The best walks and hikes around Olyphant

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. The Lake Scranton loop — Scranton is a popular choice, providing a gentle walk with lovely lakeside scenery. For a shorter outing, the Davis Trail loop — Nav Aug Park is another great, easy trail. Additionally, the Lakeshore Trail at Lackawanna State Park is well-regarded for its easy path and excellent views of the water.

Many trails in the Olyphant area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. The Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is a local favorite for dog walkers, offering plenty of space to explore. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is another excellent option for a walk with your canine companion. Always remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trails beautiful for everyone.

While the immediate area is known more for easy and moderate trails, you can find some challenging climbs. The Top of the World loop from Dunmore involves a significant ascent to its rewarding viewpoint. For a longer, more comprehensive challenge, consider the Grand Tour Loop at the Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve, which covers nearly 11 miles and explores varied terrain.

For expansive views, the Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve at Moosic Mountain is a top destination. Trails here, like the Blueberry Trail, lead to ridgetop overlooks with panoramic vistas of the Wyoming Valley. Another great option is the Valley Outlook loop from Throop, which climbs to a rewarding scenic outlook.

Yes, you can find waterfalls on some local trails. The Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve at Moosic Mountain features a dedicated Waterfall Trail, which leads through the woods to this natural feature. While not a large cascade, it offers a peaceful and scenic spot within the preserve.

The region has many excellent loop trails so you can end your hike where you started. The Hiking loop from Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is a great example, offering a complete tour of the preserve's unique heath barrens habitat. Many trails in Lackawanna State Park, such as the Turkey Hill Trail, are also designed as loops.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a major recreational corridor offering miles of paths for walking and biking. The section near Olyphant, accessible from Condella Park, features a crushed stone surface that follows the river. It's a relatively flat and scenic option, perfect for a relaxed walk away from road traffic. You can find multiple trailheads, including a popular one on Depot Street in Peckville.

Most major trailheads in the area have dedicated parking. Locations like Lackawanna State Park, the Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain, and trailheads for the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (like at Condella Park or Depot Street) provide parking areas. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most reliable way to access the start of most hikes.

The hiking routes around Olyphant are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful riverside paths along the Lackawanna River to the stunning ridgetop views at the Eales Preserve.

Yes, the vast majority of hiking trails in and around Olyphant are free to access. This includes popular spots like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain, and local parks like Condella Park and Fern Hill Park. State Parks such as Lackawanna State Park and Archbald Pothole State Park also offer free admission for hiking.

Archbald Pothole State Park is a unique geological site centered around a massive, 38-foot-deep pothole formed by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. While hiking is limited to a short loop trail that follows an old tram road, it's a fascinating natural feature to visit and is located close to other major hiking areas.