Information
Landmark: Fort Necessity National BattlefieldCity: Pittsburgh
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Pittsburgh, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
Lackawanna State Park spreads across 1,445 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Scranton, where the air smells faintly of pine.Many people come here to enjoy the outdoors, drawn to the calm beauty of Lackawanna Lake - a wide, 198-acre stretch of water where pines lean over the shore and the air smells faintly of moss.Open from sunrise to sunset all year, the park invites families, nature lovers, and thrill seekers alike, with everything from quiet birdwatching under the pines to winding trails that beg to be explored.In the park, hardwoods stand beside tall pines, meadows open in bright stretches, and wetlands glint under the sun, together forming a rich home for countless plants and animals.You can wander over 18 miles of trails, perfect for hiking, pedaling a mountain bike, or riding on horseback, with pine needles crunching underfoot.The trails twist through shady forested hills, skim the quiet lake’s edge, and stretch across sunlit fields, with sweeping views and plenty of chances to catch sight of a red-winged blackbird, a deer, or other roaming wildlife.In winter, the trails welcome snowshoers and cross-country skiers, their tracks crunching over fresh powder, keeping the area lively year-round.Lackawanna Lake sits at the heart of the park, where kayaks skim across the surface and anglers wait patiently for a bite.You can take a boat out, but only with an electric motor, so the water stays calm and the air smells fresh.On the lake, people love to canoe, kayak, row, and fish, sometimes drifting past reeds that whisper in the breeze.At the lake, anglers reel in trout, largemouth bass, walleye, and even hefty channel catfish, making it a favorite spot no matter the season.The park has three boat launches spaced around the lake, so you can slip into the water with ease, oars dipping into the calm surface.At Lackawanna State Park, campers of all kinds can find a spot, whether it’s a quiet tent site under the pines or a full hook-up for an RV.The campground offers shady, wooded spots with electric hookups for RVs and tents, plus walk-in sites where you can pitch a tent and hear the wind sift through the pines.You’ll find modern comforts here-warm showers with steady steam, flush toilets, and a clean dump station.If you’re after a cozier stay, the park has three snug camping cottages and two round yurts, each with electricity and simple furnishings like a sturdy table and chairs.They’re a snug, inviting option instead of pitching a tent, like curling up in a warm cabin while the wind rattles outside.The park offers group tenting spots big enough for 160 people, perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or any large get-together under the trees.Picnic spots dot the park, some tucked under shady trees, and many open to wide, clear views of the lake.The main picnic area has grills, sturdy tables, and nearby restrooms, while smaller spots sit tucked beside boat launches and scattered corners of the park.If you’re hosting a big group, three reservable pavilions provide sheltered space-perfect for an event or celebration, even if the rain starts to fall.In summer, visitors can cool off in a swimming pool with a playful spray area for kids and gentle zero-entry slopes, so everyone, including those with disabilities, can get in with ease.The pool’s open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, with the water glinting in the summer sun.When winter rolls in, Lackawanna State Park turns into a haven for cold-weather fun, with snow crunching under every step.When the lake’s frozen solid, visitors can try ice fishing, glide across it on skates, or bundle up for a brisk sleigh ride.You can snowshoe or cross-country ski along the trails, moving through still winter air as snow-laden branches bend gently overhead.The park has a visitor center where you can pick up maps, learn about its forests and wildlife, and see what activities are on offer.Hands-on programs and vivid displays draw visitors in, helping them grasp the region’s ecology and history-like the scent of pine drifting from a forest exhibit.Lackawanna State Park has everything you need, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a quiet picnic by the lake.With its sparkling lake for paddling, miles of winding trails, welcoming campsites, and activities in every season, it’s no wonder this spot is a favorite getaway in northeastern Pennsylvania.You can wander down a shaded trail, pitch a tent for a weekend with the kids, or spend the afternoon boating and reeling in fish-the park offers it all in a calm, green stretch of nature.
