Discover Adventure and Tranquility in the Northern Pocono Mountains
Venture into NEPA’s great northern Pocono Mountains at Prompton State Park in Prompton, PA. This somewhat secluded, rural state park in central Wayne County is a favorite getaway for hikers, mountain bikers and kayakers. The park offers nearly 26 miles of scenic and mostly rustic, forest trails and meandering mountain streams. It’s both a quiet, natural escape for families and an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Prompton State Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, offering endless outdoor adventures. Grab a park map and explore all the natural beauty and exciting activities this NEPA favorite has to offer.
The 290-acre Prompton Lake spans nearly the entire park. The manmade finger lake was built in 1960 and has primarily served as an integral part of the Lackawaxen River flood control system. The south end of Prompton Lake features a 1,230-foot-wide earthen dam. The scenic lake also serves as the centerpiece of the park with a variety of activities like fishing, boating and picnicking.
The Pine Creek and Sidewinder Trails offer short but challenging hikes through the park’s rugged terrain. The 0.9-mile Pine Creek Trail, marked with green blazes, forms a loop that briefly joins the Cliff Trail at the park’s northernmost section. The 0.7-miles Sidewinder Trail, marked with yellow blazes, is a steep out-and-back route that climbs from the East Shore Trail to meet the Cliff Trail, making it a great option for extending your hike.
The East Shore Trail, at a total length of 4.5 miles, is Prompton’s longest trail. It runs the length of the lake on the eastern shore from the park’s north entrance on Beech Grove Road to the top of the dam at the southern point. Here, you can pick up the Western Shore Trail and, adding another 3.5 miles, complete the loop of the entire lake. The Eastern Shore Trail also serves as a primary connector to many of the park’s other trails.
Prompton State Park offers year-round fun for outdoor enthusiasts. In the warmer months, enjoy fishing, kayaking, and boating on the peaceful Prompton Lake, or explore nearly 26 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. As winter sets in, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. No matter the season, Prompton provides a perfect setting for outdoor recreation.
Prompton State Park is a popular destination for avid disc golfers. The park features a challenging, yet scenic 18-hole disc golf course overlooking Prompton Lake. The course is located in the recreational area near the dam on the park’s south end.
Prompton State Park is a stunning spot to take in the vibrant colors of fall. With miles of trails winding through forests and along the lake, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of fiery red, orange and golden leaves. Whether hiking, biking, or paddling on the water, the park offers a peaceful escape to soak in the beauty of autumn.
Prompton Lake, a warmwater fishery, is home to abundant crappie, yellow perch, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Fishing is available from the lakeside trails and near the public boat launch, with both motorized and non-motorized boats permitted. Boaters can access the lake via the public launch on the west shore (off PA-170).
Hunting is permitted throughout most of Prompton State Park during regular, established seasons. Hunters can commonly find deer, turkey and small game. Hunters, trappers and dog trainers are responsible for recognizing areas of the park where such activities are posted as restricted.
Prompton State Park’s location within the heavily-forested northern Pocono Mountains provides unmatched tranquility, stunning scenery and, most importantly, light traffic. The narrow, north-to-south running park features close to 26 miles and 16 trails. The mostly rocky and rooted terrain offers incredible mountain biking conditions. And nearly every trail features small streams, sweeping overlooks of the lake or mountains and the occasional waterfall.
You can make a whole day of your visit to Prompton State Park. Pack a lunch and grab a picnic table, or enjoy the picnic pavilion near the dam. The park’s picnic tables are first come, first served. They are located in the area surrounding the boat launch on the lake’s western shore.
No matter the season, the bountiful wildlife at Prompton State Park is always active. The park has become a popular stop for bird watchers, nature photographers and amateur critter spotters. Plenty of species from amphibians and snakes to large deer and black bear call the park home.
Winter transforms Prompton State Park into a snowy playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Families can enjoy hours of sledding on the park’s ample hills, while cross-country skiing is a popular way to explore the park’s trails and open meadows. Snowshoeing offers a peaceful alternative for quiet hikes through the winter landscape. As late winter arrives, the park’s icy waters provide the perfect setting for ice fishing on Prompton Lake.
