Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Lehighton, Pennsylvania, a lovely borough found in the southern portion of Carbon County, offers scenic splendor for the senses as well as strategic location for commerce.  Located on the Appalachian Plateau, the beginning ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, it commands a view of Blue Mountain, an exciting ski area, and Mahoning Mountain. The majestic Lehigh River, known for its marvelous white-water rafting, forms one boundary of Lehighton, while Mahoning Creek forms the other.  The borough is part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, offering 150 miles of historic canal paths and rail lines, hiking trails and educational exhibits that explain the fascinating history of the Pennsylvania Coal Region and its flourishing industry of the past.

While the Pennsylvania Canal System and railroads brought prosperity to the area in the 1800's and early 1900's, today's interstate highway system does the same.  Lehighton is served by the major highway Routes 209, 248, and 443, as well as being two miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, connecting it to Interstates 80 and 78.  The bustling county seat of Jim Thorpe lies three miles from Lehighton, and the borough is situated halfway between the thriving city of Allentown and the college town of Hazleton.  The major metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and New York are only 100 miles distant. 

Originally settled in 1746 by a Moravian Brethren Society in order to convert the Delaware Indians, after a massacre occurred, most of the residents fled to towns closer to the many forts in the area built by Benjamin Franklin.  When the danger of Indian attack ended, the two major landowners in the area planned to rebuild and named their town Lehighton, in honor of the river.  It became a popular resting spot for travelers crossing through the region, and numerous taverns and inns sprang up to service them.  When the Lehigh Canal and the rail lines were completed, Lehighton's prosperity flourished.  Many historic sites remain, including the first schoolhouse erected by the Moravians, and several churches built in the early 1800's.

The Borough of Lehighton's population was 5,537 during the 2000 census.  The surrounding Carbon County was close to 59,000.  Just five miles from Lehighton, Beltzville State Park offers almost 3,000 acres of recreational land for residents and visitors alike.  Hiking, hunting and camping are enjoyed here, as well as cross-country skiing during winter down the miles of trails.  Within the park, Beltzville Lake earns a reputation for an excellent fishing spot year-round, with ice fishing becoming a popular winter sport.

Twenty different colleges and universities exist within forty miles of Lehighton, offering excellent educational opportunities.  More and more firms and corporations look to the Carbon County region for relocation, as the East Coast Metro area expands.  Lehighton, Pennsylvania is ready for growth, with an ideal location and attractive small-town charm.

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