Carbondale Students Give Back Along the Heritage Trail

 

Seventh and eighth grade students from Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School spent October 21 caring for the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail while learning about the city’s industrial past.

With support from the Etnyre Foundation, students removed invasive plants, planted native trees and completed small habitat and erosion-control improvements as part of the school’s Community Service Day. Teachers worked alongside the students, helping keep the projects moving and everyone involved.

The activities combined hands-on stewardship with an introduction to the history behind the trail. Students learned about Carbondale’s industrial heritage and how a former Delaware & Hudson Railroad corridor became a place for walking, bicycling and enjoying the outdoors. Their work helped care for that community asset while showing how former industrial spaces can serve new purposes.

Etnyre is the parent company of Hendrick Manufacturing, a longtime member of Carbondale’s business community. The foundation’s support helped make the trail projects possible.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority staff were impressed by the students’ effort and the active involvement of their teachers. The day offered an opportunity for young people to contribute to their community and gain a greater appreciation for the trail and the natural areas surrounding it.

The City of Carbondale also supported Community Service Day, with Department of Public Works staff providing equipment and assistance.

Looking toward 2027, LHVA welcomes the opportunity to participate again and develop new projects with the school and city. Mayor Michele Bannon suggested inviting students to share their ideas before next year’s event, giving them a voice in choosing work that matters to them and their community.

Fall Family Fun Day Returns November 1st with Allegany River Seneca Dancers

 

SCRANTON— Fall Family Fun Day returns to the Nay Aug Avenue Natural Play Area on Sunday, November 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., bringing an afternoon of family-friendly activities, seasonal treats and cultural entertainment. Hosted by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA), the annual celebration is free and open to the public.

A highlight of this year’s event will be the return of the Allegany River Seneca Dancers, who delighted audiences during their August performance along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Back by popular demand, the group will share traditional Seneca songs and dances, offering families an opportunity to experience and learn about Native American culture and heritage. Their return is made possible through the generous support of the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau.

Families can also enjoy a petting zoo, crafts, stories, s’mores by the campfire and hot chocolate. The event offers a chance to enjoy the fall season while exploring one of Scranton’s unique outdoor recreational spaces.

Fall Family Fun Day takes place at the Nay Aug Avenue Natural Play Area, 1737 Nay Aug Avenue in Scranton, behind Giant Market.

Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. The event is made possible with support from community partners and sponsors.

For more information, visit www.LHVA.org or call 570-963-6730.

A Summer of Service Along the Heritage Trail

Members of the CareerLink of Lackawanna County summer crew gather outside Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority headquarters after completing a season of projects along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

 

SCRANTON — The PA CareerLink of Lackawanna County summer crew recently wrapped up a season of hard work along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Throughout the summer, crew members assisted with cleanups and plantings at several locations and completed a painting project at the Marvine Trailhead in Scranton.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority thanks the crew for its hard work and dedication. Their efforts helped keep the trail clean, welcoming and ready for the thousands of people who use it each year. We wish each crew member continued success.

“Rhythms of the Land” Brings Native American Song and Dance to the Heritage Trail

The Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority welcomed the Allegany River Seneca Dancers to Parker Street Landing in Scranton on Aug. 8 for Rhythms of the Land: A Native American Song & Dance Celebration.

Approximately 70 people gathered along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail for the free outdoor program, which featured traditional Native American songs, dances, storytelling and colorful regalia. The performance offered visitors an opportunity to experience the rich culture and enduring traditions of Native peoples while learning more about an important part of the Lackawanna Valley’s heritage.

The program was presented as part of LHVA’s continuing effort to tell the many stories that have shaped the region. While the Lackawanna Valley is widely known for its coal and railroad history, its story reaches back much further, beginning with the Indigenous peoples who lived, traveled and cared for the lands surrounding the Lackawanna River long before the region’s industrial era.

The Allegany River Seneca Dancers shared traditional dances and cultural traditions with the audience, creating an afternoon that combined education, history and community along the trail.

Fidelity Bank helped make the afternoon even sweeter by providing complimentary ice cream bars for those attending the celebration.

LHVA thanks the Allegany River Seneca Dancers for sharing their traditions with the community, Fidelity Bank for its support, and everyone who joined us at Parker Street Landing.

The enthusiastic turnout and response to the program demonstrated the community’s interest in cultural programming that explores the full history and heritage of the Lackawanna Valley.

When Big Boy 4014 Came to Scranton

Big Boy crosses Bridge 60 over the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of residents and visitors alike.  

