Old Forge, PA
Discover Old Forge, PA, the self-proclaimed "Pizza Capital of the World," known for its unique rectangular pizza and rich coal mining history, located just minutes from Scranton.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Old Forge, and it is formally incorporated as the Borough of Old Forge . It is a borough located in Lackawanna County, in the state of Pennsylvania, USA. Old Forge is not a county seat; that title belongs to the city of Scranton, which is located just a few miles northeast. Lackawanna County is historically renowned as a vital part of the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania, an area that fueled American industry in the 19th and 20th centuries .
Date of Foundation and Age
The area was first settled in 1830, and Old Forge was officially incorporated as a borough on December 18, 1899 . This makes the borough 126 years old in 2026.
The borough's name, however, has much older origins, dating back to 1789. It is named after an early iron forge established that year by Dr. William Hooker Smith and James Sutton on the south bank of the Lackawanna River . This forge was a significant local industrial site and became known as the "Old Forge" to distinguish it from a later one built in what is now Scranton .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Old Forge is located in northeastern Pennsylvania at the geographic coordinates 41.3704° N, -75.7409° W. The borough is situated in the Lackawanna River Valley, with the Lackawanna River winding along its southern edge . The center of town lies at an elevation of 732 feet (223 meters) above sea level . Geographically, it is a borough nestled in a river valley within the larger Appalachian Mountain region.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically, Old Forge was a classic industrial and mining center, with anthracite coal mining being its principal industry . Today, its economy is more diversified, but its most famous specialization is as a culinary and tourism destination.
Old Forge is globally known for its unique style of pizza, which has earned it the unofficial but widely recognized title of "Pizza Capital of the World" . This distinction drives significant "pizza tourism," with visitors flocking to the town's many family-owned pizzerias. The local pizza features a thick, chewy crust, is baked in rectangular trays (so you order a "tray," not a pie), and is cut into square "cuts" rather than triangular slices .
Beyond pizza, the town also serves as a residential suburb within the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and leverages its proximity to the recreational opportunities of the nearby Pocono Mountains .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Old Forge is 8,497 residents . With this population, it is classified as a small borough. The town has a rich history of immigration, with early 20th-century records showing a significant population of foreign-born residents, principally Italians, who helped shape its cultural and culinary identity .
City's "Business Card" (In Brief)
Old Forge is a spirited borough that proudly stakes its claim as the "Pizza Capital of the World." Here, pizza isn't just food—it's a heritage, served on rectangular trays in historic, family-run pizzerias lining Main Street. Nestled in the scenic Lackawanna River Valley and just steps from the outdoor adventures of the Pocono Mountains, it’s a place where a rich coal mining past meets a delicious and unique culinary legacy .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While no major mountains are within the borough limits, Old Forge is situated in the vicinity of two prominent mountain regions in Pennsylvania. To the southeast lie the Pocono Mountains (the Poconos) , a renowned recreational area offering hiking, camping, skiing, and fishing . To the north are the Endless Mountains, which provide a similarly scenic and rugged landscape for outdoor enthusiasts . A notable peak in the immediate area is Montage Mountain, located just minutes from Old Forge near Scranton, which is home to a popular ski resort, waterpark, and concert venue .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
The primary waterway is the Lackawanna River, which flows through the borough and has been central to its history and industry . It offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking . A significant environmental feature related to the river is the Old Forge borehole, a large discharge point of acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines. It is one of the largest sources of pollution in the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed .
Several lakes are located in nearby state parks, including Lackawanna Lake (198 acres) in Lackawanna State Park and Frances Slocum Lake (165 acres) in Frances Slocum State Park, both popular for swimming and boating .
National and State Parks
There are no national parks within Old Forge, but several excellent Pennsylvania state parks are a short drive away:
- Lackawanna State Park: Located about 17.5 miles north of Old Forge, this nearly 1,450-acre park is centered around 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. It offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and over 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding .
- Frances Slocum State Park: Situated about 12 miles west-southwest of Old Forge, this 1,035-acre park features a 165-acre horseshoe-shaped lake. It is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and has a large campground .
- Nay Aug Park: Located in nearby Scranton, this is a large, historic city park featuring a pool, a museum, and scenic gorge walks .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Old Forge has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. It experiences warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, with weather patterns often influenced by its location in northeastern Pennsylvania .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The table below details the average temperature range throughout the year. The hottest month is July, with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and low of 63°F (17°C). The coldest month is January, with an average high of 34°F (1°C) and low of 22°F (-6°C) .
