LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. – The beauty of spring in Lackawanna County is blooming into life and a spirit of adventure is in the air. Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau invites all to experience four county parks with various terrains, rivers, lakes and attractions for hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing and exploring. Northeast Pennsylvania is the perfect natural playground for adventurers and outdoor lovers…And, the best part? It’s right around the corner.
“Lackawanna County’s four parks, located just two and a half hours from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, create an idyllic road trip getaway for those seeking excitement and needing a breath of fresh air away from city life” shared Susan Estler, executive director for Lackawanna County in Northeast Pennsylvania. “The beautiful scenery abounding with spring blooms and the many mountain biking and hiking trails, running courses, rivers and lakes offer a picturesque getaway and an adventure that is not to be missed.“
Lackawanna County’s four parks include:
McDade Park
McDade Park, created in the 1970s from reclaimed coal mining terrain, is now one of Lackawanna County’s premier destination parks. Visitors of the park can enjoy the almost two-mile cross-country running course and hiking trail system and view the exquisite butterfly garden. They can also go swimming and fishing at the lake, play bocce ball, take a picnic or even descend 300-feet via coal car into an anthracite mine dating back to 1860 on the exciting Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour. While on the coal mine tour, guests are invited to strap on a hardhat to discover how local miners worked tirelessly to fuel the nation’s economy during the Industrial Revolution. After the tour, visitors can also stop by the Anthracite Heritage Museum to explore the lives and homes of these mining families.
Merli-Sarnoski Park
Fishing has long been a popular past time at Merli-Sarnoski Park. Now, with the recent addition of 15 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, the park is equipped for a day-full of outdoor activities for all. While on the trails, visitors will encounter stream crossings, narrow trails, exciting downhill areas, fallen trees, rock facings, local wildlife and purple, pink and white rhododendron in bloom. One trail will even lead hikers and bikers from the woods at the top of the mountain to a glorious view of the city of Carbondale below. Explorers will also find a large glacial, spring-fed lake with a beach and a boat launch for a day of swimming and fun-in-the-sun.
Aylesworth Park
Nestled in the upper valley, Aylesworth Park’s scenic location makes it a perfect spot for kayaking and canoeing, relaxing on the lake’s sandy beach, swimming, fishing, picnicking or a stroll around the lake trail. The 252-acre park also includes numerous hiking trails through the spring blooms and deep green foliage. Mountain biking is also a favorite among visitors, with one of the trails weaving through dams, wooded areas and grassy meadows before a thrilling downhill journey.
Covington Park
Covington Park is the newest county park in Lackawanna County. The park’s designated 400 acres include a soccer field, basketball courts, grills and a scenic walking trail throughout the park and around the nine-acre lake. The lake is also ideal for fisherman of all ages because it is stocked full with rainbow trout, ready to be caught. Along with fishing, visitors will also find the lake to be a pristine environment for canoeing and kayaking.
For more information on all of Lackawanna County’s parks, please call 570.963.6764 or visit http://www.lackawannacounty.org
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Located in Northeast Pennsylvania just west of the Poconos, Lackawanna County is named for the picturesque river which flows through it. The county, including its largest city, Scranton, saw rapid growth at the turn of the 20th century by producing coal during the growth of steel production. This early industrial heritage lent the county a rich multicultural heritage as mining drew immigrants from around the world. While the area has recently transitioned to a more diverse economy due to the globalization of the steel industry, the county preserves its cultural mix with various heritage festivals as well as outdoor activities. Lackawanna County is part of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area.
