Discover a pristine mountain lake surrounded by trails at Prompton State Park, July’s trail of the month. Whether you enjoy hiking, paddling or even disc golf, this park in Wayne County has something for everyone’s summertime bucket list!

Prompton is one of 121 beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania. The Department for Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR) manages the state parks, as well as state forests, conservation areas and more. Like most state parks, Prompton is open all year from sunrise to sunset and provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities.

Hiking at Prompton State Park

You can access the park’s 26 miles of trails from the northern end of the park off of Beech Grove Road. From here, follow the northernmost section of the East Shore Trail, an old, smooth road that used to be PA-170 before Prompton Dam was built. The trail is a mix of rocky paths and smooth forest floor as it runs south along Prompton Lake.

Follow the East Shore Trail 4.5 miles south to the dam, or adventure off on one of the many connecting loop trails. The Sidewinder Trail meanders uphill from the East Shore Trail to connect to the Cliff Trail, an outcrop in the northern section of the park. If you’re looking for a longer hike, add the Hemlock Trail to your itinerary and walk through the stunning evergreen groves.

Most trails in the park allow mountain biking in the summer. In the winter, many trails and fields are adequate for cross-country skiing. Check out Prompton State Park’s website for more information.

Outdoor Fun at the Park

Hiking isn’t the only thing to do at Prompton! The park’s boat launch on the west end of the park, which can be accessed off of PA-170, is the perfect spot to embark on a fun adventure on Prompton Lake. This lake is a paddler’s dream, offering beautiful scenery during every season and great wildlife viewing. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorboat. Just remember, the lake only permits up to 10 horsepower motors and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

The 290-acre Prompton Lake is a warmwater fishery that’s home to several species, including crappie, yellow perch and bass. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

Most of the park is also open to hunting, trapping and training of dogs during established seasons. Complete information about hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Part of the southern end of the park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Although hunting is not permitted on USACE land, the park’s disc golf course and part of the Shore Trail are open to the public, and a picnic pavilion is available for limited use.

While visiting the southern end of the park, don’t miss the great view of the lake from the Prompton Dam. The dam was constructed to provide flood control protection for local communities. It also created the fishing, boating and hiking opportunities that we get to enjoy today!

Things to Do Near Prompton State Park

If you plan a day trip to Prompton State Park, be sure to stop in nearby Honesdale for food, drinks and shopping. This charming small town has a bustling Main Street and a rich history in NEPA.

Arrive in Honesdale early and grab a coffee at Black & Brass, a local roasting company with their own line of coffee beans. By mid-morning, the town comes alive as the small boutique shops open their doors. Check out clothing stores like Crazy Otto’s Vintage, antique stores like A Picker’s Find and home goods shops like Gather. If you like shopping, you’ll love browsing these local stores and finding one-of-a-kind gifts.

As dinnertime approaches, sample the town’s eclectic restaurants. As one of the only local Vietnamese restaurants, Bà & Mẹ offers a savory taste of healthy, traditional dishes. For an amazing farm-to-table experience, make reservations at Native and enjoy their beautifully crafted meals. Honesdale is also home to Here and Now Brewing Co. and Irving Cliff Brewery, which both offer local, seasonal beers to round off your night. Many other restaurants, bars and cafés line the streets of Honesdale. Check out DiscoverNEPA for more options.

As a bustling small town, Honesdale always has fun events to attend. Make sure to visit the Wayne County events calendar to find out what’s happening downtown!