Carbon County

Carbon County is an administrative division in northeastern Pennsylvania covering about 387 square miles with rivers, ridges, and forested areas. The Lehigh River flows through the region, and portions of the Blue Mountain and Pocono Mountains occupy this landscape.

The area was established in 1843 from parts of Northampton and Monroe counties, following anthracite coal discovery in the 1790s. This discovery transformed the region into a major industrial center for coal extraction.

The area reflects its coal-mining past in place names and buildings, especially in older towns like Jim Thorpe. Visitors can experience the architecture and layout of these former industrial communities today.

The area is crossed by Interstate 80, Interstate 476, and US Route 209 for good highway access. Local bus services such as Carbon Transit provide additional transportation options for exploring the region.

The area is home to three major state parks - Beltzville, Hickory Run, and Lehigh Gorge - which together form an extensive network of trails and natural spaces. These parks provide visitors with diverse outdoor activities throughout the landscape.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: March 13, 1843

Capital city: Jim Thorpe

Shares border with: Luzerne County, Monroe County, Northampton County, Lehigh County, Schuylkill County

Website: http://carboncounty.com

GPS coordinates: 40.92000,-75.70000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:30