Information
Landmark: Nay Aug ParkCity: Scranton
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Nay Aug Park, Scranton, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
Nay Aug Park, the biggest in Scranton, Pennsylvania, draws crowds year-round with its 73 acres of trails, green lawns, and shady maple trees.It’s a lively patch of green in the city, blending shady trees, open lawns, quiet trails, art-filled corners, and landmarks that carry its history.Tucked beside Roaring Brook, the park feels like a quiet escape in the middle of the city, drawing neighbors and travelers alike to picnic, hike, or simply watch the water drift by through every season.One of the park’s standout sights is the Nay Aug Gorge, a sheer limestone chasm carved by torrents of glacial meltwater more than 11,500 years ago, back at the close of the last Ice Age.The gorge earned its National Natural Landmark title for its rare rock formations and the breathtaking view of cliffs glowing gold in the late sun.You can hike the Davis Trail, a two-mile loop that twists through quiet pine woods and opens onto sweeping views of the gorge, where cliffs drop sharply and waterfalls spill in silver ribbons.The Paul Kanjorski Covered Bridge sits near the gorge, offering a sweeping view of jagged cliffs and the roar of water tumbling below.The old stone bridge adds to the park’s historic charm, and its graceful arch is a favorite spot for snapping photos.One highlight is the David Wenzel Treehouse, Pennsylvania’s first open-to-the-public treetop hideaway, where wooden beams smell faintly of pine.It rises roughly 150 feet above the gorge, offering sweeping views of the park and the hills rolling away in the distance.The treehouse doubles as a lookout and a learning spot, with colorful panels showing local wildlife and the surrounding forest.The park is also home to the R. N. Davis Memorial Rose Garden, first planted in 1935, where bright petals spill across neat rows.Tucked behind a low stone wall, this well-kept garden gives visitors a quiet place to wander among roses in every shade and clusters of bright, fragrant blooms.It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, snap a few photos, and admire the bright bursts of flowers that change with the season.Nay Aug Park welcomes visitors of every age, offering playgrounds that echo with laughter, shady trails for a quiet walk, and plenty of spots to simply unwind.Several playgrounds dot the area, each with swings that creak in the breeze, bright slides, climbing frames, and plenty of other gear to keep kids and their families happily busy.You’ll find several pavilions scattered across the park, like the Schimelfenig, the Marmi-also called the Everhart Pavilion-and the Gentile, each offering a shady spot under their wide wooden roofs.You can rent these pavilions for all kinds of get‑togethers-family reunions, birthday parties, a sunny afternoon picnic, or a lively neighborhood gathering.You’ll find picnic tables, covered spots to sit, and, at times, a handy outlet for plugging in lights-perfect for hosting a celebration under the open sky.Hanlon’s Grove sits on the park’s east side, with wide green lawns, picnic tables, and the scent of charcoal drifting from nearby grills.Families and friends flock here for laid‑back picnics, sizzling barbecues, and lively group get‑togethers under the shade of tall trees.The park offers winding paths and wide stretches of grass, perfect for a morning jog, walking your dog, or just soaking up the sunshine.Benches sit under leafy shade, tucked here and there, giving visitors a spot to rest and take in the quiet rustle of the trees.Nay Aug Park holds deep cultural and historical meaning for Scranton, shaping community life with everything from summer concerts to the scent of fresh popcorn drifting through its trails.The Everhart Museum sits inside the park, just beyond a row of tall maple trees.This museum, established in 1908, showcases natural history, science, and art-everything from ancient fossils to vivid oil paintings.Tucked inside the park, it brings a rich mix of learning and culture to any visit, letting guests wander through sprawling exhibits after breathing in the fresh air outside.The park also features the Brooks Coal Mine, a model mine where visitors can step into the cool, dim tunnels and learn about the coal mining that shaped Scranton’s history.It was never a commercial mine, yet the site still reveals how the mining industry shaped the city and touched the lives of its people-like dust settling on every windowsill in town.You can find Visitor Information and Events at 500 Arthur Avenue in Scranton, PA 18510.Nay Aug Park stays open all year, from the first light of morning until the sky fades at dusk.Some spots in the park-like the pavilions and the Everhart Museum-keep their own hours and set their own schedules.The park offers paved paths and spaces you can easily reach, though a few trails near the gorge twist steeply downhill and feel rough underfoot.If getting around is tricky, check ahead before you go-or stick to areas with smooth, easy paths.The park comes alive with outdoor concerts, bustling festivals, seasonal celebrations, hands-on educational programs, and activities the whole family can enjoy-think kids chasing bubbles near the fountain.These events help make the park a lively spot where neighbors meet, chat, and share the smell of fresh popcorn from the vendor by the fountain.Nay Aug Park blends towering trees and rushing waterfalls with plenty of ways to play and explore, all wrapped in a lively mix of local culture.With the dramatic rock walls of Nay Aug Gorge, a cozy treehouse tucked among the branches, historic landmarks, and spotless grounds, it’s no wonder this spot tops the list of places to visit in Scranton.Whether you’re in the mood for a hike, a picnic under shady oaks, family adventures, or a glimpse of local history and art, Nay Aug Park invites you in with plenty to discover.
