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Parks & Lakes
July 16, 2024
Things to See & Do at Lackawanna State Park
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Explore This Quiet Retreat for Hiking, Biking, Boating & More

Here in NEPA, you’re never too far from the forest. A short trip can take you from the heart of the city to the middle of the wilderness, and that’s just the case at Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Twp. This 1,445-acre park is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Scranton.

The journey takes you down winding country roads and alongside rolling pastures. The quiet serenity is perhaps the best part about the park. You won’t find crowded trailheads or packed parking lots here—just lots of space to roam, things to see and adventures to discover.

Tranquil Lackawanna Lake is a haven for fishing and boating, while 18 miles of multi-use trails welcome hikers and mountain bikers (some are even open for equestrian use).

If you’re not sure where to start, grab a park map and check out these highlights.

Lackawanna State Park Highlights
Frost Hollow & Snowflake Trails image
Frost Hollow & Snowflake Trails

These two trails form a lollipop loop in the park’s southwest corner. With a few short, steep climbs, they are generally easy and family-friendly, offering shady, cool paths. The fun terrain is popular with mountain bikers too.

Stop by the dam at Frost Hollow’s western end, where water tumbles into the South Branch of Tunkhannock Creek. It’s not a “true” waterfall, but it’s a pretty spot. A small bridge offers a great view.

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Lackawanna Lake image
Lackawanna Lake

Lackawanna Lake, open only to electric motors, offers calm, glassy waters perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Boat launches are available at Bullhead Bay, South Shore, and off Route 407.

As for fishing, the lake is known for bass, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the waters with trout. The shoreline along Lake View Drive has grassy areas and fishing docks, including an accessible pier. In winter, the lake is a prime spot for ice fishing.

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Lakeshore Trail

If you prefer dry land, try the Lakeshore Trail. It’s a mile long and offers scenic views of the lake and evergreen forests, especially near the Kennedy Creek inlet.

The Lakeshore Trail is an out-and-back trip, although you can create a loop with nearby trails like Lee Hill, Bassett Path and Kennedy Creek Trail. The closest parking lots are on Cole Road and Rowlands Road.

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Lee Hill Trail

This easy 2-mile loop offers a glimpse of the park’s highlights, winding through tree groves and along the lakeshore. The mild climbs are suitable for families.

The Lee Hill Trail is a relaxing walk on its own, or you can create a larger loop with the other nearby trails. For the easiest access, park at the small lot on Rowlands Road and take the short connector trail to the trailhead.

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Enjoy Every Season at Lackawanna State Park
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Camping

With cozy campsites nestled among lush woodlands and close to the lake, you can spend the night under the stars, fully immersed in the outdoors.

If you’re bringing pets, check out the Fox Run and Maple Lane loops. For a unique stay, the Carpentertown Loop offers cozy camping cottages and yurts (with electricity), perfect for small groups.

The campground is open from mid-April until mid-October.

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Fall Foliage

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, Lackawanna State Park transforms into a vibrant fall retreat.

Visitors can hike along scenic trails, paddle on the quiet lake, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. The crisp air and colorful landscapes create a perfect setting for enjoying outdoor recreation and activities.

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Fishing

Lackawanna State Park offers excellent fishing in its 198-acre lake, home to both cold and warm water species like trout, muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. With over 7.5 miles of shoreline and an ADA-accessible fishing pier, it’s accessible for all.

The three-acre Trostle Pond is reserved for youth fishing (ages 12 and under), making it perfect for young anglers.

In winter, most of the lake is open for ice fishing, providing year-round opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.

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Water Adventures

The 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, and boating, accessible via three boat launches. You can rent a canoe or kayak or bring your own to paddle across the crystal-clear waters while enjoying the views along the shoreline.

Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals offers a variety of options, including paddleboards, single and tandem kayaks, pedal boats, canoes, and rowboats (with and without electric motors) for exploring Lake Lackawanna.

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Mountain Biking

Lackawanna State Park includes 15 miles of multi-use trails perfect for mountain biking, meandering through hills, along lakeshores, and across forests and fields.

Convenient bike trailheads are located at the States Creek Mooring Area and along Rowlands, Wallsville, and Austin roads. With breathtaking views and well-maintained paths, it’s an ideal destination for bike enthusiasts eager to explore on two wheels.

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Swimming Pool

The Lackawanna State Park pool, featuring a splash pad, complete with sprinklers and play equipment, is a fantastic way for families to cool off on warm summer days. Th pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and is ADA accessible with zero-entry points.

Note: The 2024 swimming pool opening has been delayed until further notice.

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Wildlife Watching

Lackawanna State Park offers diverse habitats that make it a prime location for wildlife watching. Bird enthusiasts can observe a variety of species, from waterfowl on the lake to woodland birds such as wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and warblers in the forests.

The park is also home to deer, foxes, and other mammals. Recommended trails for birding include Spruce, Grouse, Beech Woods, Hemlock Woods, Turkey Hill, and Frost Hollow.

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Winter Fun

During winter, the park transforms into a picturesque, snowy landscape. The frozen Lackawanna Lake attracts brave ice fishers seeking panfish, perch, and bass. The hills near the park pavilion provide the perfect location for family sledding trips.

While all park trails remain open to hikers, winter also draws many cross-country skiers and snowshoers. When conditions allow and the ice is thick enough, park staff clear a designated area near the fishing pier for ice skating.

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Upcoming Events

Visit Lackawanna State Park year-round for a variety of fun and educational events. Whether you’re interested in guided nature walks, story time, fishing derbies, learning to kayak, or day camps, there’s something for every nature enthusiast to enjoy on their upcoming calendar of events.

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Spotlight On
Summer at Lackawanna State Park
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Brian Johnson
Videographer