Flatlanders eat your hearts out.

You can't build mountains. Fortunately, we don't have to.

Northeastern Pennsylvania's rugged terrain, spectacular scenery, meandering waterways and four seasons of weather combine to form a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers.

The Lackawanna Bike Club has the market cornered on great mountain bike trails. The club can introduce you to some radical 11 to 15 mile trails in Lackawanna State Park and a great seven miler in Merli Sarnoski Park as well as some "confidential" trails in Dalton, Clarks Summit, Mount Cobb and on Scranton's West Mountain.

Nearby Jim Thorpe, PA is rated as one of the top three mountain biking destinations in the U.S. by Cycling Magazine. If you are a fan of breathtaking views, just wait until you feast your eyes on the mountain scenery in Jim Thorpe's impressive Lehigh Gorge State Park. Chamber member Jim Thorpe River Adventures can set you up with a ride, a helmet and a hot shower and give you directions to an unforgettable 25-mile self-guided tour.

More adventurous spirits can put their biking, running and swimming skills to the test in the Endless Mountain Triathlon held in Lackawanna State Park each August and the Wilkes-Barre Triathlon held at Harvey's Lake each June.

Mountain bikers can also try the Endless Mountain Bike Club, which is located in the middle of the Endless Mountains. The organization welcomes all bike riders.

And, Cedar BMX, the longest-running bicycle moto-cross track in the east is located just 10 minutes from Downtown Scranton. Racing is held on Thursday and Saturday evenings from March to November.

For more information about mountain biking in Pennsylvania visit www.keystonebiking.com or www.patrails.com.

Hiking

Local mountain bikers often share trails with hiking enthusiasts. Several organizations including the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Lackawanna River Corridor Association are hard at work converting abandoned rail beds into recreational trails.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail - a walking, hiking, and biking trail - will ultimately extend 40 miles and will link Valley communities and encourage recreational use along the Lackawanna River. Trail sections in the Archbald and South Scranton areas are already open to the public.

The Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania has acquired 38 miles of the historic Delaware and Hudson rail bed and has an easement to use eight miles of the parallel Ontario & Western rail bed as a recreational trail.

The 38-mile D&H Rail-Trail runs from the Simpson Viaduct at Route 171 north through Lanesboro to the New York State border. The O&W Trail also begins in Simpson and runs parallel to the D&H for eight miles with the Lackawanna River in between.

The D&H and O&W trail system has the potential to be one of the top rail-trails in the nation due to its historic and scenic qualities, its potential linkages to trails to the north, south and east, and its unique loops utilizing two rail beds.

Those interested in participating in an organized hike or nature walk in the Scranton area can find great opportunities at www.hikingjane.com.