Mountain Top, PA

About the City
Geography
Climate and Weather
Landmarks
Transport
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Museums
Sport and Sports Legends
Universities and Academic Institutions
Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Mountain Top is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, known for its suburban feel and scenic location in the mountains.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Official Name: Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. While the local historical society and the U.S. Postal Service prefer the two-word spelling "Mountain Top," the local newspaper uses the single-word "Mountaintop" .
Administrative Status: Mountain Top is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP). It is not an incorporated municipality itself but is part of Fairview Township, Wright Township, and a small part of Rice Township in Luzerne County .
Country and Region: It is located in the United States, in the state of Pennsylvania. Luzerne County is part of the northeastern region of the state, historically known as a major center for anthracite coal mining .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was first settled by Europeans in the 18th century. Early settlers established lumber camps, sawmills, and farms in its rugged forests . The community grew significantly during the 19th century with the arrival of the railroad, which was used to transport anthracite coal from nearby mines .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: 41°8′7″N 75°54′16″W (41.1353022, -75.9044749) .
Location: Mountain Top is situated in the saddle pass atop the drainage divide between the Susquehanna River basin to the north and west and the Lehigh River basin to the east and south . It is located south of Wilkes-Barre and in the heights above Hazleton, along Pennsylvania Route 309 .
Elevation: The center of the community is at an elevation of 1,558 feet (475 meters) above sea level .
Geographic Type: It is a suburban community located in a mountain pass region of northeastern Pennsylvania .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Originally a hub for lumber and later a key point on the rail network for transporting anthracite coal, Mountain Top has evolved into a suburban residential and commercial center . Its economy is now driven by local businesses, schools, and its role as a bedroom community for nearby cities like Wilkes-Barre. The presence of the Crestwood Industrial Park also contributes to the local economy .

Population and Demographics

Population: As of the 2010 census, the population of the Mountain Top CDP was 10,982 . The broader community area, including surrounding townships, is home to nearly 17,000 people .
City Class: It is a small town or medium-sized unincorporated community.
Demographic Features: Historically, the population has been predominantly white, with a mix of families and individuals. In 2000, the median age was 39, with a fairly even split between males and females .

City's "Visiting Card" (Briefly)

Mountain Top is a quiet, suburban community nestled in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. It is known for its scenic location, strong sense of community, and easy access to outdoor recreation at places like Lake Nuangola and Penobscot Knob, offering a peaceful retreat from the nearby cities .

Geography

Mountains and Mountain Ranges

Mount Penobscot (Penobscot Knob): This mountain looms over the community, which was once named Penobscot after it . It is a prominent local landmark.

Water Objects (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

Headwaters of Wapwallopen Creek: The community is located at the headwaters of this creek .
Lake Nuangola: Located in the nearby Nuangola Borough, this lake was a resort destination that attracted seasonal visitors in the past and remains a spot for recreation .
Blue Giant Meadow Lake: A lake located within the Mountain Top area .
Susquehanna and Lehigh River Basins: Mountain Top sits on the drainage divide between these two major river basins, making it a significant geographical point for water flow in the region .

Climate and Weather

Type of Climate and General Characteristics

Mountain Top has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) , characterized by four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. Due to its elevation at over 1,500 feet, it is generally cooler and receives more snow than lower-lying areas like Wilkes-Barre.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mountain Top for outdoor activities is from late spring to early fall.

Spring (April-May): Mild and increasingly warm, with nature coming back to life. It can be rainy.
Summer (June-August): Warm and comfortable, with average highs in the low 80s°F (around 26-28°C). It is the perfect time for hiking and enjoying local lakes.
Fall (September-October): Spectacular with crisp air and vibrant fall foliage colors. Ideal for scenic drives and photography.
Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy. Average highs are often near or below freezing, with significant snowfall possible, making it a good base for winter sports in the region.

Landmarks

Architectural or Historical Landmarks

The Ashley Planes: While the funicular railway itself is no longer operational, the site of the Mountain Top yard at the top of the Ashley Planes is an important remnant of the region's industrial and transportation history. It was once a bustling marshaling yard where coal cars were hauled up the mountain .

Parks and Recreational Areas

Crestwood Industrial Park: While primarily commercial, this park represents the area's modern economic development .
Local Parks: The community is served by various local parks maintained by the surrounding townships, supporting its suburban, family-friendly character .

Monuments That Became City Legends

The Mountain Top Name Debate: A unique piece of local lore is the friendly, long-standing debate over the spelling of the community's name—whether it's one word ("Mountaintop") or two ("Mountain Top") . This quirk is a point of local pride and identity.

Transport

Main Highways and Roads

Pennsylvania Route 309 (PA 309): This is the primary highway through Mountain Top, connecting it south to Hazleton and north to Wilkes-Barre .
Interstate 80 (I-80) and Interstate 81 (I-81): These major interstate highways are accessible near Mountain Top. Their construction in the 20th century paved the way for the community's commercial and residential growth by improving access to the region .

