A Peaceful, Green Escape in the Heart of Scranton
Since the late 19th century, Scranton residents seeking reprieve from the hum of NEPA’s burgeoning industrial era, escaped to Nay Aug Park. There, on the city’s hilly and green east side, they found quiet among open meadows and towering stands of oak. The rush of nearby Roaring Brook offered a natural soundtrack to snuff out the wheels and whistles of the city streets. The park’s name, derived from the Munsee Indians of the larger Lenape Tribe, translates to “noisy water” – now a tribute, in a sense, to the welcome and deafening beat of nature.
Nay Aug Park started with the city’s purchase of 2 acres on the east side in 1893.
As the region’s population exploded into the 20th century, the small, proposed park just wouldn’t be enough. More land was added. Some was even generously donated by local families and business leaders. And today, at 73 acres, Nay Aug Park remains Scranton’s largest park and a versatile, urban green space for so many in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Amenities at Nay Aug have taken on many forms over the last 131 years. And while there is no longer a zoo, an amusement park, an arcade or a giant, recreational lake, the park features walking trails, playgrounds, a greenhouse and so much more. Nay Aug also regularly hosts events and summer concerts in their bandstand.
Check out the online visitor’s guide and discover why Nay Aug Park has remained one of NEPA’s favorite, local escapes for over a century. Here’s a highlight of things to see and do during your visit.
Visit the largest public museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania for incredible displays and exhibits featuring natural history, science, art and local history. The Everhart is a popular stop for local school field trips and exciting events. The museum Is located just inside the park’s Mulberry St. entrance.
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Nay Aug Park’s famous playgrounds are the stuff of legend among local playground connoisseurs. From classic swings and slides to the multi-level wooden fortress, there’s little an imaginative mind can’t conjure while spending a day at the playground. The park also features play areas designed for varying age groups.
Check out the best view of Nay Aug Gorge from this stunning structure suspended seemingly in the treetops. The Dave Wenzel Tree House is completely ADA-Accessible and is located directly in front of accessible parking. The tree house can also be rented out for weddings or special events.
Start or end your day at Nay Aug Park with a stop for coffee and a snack at Blackwatch Café. This adorable coffee shop located on Nay Aug Rd. just inside the park’s Arthur Ave. entrance is housed inside one of the park’s original buildings. The café features a full menu of made-to-order hot and cold tea and coffee drinks, bakery items, snacks and a truly unique décor.
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Pennsylvania is home to 27 official National Park Service Natural Landmarks and the Nay Aug Gorge is one of them. This nearly 12,000-year-old geological formation is the star of the park. It’s the most popular stop along the Davis Trail, which runs directly parallel to Roaring Brook and offers various viewpoints of the famous gorge. The Nay Aug Gorge offers amazing scenery throughout every season.
Capture sweeping, treetop views of the Gorge and the dramatic rock ledges from this unique footbridge spanning Roaring Brook. The bridge carries the Rodman Trail over the Gorge as it loops through the park’s far southeastern side. The Kanjorski Bridge is located just a short walk from the playground and parking area.
Join this Scranton nonprofit for a wide variety of free or low-cost activities like cooking classes, guided nature walks, group exercise and more at Nay Aug’s James B. McNulty Greenhouse. They regularly host educational events and classes to help the local community learn sustainable gardening practices with a focus on wholesome, homegrown foods. Many of their programs are designed to benefit at-risk members of the community.
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Nay Aug Park features three spacious picnic pavilions for social gatherings, family events, company picnics and more. Both the Schimelfenig Pavilion and the Marmi (Everhart) Pavilion are ADA-Accessible, close to parking and offer enough space for up to 75 people. They also feature electricity and 8-10 picnic tables. The Gentile Pavilion can host up to 50 people, offers 6 picnic tables, but no electricity.
Stroll through the pathways and under the pergolas of Nay Aug’s popular rose garden. Watch as the scenery changes with each blooming season and butterflies, bumble bees and a wide variety of birds visit the grounds. The garden is one of the original features of the park and has been beautifully restored to its intended purpose by a small group of volunteers called “The Friends of the Rose Garden.”
Get up close and personal with NEPA’s coal mining history at this real-life model mine that was opened in the early 1900s. Though never a working coal mine, the Brooks Mine was used to display the realities of the industry, working conditions and the unique geological features of the region. The mine is currently open for free tours.
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Along with the main access road, Nay Aug Park also features several walking trails and loops. The Davis Trail is the longest trail in the park. It connects to other trails like the Rodman Trail, the Sarabi Loop Trail and more. Most trails in the park are short (less than a mile) and offer unique, scenery in every season.
Watch VideoEnjoy family-friendly fun in every season at Nay Aug Park. The summer and fall months feature free concerts, educational activities and plenty of events at the Everhart Museum. The park’s annual Holiday Light Spectacular is a must-see winter attraction. And in springtime, The Gorge rages with the winter thaw, birds return and the park’s wide variety of flowers begin to bloom.
