lackawanna river heritage trail

(This review will focus mostly on about four miles of trail from Taylor to Scranton city near Scranton High School. Many of the generalities will apply to other sections but each has its own personalty and should be checked out with that in mind.)To start out, at the time of this review, the trail is still work in progress, BUT it is already VERY nice with some areas for improvement. The progress made so far is impressive. Most joggers and walkers will find it enjoyable as a change of pace from simply street exercise. "Real" bikers may not find it as appealing due to the sometimes busy foot traffic, short sections, and easy terrain. It will get better if/as the organizations and towns continue on the excellent work done so far. It is worth supporting by using it and if possible supporting related activities through participation and even contributions. It is asset to the areas it touches which are many throughout Northeast PA ... the greater Scranton area section, or as also known, the Lackawanna River Valley.This trail is accessible in many places along its length. Parking areas are well located and convenient to entering the trail (e.g. much more so than Lake Scranton).It is very flat with a few gradual slopes and curves. Some sections are paved, some gravel, some grass, some combinations of paved and gravel. Generally the trail is flat following the old railroad lines and often the Lackawanna River. It is nicely shaded during the summer season and often a bit cooler than other spots nearby. Scenery is OK, changing between wooded and city scape. In a few spots between Scranton Elm St and Taylor there are Indian item replicas which are a nice touch. There is even a small outdoor 'amphitheater' which is nice, but about a mile walk from any parking.The trail is shared among walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, and pet walkers. This sometimes leads to some rough edges: (wanna be racer?) bikers sometimes speed by elderly walkers or runners with little regard for them; (ignorant) dog walkers sometimes don't clean after their pets; not everyone seems pleased to share the trail...but hopefully these items will work their way out as people use it and maybe help self police the renegades. (Police do sometimes ride through on quads...but generally there is NO vehicular traffic except and occasional maintenance vehicle or some 'special purpose' event.) There is no trail lighting except from nearby businesses or roads, so in the dark, it is dark. There are no public bathroom facilities in this section at this time. There are many sections that are unmeasured and marked. There are some info signs with rough information but walkers and runners like markers along the way. Hopefully over time some of these items will be added. This link http://www.lhva.org/greenways-trails/ will provide more info and should be updated as things evolve. Nature and exercise fans should give it a try. Most will find it appealing.

We really liked the river walk. Lots to see up close that gives a sense of both nature and industrial Scranton. From end to end, it's a nice distance and not difficult to manage.

We are so lucky to have the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. I have used it for biking from Archbald to Jermyn and also from Archbald to Jessup. Both sections are wonderful, a nice, easy ride, beautiful scenery, clean, well taken care of. I only wish you could ride through Blakely Borough park to get to the other side without having to ride on the road, but it is a wonderful Trail and I love to ride bikes there.