This trail section includes the following gaps:
Laurel Run to Oliver Mills – CONSTRUCTION
North Branch Land Trust is leading this project, which is loops from Northampton Street/Laurel Run Road around Wilkes-Barre Mountain. It will eventually connect downtown Wilkes-Barre, Seven Tubs Recreation Area, and multiple communities. The southern half of this 6-mile stretch was completed in 2023 with support from local partners and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. While complete, there will be no formal access to this isolated trail section until the second half is completed. The northern half will be constructed with support from the PA Department of Environmental Protection and is anticipated to begin construction in 2024.
Oliver Mills Pedestrian Crossing – PLANNING
A crossing has not yet been developed across the railroad and Northampton Street – trail users should NOT CROSS these facilities and should turn around when they reach the crossing. DLNHC completed a Phase II Corridor Analysis to determine the best route to connect.
Oliver Mills to Mountain Top – CONSTRUCTION
Work will begin on the Mountain Top–Oliver Mills section of the D&L Trail, also known as the Black Diamond Trail, on Monday, March 23. Construction activity will start near the Mountain Top Hose Company along Lehigh Street and the Sterling Street crossing, then continue north along the trail alignment into Laurel Run Borough. The initial phase will focus on tree trimming and clearing to prepare the corridor for trail grading.
This section of the trail is currently undeveloped and sees limited use. Once completed by the end of 2026, it will become an improved unpaved‑surface trail suitable for public use.
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This proposed trail will travel through the wooded mountains south of the City of Wilkes-Barre. Users will find this a quiet and shady section of forested trail. The highlight of this section will be the Seven Tubs Recreation Area, a series of large pools carved by the free flowing water of Wheelbarrow Run within the Pinchot State Forest. Seven Tubs Recreation Area is accessible by a spur trail for hiking only, no bikes allowed.
