Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area

Lackawanna Heritage Valley is a protected area spanning four counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, organized around the Lackawanna River and its watershed. The region links several towns and smaller communities that grew along this waterway.

The area became Pennsylvania's first State Heritage Park in 1991, then earned National Heritage Area status in 2000. This recognition was established to protect and document the region's industrial past.

The valley holds deep roots in coal mining communities and the working traditions tied to extracting resources from the earth. Today, local gatherings and stories shared in villages keep memories of miners and their families alive in everyday conversation.

Visitors can walk and bike along more than 110 kilometers of developed trails following the Lackawanna River, connecting different towns and villages. The paths remain open throughout the year and offer sections suitable for various fitness levels.

The area houses working museums inside converted coal mines and old iron furnaces where visitors can descend underground to see workspaces. These sites reveal how people labored and survived in harsh conditions.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: 1991

Website: http://lhva.org

GPS coordinates: 41.40890,-75.67660

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24