Explore more than 30 miles of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT), a scenic multi-use trail that winds alongside the Lackawanna River through parks, forests, historic communities, and former railroad corridors. Whether you're walking, running, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the scenery, the trail offers year-round opportunities to experience the natural beauty and rich heritage of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
With numerous trailheads and access points throughout Lackawanna County, it's easy to enjoy a short family walk, a long-distance bike ride, or a full day of outdoor adventure at your own pace.
The trail offers something for nearly every type of outdoor enthusiast. Wide paved sections, scenic river views, and convenient trailheads make it accessible for casual walkers, while longer connected segments appeal to runners and cyclists looking to log more miles. Along the way, you'll discover parks, public art, historic landmarks, wildlife, and opportunities to launch a kayak or canoe on the Lackawanna River.
Visitors appreciate that every section offers a slightly different experience—from quiet wooded stretches and riverside overlooks to vibrant downtown connections and community parks.
No matter the season, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers countless ways to get outside, stay active, and experience the natural beauty of Lackawanna County.
Walk or Run
Enjoy flat, scenic sections that are ideal for a morning walk, afternoon stroll, or training run. Many trailheads provide easy parking and quick access to paved pathways suitable for visitors of all ages.
Bike the Trail
Cyclists can explore miles of connected trail while traveling through several communities along the Lackawanna River. The paved surface makes many sections suitable for recreational riders as well as more experienced cyclists seeking longer routes.
Paddle the Lackawanna River
Several public river access points allow kayakers and canoeists to experience the river from the water. Combining a paddle with a hike or bike ride creates an excellent full-day outdoor adventure.
Enjoy Wildlife & Photography
Throughout the year, visitors can spot songbirds, waterfowl, native plants, and colorful foliage. Spring wildflowers, summer greenery, and vibrant autumn colors make the trail a favorite destination for photographers.
Fish the Lackawanna River
Cast a line along the Lackawanna River, where anglers can fish for a variety of freshwater species in scenic surroundings. Several access points along the Heritage Trail make it easy to combine a day of fishing with a walk, bike ride, or picnic. Be sure to review current Pennsylvania fishing regulations, seasons, and licensing requirements before heading out.
Additional Activities
Beyond walking, running, cycling, fishing, paddling, and birdwatching, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers even more ways to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
E-biking: Maximum assisted speed of 20 mph is permitted.
Snowshoeing: Explore the trail's scenic winter landscapes after a fresh snowfall.
Cross-country skiing: Enjoy select sections when snow conditions allow.
Rollerblading: Smooth, paved sections are ideal for inline skating.
Horseback Riding: Permitted on the D&H Rail Trail north of Simpson.
Snowmobiling: Allowed on the D&H Rail Trail north of Simpson with the appropriate permit.
With numerous trailheads throughout Lackawanna County, visitors can choose a starting point that's closest to their destination or preferred activity. Most trailheads offer free parking and provide access to paved sections of the trail.
Experience the Lackawanna River from the water year-round by launching a kayak or canoe at one of several public access sites along the Heritage Trail. Paddling the river offers a unique mix of peaceful natural scenery and views of the communities along its banks. Due to submerged rocks, ledges, and overhanging branches, paddleboarding is not recommended.
While the Lackawanna River can be accessed from various locations, these designated public launch sites provide the most convenient access for kayaks and canoes, along with nearby parking.
David P. Maslyar Park: 229 Laurel Street, Archbald
Paddling Tip: River conditions change throughout the year. For the best experience, the Lackawanna River Conservation Association recommends checking the Archbald stream gauge, with ideal water levels generally between 2.6 and 3.6 feet. Current conditions are available on the LRCA website before you head out.
A Haudenosaunee Chief sculpture along the 2-mile section of trail between Elm Street in Scranton and the borough of Taylor.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) features more than 30 miles of developed multi-use trail stretching from Taylor to Simpson. In Simpson, the trail connects with the D&H Rail Trail to form part of a 70-mile regional trail network extending to the New York state line. Together, the interconnected trails link more than 30 communities across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties, creating one of Northeastern Pennsylvania's premier outdoor recreation destinations. It attracts more than 450,000 visitors annually.
Developed along former railroad corridors, the Heritage Trail preserves the region's industrial heritage while connecting visitors to scenic overlooks, parks, public art, historic landmarks, Native American history, Class-A Trout waters, and communities shaped by the Lackawanna River.
The trail includes both paved and improved multi-use sections.
Multiple trailheads offer free public parking.
Leashed dogs are welcome (6' leash & waste must be picked up and properly disposed of. Dogs are not permitted within the Blakely Borough Recreational Complex.
Bring water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Cyclists should wear helmets and yield to pedestrians where appropriate.
Help protect the trail by carrying out anything you bring with you.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is developed and managed by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA), Pennsylvania's first State Heritage Area and a federally designated National Heritage Area. Since 1991, LHVA has worked to preserve and promote the region's rich natural, cultural, and industrial heritage while developing the trail as a premier outdoor recreation destination.
At its northern terminus in Simpson, the Heritage Trail connects with the D&H Rail Trail, which is managed by the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Together, these trails form a 70-mile regional network linking communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania to the New York state line.
