Lackawanna State Park
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Lackawanna State Park is a 1,445-acre Pennsylvania state park just 10 miles north of Scranton, featuring the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake surrounded by 15 miles of multi-use trails and 3 miles of hiking-only trails. The park serves as a premier close-to-city recreation destination for northeastern Pennsylvania. Multi-use trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, while the lake provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The park's proximity to Scranton makes it heavily used for both day trips and camping, offering convenient outdoor recreation for the urban population.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Lackawanna State Park: leashed dogs allowed on 18 miles of trails and campground; no swimming; expect bikes, horses; leash, cleanup.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Visitors love Lackawanna's I-81 convenience, 15 miles of varied trails for all levels, lake swimming/fishing, busy weekends, modern campground.
Tips from Visitors
- 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horses plus 3 miles hiking-only
- Frost Hollow Trail offers open conifer views winding parallel to the lake
- Bassett Path is one of the steepest trails - good workout for experienced hikers
- Park gets very busy on summer weekends given proximity to Scranton
- Mountain biking is popular - trail etiquette important on shared paths
- Easy I-81 access makes this convenient for Scranton residents and travelers
Amenities
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Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Lackawanna State Park:
- Steamtown National Historic SiteRailroad museum in Scranton with historic locomotives and train rides10 miles away
- Lackawanna Coal Mine TourUnderground tour of historic anthracite coal mine in Scranton12 miles away
- Montage Mountain ResortsSki resort and waterpark near Scranton offering year-round activities15 miles away
Things to Do at Lackawanna State Park
Hiking Trails
Multi-Use Trail System
ModerateExtensive trail network shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Varied terrain winding through forest around the lake with some technical sections.
Frost Hollow Trail
EasyEasy trail running between South Shore mooring area and Lackawanna Lake Dam. Open views of conifers while winding parallel to lake.
Bassett Path
StrenuousOne of the steepest trails in the park. Challenging climb rewarding fit hikers. Part of the larger trail network.
Turkey Hill Trail
ModerateModerate trail connecting with Bassett Path and other trails. Winds through varied forest terrain with some elevation changes.
Directions
Lackawanna State Park is located just off Exit 199 of I-81. From the exit, travel 3 miles west on PA Route 524 to the park entrance. From Scranton, take I-81 north to Exit 199. From the north, take I-81 south to Exit 199. The park is 10 miles north of downtown Scranton. GPS: 1839 North Abington Road, Dalton, PA 18414.