The Lackawaxen River Trails is a trail development effort guided by a group of dedicated community volunteers. They work with many different community partners, including the Wayne County Community Foundation, to raise funds and build a trail system from Honesdale to Hawley on land, river, and rail. The plans are based on a feasibility study completed by Wayne County in 2020 which included public input that voiced overwhelming support for such trails.
Since the feasibility study was released, the Lackawaxen River Trails has had much to celebrate. Construction of three river access sites has been fully funded by a combination of grants from the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with required matching funds coming from local foundations, companies, and individuals.
White Mills River Access Park was completed in 2023 providing for ADA parking, a dry-composting restroom, and ample space for fishing, launching and taking out canoes and kayaks.
A river access at Sycamore Point in Honesdale at the end of 12th Street (pictured above) is getting underway in 2024 and will include ADA-compliant features, including a boat ramp, walking paths, parking, and park amenities such as picnic tables and a dry compost restroom. Another river access in Indian Orchard (between Honesdale and White Mills) will also have similar amenities and go to construction within the year. These three sites will join a river access already completed in Hawley at Bingham Park.
These
four sites will offer paddlers, fishermen, and nature lovers places to enjoy
the Lackawaxen River and its beauty. All four sites will be official PFBC
access points, which will provide consistent rules and enforcement to protect
the river and its use.
As construction on the river trail begins, volunteers are beginning to plan and prioritize land trails along the river for walkers and cyclists. These land trails will need donations to meet grant match requirements. If you would like to help, the Lackawaxen River Trails Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation is able to accept charitable donations in the form of check, cash, credit card, or stock transfers. For more information about making a donation, visit waynefoundation.org or contact Ryanne Jennings at rjennings@waynefoundation.org.
No donation is too big or too small!
