O&W Rail-Trail | Long-distance outdoor recreation in Carbondale
The O&W Rail-Trail in Carbondale, PA is a 33-mile recreational corridor extending north to Starlight. The trail follows the former New York, Ontario & Western Railroad, constructed in the 1880s. This historic rail line once transported anthracite coal from the Scranton region until operations ended in 1957.
Today, the O&W Rail-Trail passes through forests, farmland, and rural communities across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna counties. The surface follows the original rail bed and is graded but remains rough in some sections. Activities vary by location and ownership along the route.
The Rail-Trail Council of NEPA manages the southern eight miles from Simpson to Stillwater. This section parallels the Lackawanna River and includes several bridges. It connects easily with the nearby D&H Rail-Trail, allowing loop trips. This portion is the most accessible for hiking and biking. ATVs and side-by-sides are permitted with a trail pass through the NEP Sno and ATV Trails. Snowmobiling is allowed when conditions permit.
The middle section from Stillwater to Poyntelle is privately owned and access may vary. From Poyntelle to Starlight, the trail follows low-maintenance township roads. Connections to Panther’s Creek Nature Preserve and nearby hiking trails are possible.
The O&W Rail-Trail in Carbondale delivers a rugged, multi-use trail experience shaped by railroad history and rural NEPA landscapes.
