The lake at Lackawanna State Park during Autumn

Located just 20 minutes from Scranton, Lackawanna State Park, is a fabulous public recreational space which many people don’t know about.

Spread across 1,445-acres, its main attraction is a 198-acre lake that provides those who visit with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. These include the likes of boating, fishing, hiking, birding and wildlife watching.

During the winter, the park also turns into a wonderland for snow related activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

Whatever time of the year you visit, it is a lovely destination for families, groups, and individuals looking to escape from the city to a quieter destination.

As it is equipped with an abundance of amenities including campgrounds, picnic areas, and rental facilities, visitors can spend a day, weekend or even longer here, exploring everything Lackawanna State Park has to offer.

Activities

If you do pay a visit to Lackawanna State Park there are several al fresco recreational activities available to you.

Showcased below is an overview of some of the main leisurely pursuits this PA state park is known for.

Boating at Lackawanna State Park

The beautiful 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is a wonderful spot for boating activities.

If they didn’t bring their own, boaters can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats from the park office.

Overall, there are three boat launches available to help you get onto the water and a selected number of boat mooring spaces are available throughout the year.

Swimming at Lackawanna State Park

Lackawanna State Park is blessed with a large swimming pool which provides the perfect way to cool off during the hot days of summer.

The pool comes with a diving board, waterslide, and a separate toddler pool, providing something for everyone.

If you intend to go for a swim you must follow park regulations and wear appropriate safety gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Fishing at Lackawanna State Park

The lake is also a terrific spot for fishing, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, musky, walleye, pickerel, trout, and panfish all being abundant in it.

Anglers can choose to cast a line from the shore or take a boat onto the water from one of the park’s three boat launches. If you didn’t bring a boat with you, fishing enthusiasts can also rent a boat or a kayak from the park and head out to deeper waters.

For those who prefer fly fishing, the nearby Lackawanna River provides a challenging and scenic experience. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.

Additionally, the park offers a handicapped accessible fishing pier that provides a safe and convenient location for all visitors to enjoy fishing.

Hiking at Lackawanna State Park

Accommodating beautiful scenery and well-maintained trails, Lackawanna State Park is a fabulous destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

All up, the park has over 18 miles of trails that are appropriate for varying fitness and skill levels. One of them is the popular Lake Trail, which circles the beautiful Lackawanna Lake and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding forests and mountains.

For those wanting to get their heart rate up, the Old Mill Trail is a steep climb that takes hikers to a splendid overlook that offers a panoramic view of the park.

Along the trails, hikers can spot a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bears.

You might also spot several geocachers and orienteering enthusiasts, as they are popular activities on the trails too.

Winter Sports at Lackawanna State Park

During the winter, Lackawanna State Park offers a range of cold weather activities that appeal to adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, and snowmobiling in the park’s beautiful winter landscape.

The park’s trails are perfect for cross-country skiing, and visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it from nearby outfitters. Similarly, ice fishing is also popular at Lackawanna State Park, with anglers flocking to the park’s frozen lake to catch a variety of fish such as trout, perch, and bass.

Ice skating is another popular winter activity, and the park has a designated skating area for visitors to enjoy.

Snowmobiling is also permitted in certain areas of the park, which provides an exhilarating way to explore the snowy terrain.

Pets

This park is a great place for pet owners to bond with their furry friends and create cherished memories in the great outdoors.

If you want to bring your pet with you to the park you are going to have to adhere to its pet policy. This involves several rules and regulations including that your four legged friend must be well behaved at all times and not left unattended for more than 30 minutes at a time.

It also involves the owner always restraining the dog on a leash while at the park and not taking them into areas where they are prohibited.

For a full rundown of the park’s pet policy it is worth contacting the staff at the main office.

Camping

For those wanting to camp, Lackawanna State Park offers 68 sites for RVs and tents. Of them, 56 come with connections for either 30-amp or 50-amp electricity.

All of these sites come with their own picnic tables and fire rings which enables you to cook as many s’mores as you want!

Some of the amenities at the campground include restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, water collection points, a dump station and pet-friendly loops.

Park Location

Lackawanna State Park
1839 N Abington Rd
North Abington Township, PA 18414
Phone: 570.945.3239

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lackawanna State Park: