Lackawanna State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lackawanna State Park, Pennsylvania, USA | |
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| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
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| Location: | Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nearest city: | Scranton, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 1,411 acres (5.71 km²) |
| Established: | June 10, 1972 |
| Governing body: | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Lackawanna State Park is a 1,411 acre (5.71 km²) Pennsylvania State Park located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Lake Lackawanna, a 198 acre (0.80 km²) man made lake, is the central focus of recreation at the park. Lackawanna State Park is located near Dalton on Pennsylvania Route 524 just off exit 199 of Interstate 81.
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[edit] History
[edit] Indian Path
Lackawanna State Park is named for the nearby valley of the Lackawanna River. The word comes from the Lenape "le-can-hanna", meaning "stream that forks". This native tribe occupied the area for many years using a trail that led north to the territories of present-day New York state. The first white settlers in the area used this same path as well and gradually built homes and farms along this route.
[edit] Racecourse, railroads, and farms
The farmers of the Lackawanna Valley organized a fair in 1898. This fair, named the Maitland Fair and Driving Park Association, was held for at least twelve years. A horse racing course was built on the fairgrounds on what is currently the park campgrounds. Ownership of the land next fell into the hands of the a small railroad that felt it was being overcharged for water by the Scranton Gas and Water Company. The railroad had intended to build a reservoir to meet its needs for water. The plans for the building of the reservoir were dropped when the railroad and water company reached an agreement over the price of water. Next the land was rented to farmers by the railroad and later by Robert Moffat, a prominent Scranton coal baron. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land in 1968. The state built constructed Lake Lackawanna and opened the park to the public on June 10, 1972.
[edit] Recreation
[edit] Lake Lackawanna and Kennedy Creek
Lake Lackawanna is a man-made lake created by the Commonwealth by damming Kennedy Creek. The lake is open to boating and fishing. Sailboats, canoes, and row boats are common sights on the lake. Gas-powered boats are not permitted on the lake, but boats powered by electric motors may be taken on the waters of Lake Lackawanna. Lake Lackawanna has cold and warm water fisheries. The lake and creek are stocked with largemouth bass, trout, pickerel, channel catfish, bullhead, walleye, and muskellunge. The lake is open to ice fishing and ice skating during the winter months.
[edit] Hunting and trails
Hunting is permitted on about 500 acres of Lackawanna State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species are ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkey, white-tailed deer, and rabbits. The hunting of groundhogs is prohibited. Hunters, hikers, horseback riders , and mountain bike riders share the 5 miles of trails at Lackawanna State Park. The trails loop through the park passing by the lake, through forests and fields, and by woodland streams.
[edit] Camping, picnicking and swimming
The 61-site campground at Lackawanna State Park is open to tents and RVs. It is within walking distance of Lake Lackawanna. The campsites have electric hook-ups and there is a modern washhouse with restrooms and showers with hot water. There are three large areas for group tenting at Lackawanna State Park. This camping area has a modern washhouses as well as several fire rings and picnic tables. The picnic area is by the lake near the swimming pool. The pool is open Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm.
[edit] Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Lackawanna State Park:
- Archbald Pothole State Park (Lackawanna County)
- Frances Slocum State Park (Luzerne County)
- Gouldsboro State Park (Monroe and Wayne Counties)
- Prompton State Park (Wayne County)
- Salt Springs State Park (Susquehanna County)
- Tobyhanna State Park (Monroe and Wayne Counties)
- Varden Conservation Area (Wayne County)
[edit] References
- Lackawanna State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on October 25, 2006.
- Map reference for Lackawanna State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on November 24, 2006.
- United States Geological Survey. USGS Dalton (PA) Topo Map. Topozone.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2006.
