural “tubs” carved by water and small waterfalls
- Shady forest areas, great for hot days
Wear sturdy shoes—some sections are uneven and can be slippery.
If you’re coming from Scranton, this makes an easy morning hike followed by lunch in Wilkes-Barre. It’s a perfect “I need nature but I don’t have all day” kind of trip.
3. Hit the Slopes or Trails at Montage Mountain (Luzerne County)
While the address is closer to Moosic, the actual resort area is in Luzerne County, making it fair game for an out-of-county adventure.
Winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding with views of the valley
- Snow tubing lanes that are family friendly
Summer & fall:
- Water park with slides and a lazy river
- Outdoor concerts and events
- Hiking trails nearby
If you’re from Scranton, this is one of the closest “mini mountain getaways” you can get without driving deep into the Poconos.
4. Relax by the Water at Harveys Lake (Luzerne County)
About 45–55 minutes from Scranton,
Harveys Lake is the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania by volume and a peaceful escape on a warm day.
Things to do:
- Drive the loop around the lake and enjoy the views
- Stop at lakeside restaurants for a meal with a view
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard if you have one
On a quiet summer evening, watching the sunset over the water feels like you’ve driven hours away, even though you’re still in northeast Pennsylvania.
5. Wander the Streets of Jim Thorpe – “The Switzerland of Pennsylvania” (Monroe/Carbon Region Access)
While Jim Thorpe itself is in Carbon County, many visitors from Scranton pass through or near Monroe County to get there, and it’s one of the most popular day trips in the region.
Why go:
- Charming historic downtown with Victorian architecture
- Unique shops, galleries, and cozy cafes
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (seasonal train rides)
- Nearby hiking and biking in Lehigh Gorge State Park
It’s about 1–1.5 hours from Scranton, depending on your route. It’s a great choice if you want that “small mountain town” feel without leaving Pennsylvania.
Tip: Weekends can be busy—arrive early to find parking and beat the crowds.
6. Escape to the Poconos at Mount Pocono & Surroundings (Monroe County)
If someone says “weekend getaway” around Scranton, chances are they’re talking about the
Pocono Mountains, often starting around Mount Pocono.
What you can do:
- Visit nearby resorts for spas, indoor water parks, or dining
- Enjoy scenic drives with overlooks and forest views
- Check out local hiking trails and waterfalls in the area
Even if you’re not staying overnight, a daytime trip from Scranton to the Poconos can feel like a mini-vacation. Pack a picnic, pick a trail, and just breathe in the mountain air.
7. Hike Big Pocono State Park for Huge Views (Monroe County)
Located on Camelback Mountain,
Big Pocono State Park offers some of the best views in the region.
Highlights:
- Panoramic overlooks with views into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York on a clear day
- A drive-up summit area with parking and short walks to vistas
- Hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty
If you don’t want a long hike, you can still enjoy jaw-dropping views just steps from your car. It’s a great choice for mixed groups where some want to hike and others don’t.
8. Slow Down in Historic Honesdale (Wayne County)
About 45–60 minutes northeast of Scranton,
Honesdale in Wayne County offers small-town charm and history.
Things to do:
- Walk Main Street for shops, cafes, and local restaurants
- Learn about the region’s railroad history
- Visit nearby parks or the Dyberry River area
Honesdale has that “step back in time” feel without being boring. It’s a nice, relaxed day trip when you don’t want something too intense.
9. Get Outdoors at Prompton State Park (Wayne County)
If you love hiking or paddling,
Prompton State Park is a hidden gem just a bit beyond Honesdale.
What you’ll find:
- A large lake great for kayaking and canoeing
- Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
- Peaceful, less-crowded scenery compared to some bigger parks
Bring your own gear, pack snacks, and treat it like a full-day outdoor escape. It’s close enough to Scranton for a day trip but feels wonderfully remote.
10. Chase Quiet Country Vibes in Tunkhannock & the Wyoming County Countryside
Head northwest from Scranton for about 40–50 minutes and you’ll reach
Tunkhannock, a small town in
Wyoming County surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.
What to check out:
- Downtown Tunkhannock: Browse antique shops and locally owned stores.
- Susquehanna River views: Enjoy river scenery and picture-perfect bridges.
- Seasonal events: From festivals to fairs, there’s often something going on.
If you’re craving a slower pace and scenic drives, this area is hard to beat. Think open fields, old barns, and those golden-hour sunsets that make you pull over for a photo.
Bonus: Northern Backroads in Susquehanna County
While this list focused on the main 10 ideas, it’s worth mentioning that
Susquehanna County to the north is loaded with country roads, small towns, and quiet corners.
You can:
- Take a lazy drive on backroads and stop in little towns along the way
- Look for local diners and ice cream stands
- Enjoy views of farms, hills, and wide-open sky
Sometimes the best day trip near Scranton isn’t a big attraction at all—it’s just a tank of gas and no strict plan.
Planning Your Next Road Trip from Scranton
Here’s a quick recap of
out-of-county road trip ideas near Scranton:
- Wilkes-Barre riverfront and downtown (Luzerne)
- Seven Tubs Recreation Area (Luzerne)
- Montage Mountain resort area (Luzerne)
- Harveys Lake (Luzerne)
- Jim Thorpe day trip via the Poconos (Monroe/Carbon area)
- Mount Pocono and nearby resorts (Monroe)
- Big Pocono State Park (Monroe)
- Honesdale’s historic downtown (Wayne)
- Prompton State Park (Wayne)
- Tunkhannock and Wyoming County countryside (Wyoming)
You don’t need to go far from Scranton to feel like you’ve gotten away. Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, there’s a short road trip waiting in every direction.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Scranton
Have you taken any of these
Scranton day trips? Do you have a hidden gem in Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming County that you’d recommend?
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
The more ideas we share, the easier it gets to turn an ordinary weekend into a simple little adventure.
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