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Archbald Pothole State Park


State Park Information





State Park Overview


Trails


Fishing and Hunting

Over 100 acres are open to limited hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, squirrel and turkey.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment must be kept in the owners car.


History of the Area

Archbald Pothole was discovered in 1884 by coal miner Patrick Mahon while extending a mine shaft. Mr. Mahon fired a blast of explosives and water and stones came rushing out. The miners fled fearing that the mountain was falling on them. Edward Jones, the manager of the mining company, investigated and ordered the area cleared of debris. About 800 to 1,000 tons of small rounded stones were removed and Mr. Jones realized that the vertical tunnel was a large pothole.

About 1,000 feet north of Archbald Pothole, another pothole was found, but it was thought to be larger than the first pothole and was not excavated because of the excessive cost.

Archbald Pothole was briefly used as a ventilation shaft for the mine. A large fire kept burning in the bottom made the pothole function like a chimney, drawing air out of the mine. In 1887, Colonel Hackley, the landowner, built a fence and retaining wall around the hole. Edward Jones gave many tours of the pothole to local citizens and to noted geologists. The pothole became a popular tourist attraction. In 1914, the widow of Colonel Hackley donated a one-acre deed, which included the pothole, to the reformed Lackawanna Historical Society.

With the addition of 150 acres, Archbald Pothole became a Lackawanna County park in 1940. The county deeded the property to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1961, andafter improvements, Archbald Pothole State Park was dedicated in 1964.


Area Accommodations
Hawley, PA
Discover quiet, simple pleasures at the Settlers Inn.We offer country inn accommodations, creative cuisine, and a tradition of fine inn keeping and hospitality throughout the four seasons.
Price Range $140$250
Web Site


More Info
July 11, 1997. Vol. 1, No. 16. Extensive improvements finished at Archbald Pothole State Park. Archbald Pothole State Park in Lackawanna County officially reopened June 27 after the completion...
Links to Scranton Pennsylvania businesses, stores, entertainment, churches, organizations, ... Want It Appraisal Institute Arcaro Genell Archbald Pothole State Park Architects USAList of area ...
... centers streams, ponds and diverse habitats. Pocono Mountains/Endless Mountains Park Name Comments Archbald Pothole State Park This park boasts the worlds largest glacial pothole, 38 feet deep and ...
Links to Scranton Pennsylvania businesses, stores, entertainment, churches, organizations, ... N Paws Wild Animal Park Outdoors Parks Archbald Pothole State Park Lackawanna State Park NEPC-BSA Heritage ...


Area Attractions

Hickory Run State Park, Boulder Field 14 acres of jumbled stone caused by severe weather of the last glacial period. The glacier end moraine crosses the park. Hickory Run State Park can be reached at Exit 274 off of I-80. Follow PA 534 east to the park. 570-443-0400

Seven Tubs Natural Area Glacial meltwater eroded the bedrock and created a series of potholes in an area now called Whirlpool Valley. Owned by Luzerne County, Seven Tubs can be reached at Exit 164 off of I-81. Follow PA 115 south for 2.5 miles. The park is on the right. 570-477-5467

Tannersville Cranberry Bog This 150-acre wetland is the southernmost low altitude boreal bog on the eastern seaboard. It contains carnivorous plants, rare orchids and other plants. The bog is owned by the Nature Conservancy and can only be visited during scheduled tours. 570-629-3061


Area Campgrounds
Lake Greeley Camp
330 N Main St
Moscow, PA
(570) 842-3739


Selmad Equipment & Supplies Inc
RR 347
Olyphant, PA
(570) 383-7734


Cherry Ridge Campsites & Lodging Inc
147 Camp Rd
Honesdale, PA
(570) 488-6654


Keen Lake Camping
155 Keen Lake Rd
Waymart, PA
(570) 488-5522


Highland Campground
RR 2 Box 278
Dalton, PA
(570) 586-0145


How Kola Camp
Brinktown
Clarks Summit, PA
(570) 587-1732


Countryside Family Campground
1157 Bethany Tpke
Honesdale, PA
(570) 253-0424


Rock Mountain Bible Camp
1 Beaver Creek Rd
South Gibson, PA
(570) 756-2200


Valleyview Farm & Campgrounds
RR 1
Waymart, PA
(570) 448-2268


Ponderosa Pines Camp
31 Ponderosa Dr
Honesdale, PA
(570) 253-2080


Hideaway Lakes Camping Resort
Honesdale, PA
(570) 253-9940




Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ray's Bait & Tackle
220 Main St
Avoca, PA
(570) 654-9555


A & G Outfitters
1152 Commerce Blvd
Dickson City, PA
(570) 489-1650


Ray's Bait & Tackle
220 Main St
Pittston, PA
(570) 654-9555


Z's Bait & Tackle
Route 92
Falls, PA
(570) 388-6801


Sanhelen's Sport Shop
1385 Hancock Hwy
Honesdale, PA
(570) 251-7704


Ted's Bait & Tackle
1597 Mount Cobb Rd
Lake Ariel, PA
(570) 689-4181


Anglers Vice Fly Fishing
104 S State St
Clarks Summit, PA
(570) 587-2737


Thomas Spinning Lures Inc
316 Wayne Ave
Hawley, PA
(570) 226-4011




Area Resorts and Lodging
Clarion Inn
300 Meadow Avenue
Scranton, PA
(570) 344-9811


Montage Mountain Ski Resort
1000 Montage Mountain Rd
Scranton, PA
(570) 969-7669


Carmen's Radisson Lackawanna Sta Hotel Scranton
700 Lackawanna Ave
Scranton, PA
(570) 342-8300


Endless MT Resort
RR 1
Union Dale, PA
(570) 679-2400


Lukan's Farm Resort Inc
539 Long Ridge Rd
Hawley, PA
(570) 226-4574


Keen Lake Camping Resort
RR 3 Box 1976
Waymart, PA
(570) 488-6161


Hickory Ridge Resorts
182 Ski Run Rd
Honesdale, PA
(570) 253-1511


Archbald Pothole State Park

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