The scenic and often rugged Lackawaxen River makes its way through Wayne and Pike Counties on a trajectory heading south by southeast. The river rises just south of Prompton State Park where it meets its smaller West Branch. From there, the Lackawaxen picks up steam as it barrels through Honesdale and Hawley before a sharp turn to the east and its terminus at the Delaware River.

The largely rural-running river cuts through dense forests and rocky gorges

For roughly 31.3 miles, the Lackawaxen River sidles up to long-forgotten railroad tracks and canal towpaths. It cracks like a bullwhip through small villages dotting the northern Pocono Mountains. The river once played a major role on the anthracite coal corridor from the Wyoming Valley to the east coast. It was the lynchpin of the ingeniously-mechanized coal transport system that included the famous Gravity Railroad and the Delaware & Hudson Canal in Honesdale.

A smaller, but no less mighty river

The Lackawaxen River splits its total run almost equally between Wayne and Pike Counties with just over 15 miles in each. And while it’s one of the more popular trout streams in NEPA, it can be fickle when it comes to finding a place to fish. Most of the public access to the river, however, occurs in and around Wayne County’s larger towns like Honesdale, White Mills and Hawley. In Pike County, public access is near the confluence with the Delaware River.

Some private/public access points do exist. All along the river’s path, several generous land owners, in association with the PA Fish and Boat Commission, allow for public access to the river. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating these access points. And, if in doubt whether an access area is open to the public, it’s always better to ask.

A Popular Pocono Mountain River with Plenty of Recreational Opportunities

A playground for wild and stocked trout

Though often tricky to get to, the Lackawaxen River has been a highly-regarded trout fishery for generations of anglers. The cold mountain water, steep banks with ample brush and tree cover and an abundant watershed provide a near-perfect environment for healthy wild trout. The PA Fish and Boat Commission also operates a regular trout stocking schedule on the river throughout the year.

A truly “be-one-with-nature” kind of place

The Lackawaxen is also home to healthy populations of smallmouth bass, rock bass, eels, suckers and bait fish. As the river approaches its terminus at the Delaware River, you may even find a handful of legendary American Shad who have peeled off the larger river.

Our rivers in Northeastern Pennsylvania provide countless opportunities for recreation, sightseeing and wildlife watching. They are the heart of the region’s bountiful ecosystem, sustaining life for humans and animals alike. And it’s important for all of us to take reasonable measures to protect them. Always practice the leave no trace principle and carry out what you carry in.

Lackawaxen River – FAQ

• The Lackawaxen River played a major role in the transport of anthracite coal from the Wyoming Valley through the Pocono Mountains and onto the Hudson River in New York.
• On July 22, 1779, during the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Minisink took place on the banks of the Lackawaxen River near the confluence of the Delaware River. 46 patriot militiamen were killed during the battle.
• Majestic bald eagles can often be seen soaring over the Lackawaxen River.
• The PA Fish and Boat Commission stock the Lackawaxen River multiple times throughout the year with rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout.
• Every spring, businesses in the Lackawaxen River Watershed sponsor the Monster Trout Derby between Hawley and the village of Lackawaxen.