With winter now in full swing and most people stuck inside, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities at the Lackawanna State Park.
The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton, and features a 198-acre lake surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through the forest. The park also offers an abundance of wildlife, including deer and squirrels in the woods, as well as bass and trout in the lake and a vast array of plants. While most people know of the outdoor activities during the summer months, many are unaware of the winter ones, such as ice fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, and hiking. One of the more popular things to do during the winter at the park is ice fishing. The popularity makes sense given how vast the lake is, along with the variety of fish such as trout, walleye, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. With any activity on the ice, being safe should always be your priority. The park recommends that the ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group. Next, there are numerous hunting opportunities for all different types of hunters. The park offers an abundance of game, but the most popular are deer and pheasant, with one of the fields being stocked for pheasant. With there being hunting at the park, it is important to pay attention to hunting areas and always wear orange during hunting season, even if you are not hunting. Snowshoeing is another popular activity to do along the trails of the park, allowing you to see the park in a whole new light. Snowshoeing allows you to easily go over deep snow and is also a great form of exercise in the winter months. Make sure to check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails, especially if you are just beginning. Similarly, hiking offers views of peaceful trails and a snow-covered landscape. Fewer people at the park also makes going on trails which may be busy during the summer months much more enjoyable. Make sure you have proper footwear for the trails that get icy, as well as proper clothing for the weather. Overall the Lackawanna State Park offers a plethora of winter activities, such as ice fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, and hiking. Most people know about the things you can do outdoors during the summer but not the winter. Safety should always be your first priority, especially with things like hunting and ice fishing. Visiting in the winter can be a fun experience and maybe even better than the summer.