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Back Mountain Trails always expanding

Plans are in place for more trails and improvements to existing ones.

By EILEEN GODIN Dallas Post Correspondent

A love affair has developed between area residents and the Back Mountain Trails. Fanning desires, the Anthracite Scenic Trail Association has firm plans for more trails and improvements to existing ones.

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Justin Beaupre, of Dallas, enjoys a walk on the Back Mountain Trail recently.

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An entrance to the Back Mountain Trail off Harris Hill Road in Trucksville.

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The Anthracite Scenic Trail Association has big dreams to live up to - more trails, bridge repair and, possibly, a pedestrian trestle.

Starting out 13 years ago with a 2.2 mile stretch weaving along the Endless Mountains from Parry Street in Luzerne to Carverton Road in Trucksville was just the beginning for the Anthracite Scenic Trail Association.

The association’s goal - to provide an area for all to enjoy the natural beauty of the Back Mountain - created a drive to acquire easements from property owners to allow the trail to proceed through small portions of their land.

Today, the native hiker can enjoy walks along Toby’s Creek from Harris Hill Road to Lehigh Street, with parking provided off Harris Hill Road.

Judy Rimple, president of the Anthracite Scenic Trail Association, said the entire Back Mountain branch extends about five miles.

Joggers, bicyclists and walkers can now enjoy the nature surrounding Toby’s Creek in two locations. A trail running parallel to Main Street in Luzerne along Toby’s Creek and ending at the Luzerne Fire House and a trail from Franklin Street in Shavertown wind through a tree-covered path ending at Lower Demunds Road in Dallas.

People are using the trails more frequently. Rimple said there are no firm numbers of trail users but plans call for counters to be installed. Other future plans include the placement of more benches, picnic tables, replacing the bridge by the waterfall behind the Dallas Area Municipal Authority and a bicycle ramp at the trail entrance off Carverton Road.

The wooden stairs by the Carverton Road Trail opening by the Trucksville Volunteer Fire Company have caused quite a stir among avid bicyclists. The well-constructed stairs require bicyclists to carry their bikes up or down but Rimple said a bike ramp is planned for installation.

She said the association has a dream of acquiring a trestle for pedestrians and cyclists to be placed in the vicinity of the former railroad bridge spanning over Carverton Road.

“This is a long-term dream of ours,” she said.

Money for maintenance is raised through fundraisers such as the Tour of Back Mountain Gardens which was scheduled to be held June 27. Rimple said other funds are received through grants and donations.

Help from volunteers is extraordinary, according to Rimple.

“We had about 50 volunteers from UGI, Blue Cross and the United Way to help clean up the trail,” she said

Trail enthusiast Elizabeth Dunsavage, of Luzerne, started using the trail when it first opened and now jogs from Luzerne to Trucksville four times a week.

“I love the trail,” Dunsavage said. “My favorite part is the waterfall.”