Scranton was once home to five major Class A railroads. In June 2026, it once again became the center of the railroad world.

Presented as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, the historic reunion of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, and its sibling, Big Boy No. 4012, on permanent display at Steamtown National Historic Site, transformed the city into a destination for railroad enthusiasts, families, and history lovers from across Pennsylvania, throughout the United States, and around the world.

For the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the event represented one of the most significant heritage tourism experiences in the organization’s 35-year history.

Built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company, Big Boy No. 4014 remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of the steam era. Designed to haul massive freight trains across the Wasatch Mountains, it became part of the transportation network that carried the coal, steel, machinery, and military supplies that fueled America’s industrial strength during World War II. More than eight decades later, it continues to stand as a symbol of American innovation, craftsmanship, and determination.

Its reunion with Big Boy No. 4012 at Steamtown carried special significance. Although the locomotives once worked side by side on Union Pacific’s transcontinental railroad, their appearance together in Scranton offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience one preserved for future generations and the other restored to operating condition. It was a powerful reminder that preservation and restoration work hand in hand to keep history alive.

Few moments better illustrated that connection than Big Boy’s crossing of historic Bridge 60 above the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. As the giant locomotive thundered overhead, walkers and cyclists paused to watch a scene that connected the region’s railroad past with its recreational future. The former rail corridor below, now one of Pennsylvania’s premier multi-use trails, demonstrates how historic transportation infrastructure can continue serving communities in new and meaningful ways.

The event also underscored the value of heritage tourism. Visitors explored downtown Scranton, toured museums, walked the trail, stayed in local hotels, dined in area restaurants, and discovered the people and places that define northeastern Pennsylvania. Their visit extended well beyond the railroad tracks, providing an economic boost while introducing thousands of first-time visitors to the region’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.

“For more than two remarkable weeks, Scranton became a destination for people who wanted to experience history firsthand,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph J. Corcoran. “The excitement surrounding the Big Boy reunion showed that America’s railroad heritage continues to capture the imagination of visitors from every generation. It also demonstrated the important role heritage tourism plays in strengthening local communities, supporting local businesses, and preserving the stories that define northeastern Pennsylvania. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, there could be no better reminder that our history continues to shape our future.”

That may be Big Boy’s greatest legacy.

At a time when technology continues to reshape the way we live, a steam locomotive built more than 80 years ago brought together generations of visitors through a shared appreciation of American ingenuity and perseverance. It reminded us that our nation’s story is told not only through its founding documents and historic battlefields, but also through the railroads, factories, mines, and workers whose innovations helped build modern America.

Scranton demonstrated that preserving our industrial heritage is about more than remembering the past. It is about celebrating the ingenuity, resilience, and spirit that continue to define our communities today. As America marks its 250th anniversary, the reunion of Big Boy No. 4014 and No. 4012 served as a powerful reminder that history is not simply something we inherit. It is something we preserve, share, and pass forward to the generations that follow.

Native Planting Project Brings New Life to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The best way to celebrate America’s past is to invest in its future. That’s exactly what students participating in the STARS (Students Together Achieving Remarkable Success) at Marywood University program did when they volunteered along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

The group of shining STARS recently turned out for a volunteer planting project as part of LHVA’s America 250 Native Planting Initiative. Students representing Scranton High School, West Scranton High School, Scranton Preparatory School, and Holy Cross High School worked alongside LHVA staff and volunteers to plant native Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel along the trail corridor.

The project is one of several beautification and environmental stewardship efforts being undertaken by LHVA in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the trail, the native shrubs will provide valuable habitat for birds and pollinators while improving the ecological health of the landscape for years to come.

The STARS program brings students from diverse backgrounds together for leadership development, educational enrichment, and community service. Their enthusiasm and willingness to tackle the work under the summer sun demonstrated a shared commitment to improving the communities they call home.

“Projects like this give students an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their community,” said LHVA Volunteer Coordinator John Morrow. “By planting native shrubs, they’re helping improve the trail while learning the importance of caring for our natural resources.”

LHVA extends its sincere appreciation to the STARS at Marywood University program, its staff, and the participating students for helping ensure that the trail continues to grow as both a recreational destination and a place where the region’s natural beauty can flourish.

 

Adaptive Cycling Program Brings Freedom and Fun to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail was filled with smiles, laughter, and the spirit of inclusion as Lackawanna Heritage Valley welcomed participants from the Lackawanna Blind Association and Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM) for a spectacular day of adaptive cycling and outdoor recreation.