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F | 22°F |
| February | 37°F | 23°F |
| March | 47°F | 31°F |
| April | 60°F | 41°F |
| May | 70°F | 51°F |
| June | 78°F | 59°F |
| July | 82°F | 63°F |
| August | 80°F | 62°F |
| September | 72°F | 55°F |
| October | 61°F | 45°F |
| November | 49°F | 36°F |
| December | 39°F | 27°F |
| *Source: Weather Spark * |
Precipitation and Humidity
Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. Old Forge receives an average annual precipitation of around 40 inches (1,016 mm) . The wettest months tend to be from April through August, with June, July, and September typically seeing the highest rainfall accumulation at around 3.6 inches per month . Humidity levels average near 78% .
Snowfall
Winters are notably snowy. Snowfall is significant from December through March, with an average of 7.1 inches in January. Major winter storms, or "Nor'easters," can occasionally bring over 20 inches of snow to the region, as seen with the Blizzard of 1993 and Winter Storm Stella .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually warm from cool to pleasantly mild. It's a time of melting snow and increased rainfall, with nature coming alive. Good for hiking as the trails thaw.
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot and humid, this is the peak season for outdoor activities. It is the best time for swimming, boating, and camping at nearby state parks, as well as attending outdoor concerts at Montage Mountain .
- Fall (September-November): Crisp, cool air and stunning fall foliage make this a beautiful time to visit for scenic drives and hikes. Temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy. This season is ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at Montage Mountain, which is just minutes away .
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September .
Landmarks
Historic Pizzerias of Main Street
The most significant "landmarks" in Old Forge are not statues or monuments, but its historic, family-owned pizzerias. Lining Main Street, these establishments are the living heart of the town's identity as the "Pizza Capital of the World." Each has its own loyal following and closely guarded recipe for the distinctive Old Forge-style pizza: a thick crust baked in rectangular trays and topped with a unique blend of cheeses (often including American cheese) . A visit to Old Forge is essentially a pilgrimage to these culinary institutions, where you order a "tray" of "cuts" and experience a local tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The Site of the Original Old Forge
The very spot that gave the borough its name is a landmark of historical significance. In 1789, Dr. William Hooker Smith and James Sutton built an iron forge on the south bank of the Lackawanna River, at the entrance to a bridge. This site, now home to the Riverside Hotel in the 20th century, marks the beginning of the area's industrial history. The forge was a crucial early enterprise, and the name "Old Forge" stuck to distinguish it from later industrial sites, eventually becoming the name of the borough itself .
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
This scenic trail offers a modern landmark for recreation and reflection. Passing through Old Forge, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail provides paved and natural surfaces for walking, running, and biking along the river . It connects communities and offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the valley's natural beauty while also passing by signs of its industrial past, including the environmental legacy of coal mining.
Nearby: Anthracite Heritage Museum
While not in Old Forge, the Anthracite Heritage Museum in nearby Scranton serves as a crucial landmark for understanding the region's history. It tells the story of the people who came to work in the coal mines and the industry that built towns like Old Forge. For a truly immersive experience, visitors can also tour the Lackawanna Coal Mine nearby, descending into an actual anthracite mine to see the conditions in which generations of miners worked .
Transport
Main Airports
The primary airport serving Old Forge is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (IATA: AVP, ICAO: KAVP). It is conveniently located directly south of the borough and is only about 5 miles from the center of Old Forge . This airport offers commercial flights to several major hubs in the United States.
Major Highways
Old Forge is well-connected by road. The main highway is Interstate 476, which runs along the east side of the borough and is a key route through eastern Pennsylvania, locally known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Northeast Extension) . It provides direct access to Scranton to the north and the Allentown/Philadelphia area to the south. The town is also located just off Interstate 81, another major north-south artery.
Public Transport and Local Travel
Public transportation options within the borough itself are limited. Old Forge has a Walk Score of 57, indicating that some errands can be accomplished on foot, but a car is necessary for most activities . Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing an alternative means of getting around town or to nearby destinations like the Viewmont Mall or the airport . Historically, the borough was served by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western and the Lehigh Valley railroads, reflecting its industrial past .
Transportation from Airports
From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), the most common ways to reach Old Forge are by taxi, rental car, or a pre-arranged ride-share service . Due to the short distance (approximately 5 miles), this is a quick and straightforward trip.