Combining Nature’s Beauty With NEPA’s History
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) in Scranton owns and maintains the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail System. The system includes sections in Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties. The trails run parallel the Lackawanna River. It’s a popular spot for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The trail system covers 70 miles in total. It stretches from Pittston to Union Dale and connects to the D&H Rail Trail. Along the way, you’ll get incredible views of the peaceful forest, mighty river, and historic towns. The trail surface is mainly paved or crushed stone. Some portions share the road with vehicles.
The Heritage Explorer Bike Tour, Scranton Half-Marathon, Steamtown Marathon, Riverfest, the Great NEPA Clean-Up, and Electric City Runners all use the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail System and the Lackawanna River for annual events.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail has 30 trailheads that provide easy access. Trailheads are located in Union Dale, Forest City, Simpson, Carbondale, Carbondale Township, Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant, Blakely, Dickson City, and Scranton. Parking is available at most trailheads.
Accessibility
Many sections of the trail are wheelchair-friendly with a very slight incline. The Scranton section is paved for 3.5 miles from Depot Street in Taylor to Olive Street in Scranton. A segment from Blakely to Jermyn is also paved, as well as short sections in Dickson City and Carbondale. Other parts of the trail are crushed stone, earthen paths, or on-road.
Several accessible parking areas are available, including the Elm Street Trailhead, the 7th Avenue Trailhead, and the Laurel Street Trailhead. An accessible fishing pier is located off of Laurel Street in Archbald.
As part of their bikeshare program, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority rents out recumbent bikes and handcycles at no charge at their office at 213 Railroad Avenue in Scranton. Rentals are by reservation only, and you must show your ID.
