Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Lackawanna State Park

    Winter Recreation

    Pennsylvania state parks are open 365 days a year, even in the winter. The Winter Report provides ice and snow depth information for state parks.

    Enjoy the Winter

    Park trails are open for cross-country skiing.  Lakeview, Snowflake, and most trails in the campground and picnicking areas are recommended.

    Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. Most of the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake is open for ice fishing on the natural ice, except for the ice skating area, under the PA 407 bridge and near the dam.

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single angler and 7” thick for a small group. 

    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

    Ice skating is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. When conditions permit, park staff clear an area of ice near the fishing pier for skating. 

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single skater and 7” thick for a small group. 

    The gentle slopes by Hilltop Pavilion are recommended for sledding.

    Park trails are open for snowshoeing.  Lakeview, Snowflake, and most trails in the campground and picnicking areas are recommended.

    Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Ice Safety

    • Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group. For iceboating, make sure ice is at least 6” thick.
    • Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
    • Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
    • Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
    • Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
    • Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
    • Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
    • Wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).
    • Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.