10 Fun Out-of-County Road Trips Near Hazleton, Pennsylvania
If you live in or around
Hazleton, PA, you might feel like you’ve already seen everything close to home. But hop in the car, drive 30–90 minutes, and a whole new list of adventures opens up in the nearby counties.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 easy road trips outside Luzerne County—all in places like Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Monroe, Schuylkill, Sullivan, and Wyoming Counties. These are perfect for day trips or relaxed weekend getaways when you want new things to do near Hazleton without going too far.
1. Jim Thorpe, “The Switzerland of America” (Carbon County)
Jim Thorpe is one of the most popular
day trips from Hazleton, and for good reason. It’s only about 30–40 minutes south, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a small European mountain town.
Why go:
- Walk the charming downtown with Victorian homes and little shops.
- Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for river and mountain views.
- Explore the Asa Packer Mansion if you like history and old architecture.
If you enjoy being outdoors, Jim Thorpe is also a great base for:
- Bike rides along the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail.
- Whitewater rafting in season.
- Short hikes with overlooks, especially in the fall.
It’s an easy, full-day outing: coffee in the morning, train ride mid-day, ice cream and window-shopping in the afternoon, and you’re still back in Hazleton before bedtime.
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Columbia County area)
Looking for classic, simple fun that feels a little old-school in the best way? Head about an hour west to
Knoebels Amusement Resort, just over the line from Columbia County.
What makes it special:
- Free admission to the park—pay per ride or get a wristband on certain days.
- Famous wooden roller coasters and family-friendly rides.
- Good, affordable food (many locals go just to eat and relax).
It has a strong “small-town fair” vibe, with shady trees, picnic areas, and lots of benches. If you grew up going to local carnivals, Knoebels will probably feel familiar—but bigger and better.
Tip: On hot days, consider the pool and water slide area. And plan to stay until dark if you can; the lights and sounds at night are half the fun.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park (Columbia / Sullivan Counties)
If you’re in the mood for waterfalls,
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the best road trips near Hazleton. It’s usually about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on your route.
The park’s famous
Falls Trail takes you past more than a dozen waterfalls, some over 90 feet tall. It’s a bit of a workout but worth every step.
Highlights:
- Stunning waterfalls one after another.
- Cool, shaded trails that feel great in summer.
- Lake Jean for swimming, boating, or just sitting by the shore.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don’t rush it. If you like nature photography, you could easily spend hours here. This is a great spot if you’re looking for a calm, unplugged day away from town.
4. Scranton: Electric City Fun (Lackawanna County)
About 45–60 minutes north of Hazleton,
Scranton makes a nice mini-city getaway. You can mix museums, food, and a walk around town all in one simple trip.
Things to do in Scranton:
- Steamtown National Historic Site: Historic steam locomotives and train history.
- Electric City Trolley Museum: Learn how trolleys powered early public transit.
- Downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and local breweries.
If you watched the TV show
The Office, you might also enjoy spotting a few Scranton references. Even if you’re not into trains or TV, Scranton is just a good place to grab lunch, walk around, and enjoy a change of scenery.
5. Montage Mountain & Shoppes at Montage (Lackawanna County)
Just outside Scranton, the
Montage Mountain area makes a fun day trip if you want a mix of nature and shopping.
In winter:
- Skiing and snowboarding at Montage Mountain Resorts.
- Snow tubing for families and beginners.
In summer:
- A waterpark with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
- Outdoor concerts and special events.
Right down the hill you’ll find the
Shoppes at Montage:
- Outlet-style shopping.
- Chain restaurants and a movie theater.
It’s the kind of place where you can ski or splash during the day, shop a bit, then grab dinner and a movie before heading back to Hazleton.
6. Tannersville & Camelback Area (Monroe County)
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive—around an hour to an hour and 15 minutes—head east to
Monroe County. The
Camelback and Tannersville area is packed with year-round things to do.
Warm-weather fun:
- Camelback Mountain Adventures with zip lines and a mountain coaster.
- Hiking with Pocono mountain views.
- Nearby outlets for shopping in Tannersville.
Winter fun:
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding.
- Snow tubing on multiple lanes.
If you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends, this area works really well. You can split up—some go shopping, some hit the slopes or the adventure park—and meet up later for dinner.
7. Frackville & Locust Lake / Tuscarora State Parks (Schuylkill County)
Head about 30–45 minutes southwest into
Schuylkill County, and you’ll find a quieter kind of road trip. This one is perfect if you’d like a simple outdoor day, maybe with a picnic.
Locust Lake and Tuscarora State Parks offer:
- Easy hiking trails.
- Small lakes for fishing, paddling, or just relaxing by the water.
- Picnic areas and open space for kids to run around.
You can pair a visit to the parks with a quick stop in
Frackville or nearby towns for a diner-style meal. It’s not a flashy trip, but it’s peaceful and low-stress—great when you just want a break from traffic and noise.
8. Pottsville & Yuengling Brewery (Schuylkill County)
If you enjoy history—or beer—add
Pottsville to your list. It’s about an hour from Hazleton and offers a different kind of experience than the usual outdoor trip.
The star here is the
D.G. Yuengling & Son Brewery, known as America’s oldest brewery.
What to expect:
- Guided tours through historic brewery caves and buildings.
- A look at how beer is made, from past to present.
- Tastings for adults of legal drinking age.
You can easily pair the tour with a walk through downtown Pottsville and lunch at a local restaurant. If you’re planning a small adults-only road trip from Hazleton, this one’s hard to beat.
9. Worlds End State Park (Sullivan County)
If you don’t mind a longer drive—close to 1.5 to 2 hours—
Worlds End State Park pays you back with big views and wild, rugged scenery.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Overlooks with sweeping views of the Loyalsock Creek valley.
- Rocky, forested trails that feel far from everyday life.
- Swimming and wading areas in the creek (check conditions first).
This is a great trip if you want to feel like you’ve really
gotten away, even though you started the day in Hazleton. Pack snacks, water, and maybe a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water.
10. Endless Mountains & Tunkhannock (Wyoming County)
Northwest of Hazleton, in
Wyoming County, you’ll find the
Endless Mountains region and the town of
Tunkhannock. It’s calm, scenic, and a nice blend of small-town charm and outdoor beauty.
Ideas for your visit:
- Stroll through Tunkhannock’s historic downtown.
- Drive along the Susquehanna River for relaxing views.
- Check out nearby trails and overlooks in the Endless Mountains region.
This is the kind of slow, easy-going trip that’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a quiet day of exploring backroads, stopping for coffee, and just seeing where the day takes them.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Hazleton, PA
To make these
out-of-county road trips from Hazleton more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times before you go so you’re not rushed.
- Look up park or attraction hours, especially in winter or early spring.
- Pack a small bag with water, snacks, and a light jacket—even in summer.
- Wear comfy shoes since most of these spots involve walking or hiking.
Sometimes the best part of a road trip isn’t even the destination. It’s the drive itself—rolling hills, small towns, and those random roadside stops you discover along the way.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip Near Hazleton?
These 10 ideas barely scratch the surface of all the
things to do near Hazleton, Pennsylvania. From waterfalls and state parks to historic towns and mountain adventures, there’s a lot waiting just beyond Luzerne County lines.
Have you visited any of these spots—Jim Thorpe, Ricketts Glen, Scranton, or maybe Pottsville?
Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-county road trips?
Share your go-to day trips in the comments. Your suggestions might help another Hazleton local plan their next weekend escape.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Sometimes, all you need is a tank of gas, a free day, and a short drive to discover something new.
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