Railroads

Mountain Top Yard: This rail yard, once a critical marshaling yard for the Lehigh & Susquehanna, Lehigh Valley, and New Jersey Central Railroads, is still an element of the regional transportation infrastructure, connecting to lines heading to Allentown, Philadelphia, and New York State .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Mountain Top itself is a suburban community without a widely recognized signature dish or culinary identity. However, its location in Northeastern Pennsylvania places it within a region with distinct food traditions, and nearby towns offer authentic local flavors.

Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch Fare

Given the region's historical roots, the culinary traditions are heavily influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, known for hearty, comforting dishes.

Dish Name: Pot Pie (Pennsylvania Dutch Pot Pie)
Description: Unlike a baked pie with a crust, this is a hearty, one-pot stew. It features large, flat egg noodles (the "pot pie" squares), chicken or beef, and root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery, all simmered in a rich broth.
Where to find it: This is primarily a homemade dish, a staple of community gatherings and church suppers in the area. You are more likely to find it served at family-style restaurants or diners in nearby towns like Wilkes-Barre or Hazleton rather than dedicated restaurants in Mountain Top itself.

Regional Barbecue Influence

While not unique to Mountain Top, the broader region has a growing appreciation for American barbecue.

Dish Name: Smoked Meats (e.g., Brisket, Pulled Pork)
Description: Meats slow-smoked over hardwood (often hickory or oak) until tender, typically served with a variety of regional-style sauces.
Where to find it: You might find this at local sports bars or family restaurants in the area. For a dedicated barbecue experience, looking towards the larger neighboring cities like Wilkes-Barre or Scranton would be necessary.

Local Beverage: Yuengling Lager

No discussion of Northeastern Pennsylvania cuisine is complete without mentioning its most famous beverage.

Drink Name: Yuengling Traditional Lager
Description: America's oldest brewery, D.G. Yuengling & Son, was founded in Pottsville, PA, in 1829. Their Traditional Lager is an amber lager that has become an iconic symbol of Pennsylvania heritage. It's a staple in nearly every bar, restaurant, and household in the region.
Connection: For any visitor to Mountain Top, ordering a Yuengling is a way to connect with local culture. It's the default beer on tap and a source of regional pride.

Unique Regional Ingredient: Sauerkraut

While seemingly simple, sauerkraut holds a special place in Pennsylvania Dutch culinary tradition.

Product Name: Sauerkraut
Description: Finely shredded raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria. It has a distinctive sour flavor and is often eaten as a condiment or side dish.
Cultural Significance: In local tradition, it's considered good luck to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. This tradition is still widely observed throughout the region. You can find it year-round in grocery stores, often with local brands, and it's a common topping for hot dogs and sausages at local eateries .

Museums

Mountain Top is a small community and does not have large, world-class museums within its immediate borders. Its strength lies in preserving its own local heritage. For larger institutions, one must travel to nearby cities.

Historical Museums (Local Heritage)

Museum Name: Mountain Top Historical Society
Description: This is the primary repository of the area's history. The Society has actively gathered photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of Mountain Top from its 18th-century settlement through its development as a railroad and coal mining town to the present day .
Key Collections: Their archives focus on local topics, including the region's railroads (Lehigh & Susquehanna, Lehigh Valley), the summer resorts that once dotted the area at places like Glen Summit and Lake Nuangola, and the history of local businesses and schools. The book "Mountain Top" (Images of America) by Joseph Kubic, Darlene Miller-Lanning, and the society is a compilation of this work .
What to see: Visitors can expect to see a rotating collection of photographs and exhibits showcasing the community's evolution. It's the perfect place to understand the town's character beyond its current suburban identity. The Society may also offer resources for genealogical research.

Museums Nearby (Day Trips)

For those seeking larger museums, the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton are within easy driving distance (about 15-30 minutes) and offer more extensive options.

Nearby Option: Luzerne County Historical Society (Wilkes-Barre) - This is the county's primary historical organization, with a museum and research library that cover the broader history of the region, including the anthracite coal industry that shaped Mountain Top.
Nearby Option: Sordoni Art Gallery (Wilkes-Barre) - Located on the campus of Wilkes University, this gallery features rotating exhibitions of regional, national, and international artists.
Nearby Option: Everhart Museum (Scranton) - A natural history and art museum with diverse collections, including American and European art, Native American artifacts, and a notable collection of taxidermy and geology specimens.

Sport and Sports Legends

Mountain Top is primarily a residential community and does not host any major professional sports teams or large-scale sporting venues. The sports culture here is centered on community recreation, school athletics, and easy access to outdoor activities in the Poconos and professional sports in nearby cities.

