Lackawanna River Recreation Guide

The Lackawanna River, a 42-mile-long tributary of the Susquehanna River, runs directly through the heart of Lackawanna County. It gets its start in both its West Branch in Susquehanna County and its East Branch in Wayne County. Both much smaller branches flow for roughly 12 miles before meeting at the Stillwater Reservoir in Clifford Township. From there it plunges dramatically into the Valley Communities where it courses through the largely urban, Greater Scranton Area. The river touches many Lackawanna County communities, offering outdoor recreation access to residents and visitors in Carbondale, Archbald, Olyphant, Jessup, Throop, Dickson City, The City of Scranton and many more.

A Beloved Fishery and a National Conservation Success Story

Much of the access to the Lackawanna River and its smaller east and west branches is made possible by reclaimed rail trails running along most of its length. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the D&H Rail Trail and the O&W Rail Trail offer plenty of recreation along the river like running, hiking, biking, fishing and even kayaking and canoeing in certain areas.

The Lackawanna River has also become known both locally and beyond as a top fly-fishing destination. It’s also popular among bird watchers due to its wide variety of migratory and predatory birds. The river is also a great conservation success story – transforming from a once neglected river in NEPA’s most industrialized area to a clean, protected and preserved recreational river. It was even named an American Heritage River in 1997.

Kayaking & Canoeing

The swift and often narrow Lackawanna River has become known locally for its excellent conditions for kayaking and canoeing. With four portage and access points along the river in Lackawanna County, it’s easy to get out on the water and escape the busy city streets. And while not much of the shoreline is wooded, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the D&H Rail Trail and the O&W Rail Trail provide a natural buffer along much of the river.

World-Class Fishing and Wildlife Watching

Almost 40 miles of the Lackawanna River below the Stillwater Dam account for some of the best trout fishing in NEPA. The river, as it rolls through the Greater Scranton Area, is home to healthy populations of wild-producing brown trout and stocked brook and rainbow trout. Parts of the river are regularly stocked by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. They’ve also designated several sections of the river as Class A Trout Waters or trophy trout Waters. Anglers will also find smallmouth bass, some panfish and the occasional carp.

Even within the city limits of Scranton, fishing the Lackawanna River is a popular pastime

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail provides several convenient access points along the river. You can also access the river at two launch points at Sweeney’s Beach and Parker Street Landing.

River Access, Boat Launches & Parks

The East Branch of the Lackawanna River runs for almost 13 miles through southern Wayne County. This section of river has been designated as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. Strong populations of wild brook trout and brown trout reproduce naturally in this section of river and it is not stocked by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. There are no PFBC boat launches or access areas on this section of river. Most access to the East Branch of the Lackawanna River is found via the O&W Rail Trail.

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.

Lackawanna River – FAQ

• The Lackawanna River is a 42-mile-long tributary of the Susquehanna River.
• “Lackawanna” is originally a Lenape word meaning “stream that forks,” which refers to the river’s branching structure.
• Since the 1980s, continual efforts by the Lackawanna River Conservation Association have successfully improved the river’s overall health, water quality, wildlife habitats and public access.
• With much of its flow going through cities and towns in NEPA, the Lackawanna River is one of the few rivers in the U.S. with the majority of its distance running through urban landscapes.
• With water quality improvements over the last few decades, native brook trout have returned to the Lackawanna River in large numbers.