Uniting existing and future greenways and waterways together under one name, Lackawaxen River Trails is a multi-use trail system creating land, rail, and river trails from Honesdale to Lackawaxen, PA.
The efforts of all those who have built walking trails in Honesdale, White Mills, and Hawley over the years will add to and enhance the current effort. We invite you to view our maps and to join us as a donor, a volunteer, and a nature lover!
Lackawaxen River Trails is the culmination of vision, hard work, and years of dedication of Wayne & Pike Trails & Waterways Alliance. A consortium of forward thinking community members and businesses, WPTWA, a not for profit entity, acts solely to generate funding and oversee the development of Lackawaxen River Trails.
To know where you're going, you must know where you've been
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Different groups of people had envisioned a river walk, discussed multi-use trails as a countywide goal, requested river access at CVS.
These different groups met and merged into the Wayne Pike Trails & Waterways Alliance. The WPTWA continues to be the entity that partners with municipalities on planning, grant writing, and trail implementation.
The WPTWA partnered with the Wayne County Commissioners on a DCNR grant to do a Trail Feasibility Study.
The Trail Feasibility Study studied a range of topics, interviewed landowners, and provided opportunities for public participation. To read the full study, click here.
The final report of the Trail Feasibility Study concluded that a multi-purpose trail is possible and public support is very strong. Staff from the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) advised on locations and goals to develop a river trail.
A number of grants were written and submitted to PFBC and DCNR, the first step to turn vision into reality.
Those grants were awarded plus an additional grant bringing the total to more than $1 million for 3 river accesses.
The White Mills River Access Park was dedicated in October 2023 to a huge crowd of supporters, dignitaries and outdoors enthusiasts.
The long-term goals of the Lackawaxen River Trail project will be tackled in stages. Your gift will help us meet matching grant requirements needed to build the trails.
We thank the Wayne County Community Foundation, a registered 501c3, for partnering with us to make your donation tax-deductible. If you would like to be a major sponsor, please contact Ryanne Jennings at the Community Foundation, 570-251-9993.
We're just getting started now that state grants are in place, final plans are being engineered, and permits granted as well as some site construction finalized!
The Lackawaxen River Trails will need a corps of Trail Keepers, people willing to help keep the river sites and walking trails clean and safe. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the fields below and we’ll let you know when we are ready to enlist your help. We will make every effort to tailor your volunteer interest to the location(s) and schedule(s) that you select.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the companies, businesses, and foundations shown below who have made major financial and in-kind gifts to Lackawaxen River Trails. Please support them if you are able with your business and tell them how much you appreciate their commitment.
Gibbons Park/Irving Cliff
Providing panoramic views of Honesdale, Irving Cliff and Gibbons Memorial Park are perfect for hikes, sunsets, picnics and so much more. The Richard “Dick” Smith Memorial Star shines from atop cliff each holiday season. A system of trails weave throughout the 55-acre public park accessible from the top and bottom of the cliff.
Apple Grove
An open, green space along the Dyberry Creek on the north end of Honesdale with parking, fields, picnic area, and the future home of the Honesdale Dog Park. Connects to Veterans Park which is home to a pavilion, open space, memorial and bench next to the Honesdale Area Pool Complex.
White Mills
Tucked between the Dorflinger Glass Factory Museum and the historic White Mills Firehouse, this uphill-downhill path travels along a tributary to the Lackawaxen River to Lollipop Pond adjacent to cute homes that line Charles Street, which once housed workers at the glass factory. The White Mills Community Trail is across Route 6 from the future home of the White Mills Lackawaxen River Access.
Lock 31
Travel back in history at Lock 31, a preserved canal-period lock house and tow path trail with interpretive signage leading you along the route of the 1700’s canal system into downtown Hawley at the Settler’s Inn at Bingham Park and into the park. A short section of trail carries users onto Route 6 and back along the Lackawaxen River. Owned and operated by the Wayne County Historical Society.
Hawley River/Bingham Park/Levee
Meander along the dike in Hawley as you follow the Lackawaxen River on this flat 2 mi trail which serves as a connector between Bingham Park and the future Gorge Trail beside Paupack Falls which will eventually lead you on a full journey to Lake Wallenpaupack and its trails. Take your pet pup along and stop at the Hawley Riverside Dog Park!
Click on the pins to begin exploring your next great adventure on Lackawaxen River Trails, and stay tuned for future updates.
The trails connecting our communities are essential for residents quality of life
Grant
We’re so lucky to have great paddling opportunities in our own backyard!
Kathleen
I look forward to many bike rides and walks!
Ashley
We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can make Lackawaxen River Trails the best it can be.
Questions regarding donations?
Contact the Wayne County Community Foundation
570 251 9993 | [email protected]
© Lackawaxen River Trails