Lackawanna State Park

Geobox Protected Area
name = Lackawanna State Park
native_name =
other_name =
other_name1 =
category_local = Pennsylvania State Park
category_iucn = III

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image_caption = Lake Lackawanna at Lackawanna State Park
etymology_type = Named for
etymology = Lackawanna River
country = United States
state = Pennsylvania
region_type = County
region = Lackawanna
district_type = Townships
district = Benton
district1 = North Abington
city =
city1 =
location =
location_note =cite web
url=Gnis3|2426069
title=Lackawanna State Park
date = April 22 2008
work=Geographic Names Information System
publisher=United States Geological Survey
accessdate=2008-04-22]
lat_d = 41
lat_m = 34
lat_s = 30
lat_NS = N
long_d = 75
long_m = 42
long_s = 05
long_EW = W
elevation_imperial = 1135
elevation_round = 1
area_unit = acre
area_imperial = 1411
area_round = 1
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lowest =
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biome =
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established_type =
established = 1972
established1_type =
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management_body = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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visitation =
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free_type = Nearest city
free = Scranton, Pennsylvania
free1_type =
free1 =


map_caption = Location of Lackawanna State Park in Pennsylvania
map_locator = Pennsylvania
map_first =
website = [http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lackawanna.aspx Lackawanna State Park]

Lackawanna State Park is a convert|1411|acre|km2|2|adj=on Pennsylvania State Park in Benton and North Abington Townships, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Lake Lackawanna, a convert|198|acre|km2|2|adj=on 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.

History

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.cite web
url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/lackawanna.aspx
title = Lackawanna State Park
accessdate = 2006-10-25
publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ]

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.

Recreation

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.

Hunting and trails

Hunting is permitted on about convert|500|acre|km2 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 convert|5|mi of trails at Lackawanna State Park. The trails loop through the park passing by the lake, through forests and fields, and by woodland streams.

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 wash houses 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.

Nearby state parks

The following state parks are within convert|30|mi|0 of Lackawanna State Park:cite web
last = Michels
first = Chris
year = 1997
url = http://www2.nau.edu/~cvm/latlongdist.html
title = Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation
publisher = Northern Arizona University
accessdate = 2008-04-23] [cite web
url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/region_northeast.aspx
title = Map reference for Lackawanna State Park
accessdate = 2006-11-24
publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ] [cite map |scale = 1:65,000| publisher= Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division
url= ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/lackawanna_GHSN.PDF
title= 2007 General Highway Map Lackawanna County Pennsylvania
accessdate= 2007-07-27 "Note: shows 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)

References

External links

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