Lackawanna County is host to a vibrant city surrounded by mountains and lush forests. We’re home to numerous waterfalls, scenic vistas, and beachfront lakes. Your group will experience the countryside of Lackawanna County while enjoying activities such as farmers' markets, cideries, apple picking, and so much more! For thrill-seekers, we have trails and waterways just for you! Hiking & biking, fishing & hunting, kayaking, camping, and skiing can all be found in Lackawanna County!
The city of Scranton’s largest park, Nay Aug Park, offers visitors a touch of nature amid the city landscape. The park includes the David Wenzel Treehouse, gorge and waterfall, walking trails, picnic areas, swimming complexes, a greenhouse, coffee shop, Rose Garden, veteran and war memorials, and the Brooks Mine.
TIPS:
Bring walking shoes! Nay Aug Park is comprised of 7 acres. Paths are wheelchair accessible except for the hiking trails and the path down to the gorge. The David Wenzel Treehouse and numerous bridges are ADA-accessible.
Everhart Museum
Your group can also visit the Everhart Museum, located at the entrance of Nay Aug Park. For over 110 years, the Everhart Museum has been engaging visitors with art, science, and natural history. Enjoy exhibits, events, and educational programs.
TIPS:
The Everhart Museum has limited hours, so be sure to check if it is open on the days you plan to visit.
The Lackawanna County Wine Trail combines the rich cultural traditions that many of our communities pride themselves on, and our area's love of all things homemade and delicious. Whether it’s a bridal shower, a couple’s weekend, or you just love wine, touring the wineries of Lackawanna County will be a hit with your entire group. You’ll arrive at each stop safely and in style when you travel the trail with one of our transportation options. Great food, great friends, great wine, and a designated driver… you’ll be saying, “You had me at Merlot!”
TIPS:
If the group does the entire trail, they will be out all day. Most locations provide meats, cheeses, and charcuterie products as snacks. Ask the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau for the best route options to accommodate meals and winery hours.
Stretching more than 70 miles, located amid the mountains and along the Lackawanna River, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is an artery that connects more than 30 communities through Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties. Wildlife is all around! Watch for bald eagles, river otters, beavers, deer, herons, and more! Explore Scranton’s Elm Street Trailhead section. You’ll find rock carvings of wildlife, a sculpture of a Haudenosaunee Chief, and an amphitheater that pays homage to the area’s Native American heritage.
TIPS:
The trail is divided into trailheads, with city and town streets interrupting the sections. Before heading out, make sure to get a map at LHVA.org.
Most of the trailheads have paved walkways for wheelchair access. A few are still gravel—make sure to ask the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) for the best sections to accommodate your group.
Farmers Market
Lackawanna County has 15+ farmers markets throughout its countryside. Some provide convenience by stationing themselves within the cities such as the Co-Op Farmers Market in Scranton, while others invite you to their country abodes to mingle with the animals and pick produce from the fields. Take home fresh goodies such as pies, honey, candy, produce, meats, cheeses, and more!
TIPS:
Ask the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau for a full list of markets and their seasonal hours.
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery is on the list for farmers markets, but it is an attraction unto itself. Lakeland kicks off its season with fresh strawberry picking on a 3-acre field and vegetable picking that includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, and more! Towards the end of summer and moving into fall, Lakeland starts their festival season starting with Zinnias and Sunflowers before transitioning to their apple picking. Walk among thousands of Zinnias and Sunflower plants and pick a bouquet to take home. The farm has over 20,000 trees growing more than 30 different kinds of apples! Pick a bushel to bring home and try your hand at a delicious apple pie!
TIPS:
Groups should plan to spend about 2 hours at the farm. A gift shop is on-site to purchase produce and flowers without having to pick them in the fields.
Dine At The Alter House
Alter House Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned Farm-to-Table restaurant dedicated to seasonal, sustainable cuisine. It is their culinary mission to source the finest ingredients from farmers' markets, regional farmers, artisan purveyors, and local farms whenever possible. The seasons define their menu, and their goal is to provide guests with unique culinary offerings paired with incredible service in a relaxed atmosphere.
TIPS:
The restaurant does have a private dining room for groups that can accommodate 12-40 people, while the main space restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 70 people. A group menu can be customized to your needs.
