13 Serene Spots to Picnic Around Lake Wallenpaupack
Summer goes by in the blink of any eye. To help you make the most of every minute, we’ve come up with 13 serene spots to picnic around Lake Wallenpaupack. Spend some time exploring the natural wonders of the Pocono Mountains. Order sandwiches and snacks from Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery or a to-go meal from The Dock on Wallenpaupack and enjoy the ultimate private dining with a view you choose. Remember, if you picnic along a trail pack out whatever you brought with you and fully extinguish public charcoal grills. Whether you start in a state park, woodland trail or urban green space we’re certain once you get a taste of picnicking in NEPA you’ll be hungry for more! Cap off your day of outdoor dining with the small plate cuisine of Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The restaurant here at Ledges Hotel is open for dinner seven days a week.
1. Bingham Park
Just steps from the front door of The Settlers Inn, Bingham Park is an idyllic setting for a picnic. The park is located on Main Avenue at the gateway to downtown and has been a community hub since its establishment in 1929. Take a picnic basket and sit in the historic bandstand, constructed in 1932 by the WPA. Spread out a blanket on the lawn and take in the activity around the park. There are three baseball fields here, a basketball court, playground, tennis courts and walking trail with interpretive signs.
2. Central Park
With its downtown location, Honesdale’s Central Park is aptly named. The scenic green space sits in front of the historic Wayne County Courthouse and is flanked by centuries old homes, businesses and churches. Central Park has been a community gathering place since it was established in 1834. A beautiful fountain is the cornerstone of the area. It was constructed to mark the U.S. Centennial in 1876. A Civil War statue is another landmark here. The monument was erected in 1869 and bears the names of 353 Wayne County soldiers who perished during the war. Visitors may take a picnic to enjoy at the park’s picnic tables, benches or sprawling lawn. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to soak in the surroundings There are large shade trees and walkways throughout as well as an elaborate playground for children.
3. Shohola Falls
There’s a small picnic area located at the trailhead near the parking lot. Visitors can pair a short walk to a lesser known waterfall with some picnicking. Located in State Game Lands 180, the parking lot is off Route 6 near the town of Greeley. A short walk along a forest trail leads to two stone-walled observation points. The creek flows from Shohola Lake, so the volume of water flowing over the falls is usually consistent any time of year. The width of the falls makes it an impressive sight as the water tumbles roughly 50 feet down over rock ledges. The trek to the falls and back is just under a mile and the trail is well traveled.
4. Palmyra Township Public Beach
Lake days and picnicking go hand in hand. Choose a spot at the only public beach on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack and spend the day. A lifeguard is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnic tables are nestled under shade trees and a sand beach surrounds the shoreline. Visitors will also have access to charcoal grills, a volleyball court, restrooms and a concession stand. The beach is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weather permitting. There is a small entry fee. The parking area is located off Route 6 in Hawley.
5. The Islands
Lake Wallenpaupack is home to four islands- Burns Island, Cairns Island, Epply Island and Kipp Island. Each offer picnic tables and a unique vantage point to enjoy lake views. Whether you launch your own boat or rent a craft from a local marina, island hopping is a great way to spend the day at Lake Wallenpaupack. The islands are open to the public for daytime visits but not overnight camping.
6. Ledgedale Recreation Area
Spend the day on the water. Visitors may launch their boat here at the southernmost end of Lake Wallenpaupack, which tends to be a bit quieter. Single and double kayaks are also available to rent for a peaceful paddle on Wallenpaupack Creek or a venture onto the lake. Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the boat or at the lakeside picnic area. Tables and charcoal grills are located in a woodland setting that overlooks the water. Ledgedale Recreation Area is located on Ledgedale Road in Greentown.
7. Wilsonville Recreation and Camping Area
Another option for lack access is located just off Route 6 in Hawley. There’s a small fee for each boat or watercraft launched. If you choose to picnic on land, there’s a lovely picnic area on site. A $2 fee is charged for use of picnic tables, which are open to the public from 8 a.m. to dusk. No pets or alcohol are allowed, and swimming is not permitted in Wilsonville Recreation and Camping Area.
8. Lacawac Sanctuary
Part natural wonder, part historic landmark, Lacawac Sanctuary is a local treasure. Include a picnic basket lunch in your backpack and spend some time exploring this 510-acre site, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places and is a registered National Natural Landmark. There are eight trails of varied lengths and ability levels ranging from easy to difficult. The jewel of the property is a 52-acre pristine glacial lake. The sanctuary also boasts a mature second growth forest, two ponds, several wetlands and over a mile of unspoiled shoreline along Lake Wallenpaupack. Sites to tour also include the original lodge, an icehouse turned caretaker’s cottage, a carriage house and a visitors center. Lacawac Sanctuary in Ledgedale is accessible from Route 590.
9. Promised Land State Park
A multitude of outdoor activities are offered at nearby Promised Land State Park. Make use of picnic tables spaced throughout the park as a respite from a day exploring. Visitors may enjoy fishing and boating on two lakes, hiking trails that criss cross the park’s 3,000 acres, swimming at two sand beaches, biking along 6.5 miles of shared road and mountain biking over designated trails. The park is located along Route 390 in Greentown.
10. Shuman Point Hiking Trail
This trail is a must-do if you’re visiting Lake Wallenpaupack. The 250-acre plot in the Northeast corner is one of the last undeveloped areas along the lake. Much of the three-mile loop path traverses the lake shore. Take a break at a rocky beach outcrop and enjoy a picnic. Continue on a woodland path to see stone walls, remnants of the area’s farming past. The parking area and trailhead for Shuman Point are located along Route 590 in Lakeville.
11. Prompton State Park
Fishing and boating are among the most popular activities here. Action centers around Prompton Lake, which encompasses 290 acres. There’s a scenic space near the boat launch with picnic tables to enjoy a meal overlooking the lake. A picnic pavilion is also located above the dam. Avid hikers and mountain bikers are attracted to the park’s 26 miles of trails, most of which are rated difficult. However, the East Shore Trail is a scenic, short walk on 1.2 miles of paved road that makes a nice pre or post picnic stroll. For maximum family fun, the park also features an 18-hole disc golf course. Prompton State Park is located off Route 6 in Prompton.
12. D & H Canal Park
Have a picnic lunch with a side of history. The movement to create this 16-acre historical park in nearby White Mills was a grass roots effort. In addition to the remnants of a canal lock that dates to the early 1800s, the park preserves the Daniels Farmhouse. The structure also known as Lock 31 House was built in 1820. A walking trail traces the route of the former D & H Canal tow path. The trail links with the Hawley Trail and travels into town, past The Settlers Inn, through Bingham Park and to the Riverside Trail. D & H Canal Park is located on Route 6 in Hawley.
13. Dorflinger Sudyam Sanctuary
You would be hard pressed to find a more tranquil place in Wayne County. About 600 acres of pristine woodlands and open meadows are protected at the preserve. Wildlife thrives in the secure environment. Take one of the well-maintained trails and explore the beauty. There are seven trails. The shortest measures just over half a mile and the longest travels 1.4 miles. Spread out a blanket to soak in the serenity. Dorflinger Sudyam Sanctuary is located off Route 6 in White Mills.
One with Nature
Stay at Ledges Hotel and let nature wash over you. Modern luxurious guest rooms overlook Paupack High Falls. Spend your days exploring, then soak in the serenity on the multi-tiered decks that sit beside the waterfall. Check out the available specials and packages that often combine an overnight stay with a voucher to one of the restaurants of Settlers Hospitality.