Community Recreation and High School Sports

Primary Focus: The heart of local sports is at the high school level. Crestwood High School, part of the Crestwood School District, is the local hub for football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and other sports . Friday night football games at the high school stadium are a key community social event.
Local Facilities: The community offers facilities like Memorial Park, which features walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, serving as a gathering place for casual recreation and youth sports .
Golf: For golf enthusiasts, the Fairview Heights Golf Club offers an 18-hole public course within the community .

Sporting Events and Activities Nearby

Mountain Top's location offers residents and visitors easy access to a wide variety of sporting activities.

Winter Sports - Nearby: For skiing and snowboarding, Elk Mountain Ski Resort is a premier destination located about an hour's drive away in Susquehanna County. With 27 trails and a summit elevation over 2,600 feet, it's considered one of the best ski mountains in Pennsylvania for its natural terrain and snow conditions .
Winter Sports - Nearby: Other winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed on local trails, such as the D&H Rail Trail or within Salt Springs State Park (about an hour away), which features frozen waterfalls in the winter .
Professional Sports - Nearby: For fans of major league sports, the city is within driving distance (approximately 2 hours) of Philadelphia and New York City, making it feasible for day trips to see teams like the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) , Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) , Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) , New York Yankees (MLB) , or New York Giants (NFL) .

Sports Legends with Local Ties

While Mountain Top may not be the birthplace of internationally famous athletes, the region of Northeastern Pennsylvania has produced notable sports figures.

Connected Legend: Joe Steffy - A native of Luzerne County, Steffy was a standout guard for the Army Black Knights football team and won the Outland Trophy in 1947. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Connected Legend: Haddon "Haddie" Salt - A native of the nearby town of Plymouth, Salt was a Major League Baseball player for the New York Giants in the 1930s and later had a long career as a minor league player and manager.

Universities and Academic Institutions

Mountain Top does not host a university campus itself, but it is served by local community college options and is within commuting distance of several four-year colleges and universities. The local school district is a central part of the community.

Local Higher Education

Institution Name: Luzerne County Community College (LCCC)
Description: LCCC is the primary higher education institution serving Mountain Top. It is a public, two-year community college with its main campus located in Nanticoke, PA, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Mountain Top. The college offers a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, serving as a key access point for higher education and workforce development in the region .

Nearby Four-Year Universities

For those seeking bachelor's and graduate degrees, several universities are within a reasonable commuting distance (20-40 minutes).

Institution Name: Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre)
Description: A private, comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctorates. It is known for its engineering, nursing, business, and pharmacy programs. The campus is located in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Institution Name: King's College (Wilkes-Barre)
Description: A private, Catholic liberal arts college also located in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It is founded in the Holy Cross tradition and offers strong programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and business.
Institution Name: Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Lehman Township)
Description: A commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University system, located in Lehman Township, about 20 minutes from Mountain Top. It offers associate degrees and the first two years of over 160 Penn State baccalaureate majors, which students can then complete at another Penn State campus, such as University Park.

Local Schools with Rich History

The local community takes pride in its school district.

Institution Name: Crestwood School District
Description: Serving Mountain Top and the surrounding townships, the Crestwood School District is an integral part of the community. Its history is part of the town's narrative, reflecting the area's growth from a collection of rural crossroads and mining towns to a modern suburb. The district includes multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and Crestwood High School .

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Mountain Top has local healthcare facilities to serve immediate community needs, but for major specialized care, residents rely on the larger medical centers in the neighboring cities of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton.

Local Medical Facilities

Mountain Top hosts clinics and offices that provide primary care and outpatient services.

Facility Name: Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) – Mountain Top
Description: This is a significant local health campus. While it may not be a full-scale tertiary hospital with all specialties, it provides essential services to the community, including an emergency department, outpatient surgery, imaging and diagnostic services, and physician offices. It is part of the larger Lehigh Valley Health Network, which provides a connection to more specialized care at their larger hospitals in the Lehigh Valley region.
Other Local Options: There are also independent medical and dental practices throughout the community, offering primary and family care services.

Major Regional Medical Centers

For highly specialized treatments, advanced surgery, or complex conditions, the primary destinations are the major hospitals in Wilkes-Barre.

Facility Name: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre)
Description: Located in Plains Township, just north of Wilkes-Barre (about 20-25 minutes from Mountain Top), this is a major tertiary and quaternary care hospital. It is part of the Geisinger health system, known for its integrated care model and innovation. It offers a full range of specialties, including advanced cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer care with a cancer center, a children's hospital, and a Level II trauma center.
Facility Name: Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (Wilkes-Barre)
Description: Also in Wilkes-Barre, this is another major acute care hospital. It is part of Commonwealth Health. It provides comprehensive services, including cardiovascular care, orthopedic surgery, and a women's health center. It also operates a cancer center and is a teaching hospital.
Nearby Specialized Care: For advanced orthopedic care, the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) has locations in the region, and for specialized surgery, the network of hospitals in Scranton (such as Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital) is also within about a 30-40 minute drive. For the specific ski resort noted near Mountain Top, Elk Mountain, the nearest hospital for emergencies would likely be Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA .