The Back Mountain Trail was originally built in the 1880's by Albert Lewis, a local entrepreneur who delivered ice from the Mountain Springs Lake in the Endless Mountains to urban markets. He sold his successful rail line to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company (LRVV) who expanded the service to include lumber, leather goods and anthracite coal.
LRVV was abandoned in 1963. In 1996, Anthracite Scenic Trails Association acquired easements and recorded deeds with Luzerne County for public use of the corridor. 2.2 miles initially has been converted enabling bicyclists and pedestrians safe access through a "cut" in the mountains between the Wyoming Valley floor and the many Endless Mountain communities. Two more miles were added in 2009 so the trail stretches from Luzerne to Lower Demunds Road in Dallas. Next goal is to get the trail through Dallas and out to Misericordia University and beyond.
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