Attractions and Places To See around West Nanticoke - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around West Nanticoke include a mix of natural beauty and historical sites. The area is characterized by its connection to the Susquehanna River, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore state forest natural areas, multi-use trails, and unique historical landmarks. This region provides diverse experiences for those interested in both nature and local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around West Nanticoke
- The most popular attractions is Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area, a mountain bike park that features great singletrack trails. It is a multi-use area with trails for mountain biking and hiking, and a lake popular for fishing.
- Another must-see spot is Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest, a trail area located on a bend of the Susquehanna River. This tract offers miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and climbers, with areas showing scars from historical mining activities.
- Visitors also love Concrete City, a historical site that was an experimental housing development. Built in 1911, this unique location features 20 concrete duplexes that have been used for training and are now marked by graffiti.
- West Nanticoke is known for its natural areas, historical sites, and diverse trail systems. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from lakes and forests to unique historical landmarks.
- The attractions around West Nanticoke are appreciated by the komoot community. With 3 upvotes and 5 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area
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Moon Lake
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Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest
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Concrete City
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In the decades that followed nearby fire and police departments have used the site for training. Graffiti writers and artists have left their mark all over, and more recently paintball and airsoft tournaments have been held here.
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5 Tree Trail
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Popular around West Nanticoke
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Moon Lake State Forest Natural Area is a beautiful outdoor playground for nature lovers. The multi-use trails are a hotspot for mountain biking, with plenty of trails for hiking. There is a beautiful lake teeming with trout in the park's center, several campgrounds, and open fields with lots of wildflowers. It's a fantastic location, offering something for everyone.
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Located on a bend of the Susquehanna River and traversing a number of old mines, the Mocanaqua Tract is a unique place to visit. Some areas feel untouched by human hands, while other bear striking scars of such contact. Today its miles of trails provide access for hikers, bikers, and climbers to explore the area year round.
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Concrete City was built as employee housing in 1911 and abandoned just 13 years later in 1924. The 20 duplexes were made entirely of concrete and hence incredibly durable. Unfortunately they were also very drafty, cold, and held too much moisture be be long term dwellings. In the decades that followed nearby fire and police departments have used the site for training. Graffiti writers and artists have left their mark all over, and more recently paintball and airsoft tournaments have been held here.
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One of the more technical trails at Moon Lake. You'll find plenty of rock gardens to navigate and a couple of short, punchy hills to climb.
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Moon Lake State Forest Natural Area is a great little MTB spot in Luzerne County. While you won't find any epic downhills you will have some great singletrack maintained by the local Moon Lake Trail Crew. They've done a great job setting up some fun routes over the relatively flat terrain. And while there's nothing too technical you will find enough rough & rocky sections to keep you on your toes.
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Moon Lake is a 48-acre, spring fed lake in the middle of a state forest. This brings all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts to its shores throughout the year. The lake itself is popular for fishing and kayaking, while the surrounding park brings in hikers, mountain bikers, and campers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and outdoor recreation opportunities are available around West Nanticoke?
The area around West Nanticoke is rich in natural beauty, particularly along the Susquehanna River. You can visit Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area, which features a 48-acre spring-fed lake popular for fishing and kayaking, surrounded by multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking. Canal Park in West Nanticoke offers direct public access to the Susquehanna River for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, and serves as a trailhead for the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. The Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest also provides miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and climbers along a bend of the Susquehanna River.
Are there historical sites to explore near West Nanticoke?
Yes, the region offers unique historical sites. Concrete City is a notable historical landmark, once an experimental housing development built in 1911. These 20 concrete duplexes, abandoned since 1924, now stand as a unique site marked by graffiti. Additionally, the Nanticoke Historical Society in nearby Nanticoke is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage through artifacts and documents.
What kind of trails can I find for hiking and biking?
West Nanticoke offers diverse trail systems. The Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area is known for its mountain biking singletrack and hiking trails. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail, accessible from Canal Park, is a 12.5-mile multi-use trail perfect for biking and walking along the river. For more challenging options, the Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest provides miles of trails for hikers and bikers, some traversing old mining areas. You can find various MTB routes, including 'Moon Lake loop' and 'Susquehanna Warrior Trail', on the MTB Trails around West Nanticoke guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions around West Nanticoke?
Absolutely. The Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area is considered family-friendly, offering a beautiful lake for fishing and kayaking, along with trails suitable for various activity levels. Canal Park provides a peaceful setting for picnics and river access, which can be enjoyable for families. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail is also a great option for family walks or bike rides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near West Nanticoke?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. For instance, the Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area is praised as a 'beautiful outdoor playground for nature lovers' with 'plenty of trails for hiking' and a 'beautiful lake teeming with trout'. The unique historical aspect of Concrete City also captures interest due to its unusual past and visual appeal.
Can I go kayaking or canoeing in the area?
Yes, the Susquehanna River and Moon Lake offer excellent opportunities for paddling. Canal Park in West Nanticoke provides direct public access to the Susquehanna River, making it ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Moon Lake, a 48-acre spring-fed lake, is also a popular spot for kayaking.
What is the best time of year to visit West Nanticoke for outdoor activities?
The spring, summer, and fall months are generally best for outdoor activities around West Nanticoke. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer is ideal for water activities on the Susquehanna River and Moon Lake. Fall offers scenic views with changing foliage, particularly along trails like the Susquehanna Warrior Trail and within the state forests.
Are there any challenging trails for experienced hikers or mountain bikers?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area offers some technical mountain biking trails, such as the 5 Tree Trail, which features rock gardens and punchy climbs. The Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest also has trails that can be challenging for hikers, bikers, and climbers, with varied terrain and elevation changes.
Where can I spot wildlife around West Nanticoke?
The natural areas around West Nanticoke are good for wildlife spotting. A kayak trip along the Susquehanna River near Nanticoke offers chances to see eagles, ospreys, and herons. The Moon Lake State Forest Natural Area, with its lake and surrounding forest, is home to various wildlife and is a great place to observe nature.
Are there any unique natural landscapes or viewpoints?
The Mocanaqua Tract — Pinchot State Forest is situated on a bend of the Susquehanna River, offering unique views and a mix of untouched natural landscapes alongside areas showing scars from historical mining activities. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail also provides scenic views along the river, especially during a kayak trip where you can see the Five Mountains region.
What activities are available at Moon Lake?
Moon Lake, a 48-acre spring-fed lake, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. It's popular for fishing and kayaking. The surrounding Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area features multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with campgrounds and fields of wildflowers, making it a versatile destination.
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