The event provided individuals of varying abilities the opportunity to experience the trail using a variety of adaptive bicycles designed to meet different mobility and accessibility needs. Riders enjoyed a scenic journey while experiencing the freedom that cycling can provide.

For many participants, the ride was about more than recreation. It was an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy time with friends, build confidence, and experience the outdoors in a way that might otherwise be difficult or inaccessible.

Adaptive cycling has become an important part of LHVA’s efforts to make the trail welcoming to everyone. Through partnerships with organizations such as Individual Abilities in Motion and the Lackawanna Blind Association, the trail continues to serve as a community resource where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.

Throughout the day, riders and volunteers shared stories, encouragement, and plenty of smiles as they traveled the trail together. The event highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of ensuring that outdoor recreation opportunities are available to all members of the community.

“Programs like this demonstrate that trails are about much more than transportation or recreation,” said April Rogato, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Executive Assistant. “They create opportunities for connection, independence, and shared experiences that bring people together.”

Lackawanna Heritage Valley extends its gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and participants from the Lackawanna Blind Association and Individual Abilities in Motion for helping make the event such a success.

As the adaptive bicycles rolled along the trail, they served as a reminder of a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and beauty of the outdoors.

From High Wheels to Heritage Trails: New Exhibit Celebrates World Bicycle Day

In recognition of World Bicycle Day and America250 PA, Lackawanna Heritage Valley (LHVA) has unveiled a new mini exhibit at its headquarters titled From High Wheels to Heritage Trails.

Created in partnership with the Lackawanna Historical Society, the exhibit features two remarkable bicycles on loan from the Society’s collection: an 1880s Penny Farthing, known for its oversized front wheel, and an early women’s “safety bicycle,” a design that helped make cycling more practical and accessible to a wider population.

The project was made possible through the efforts of Ella Rayburn, a longtime member of the LHVA Board of Directors and a dedicated advocate for preserving and sharing the region’s history. Rayburn recently retired from the Board after years of service to the organization and the community. 

Through interpretive displays, the exhibit explores how bicycles evolved alongside the railroads, industries, and river valleys that shaped northeastern Pennsylvania during the late nineteenth century. Early cyclists often traveled the same transportation corridors that connected communities, moved goods, and fueled economic growth throughout the Lackawanna Valley.

Today, that legacy continues along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Developed through the reuse of former railroad corridors, the trail welcomes thousands of cyclists each year who experience the region’s landscapes, communities, and history at a human pace.

As Pennsylvania participates in the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, From High Wheels to Heritage Trails offers a unique look at the innovations in transportation and recreation that helped connect people to the places they called home.

Eagle Scout Project Adds New Bike Repair Station to Heritage Trail

Trail users now have a new resource to help keep their bicycles in working order thanks to the efforts of a local Eagle Scout candidate.

Joseph Sandrowicz, a member of Boy Scout Troop 21 in Dickson City, recently completed the installation of a bicycle repair station and air pump at the West Lackawanna Avenue trail access point in Olyphant. The project was undertaken as part of Joseph’s requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting.

The repair station provides cyclists with a convenient location to perform minor maintenance and repairs while using the trail. Equipped with tools and an air pump, the station will help riders address common issues such as loose components or low tire pressure, allowing them to continue their journey safely and with confidence.

rail

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail serves thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists each year, and trail amenities such as repair stations help enhance the user experience while promoting safe outdoor recreation.

“Projects like this demonstrate the positive impact that young people can have on their communities,” said Joseph J. Corcoran, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “Joseph’s work will benefit trail users for years to come and is a valuable addition to the trail system.”

Eagle Scout projects are designed to provide meaningful service to the community while developing leadership, planning and project management skills. Joseph’s repair station is a lasting contribution that reflects both those values and a commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority congratulates Joseph on this accomplishment and thanks him for helping make the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail a better place for everyone to enjoy.

LHVA Awarded $1.35 Million State Grant for Historic Marvine Bridge Trail Connection in North Scranton

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) has been awarded a $1.35 million Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to rehabilitate and repurpose the historic Marvine steel truss bridge in North Scranton.

The project will transform the long-abandoned 317-foot bridge into a pedestrian and bicycle connection linking nearby neighborhoods directly to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the region’s broader 70-mile trail network.

Constructed in the early 1900s, the Marvine bridge once served the area’s anthracite mining operations and remains an important reminder of North Scranton’s industrial heritage. Through this investment, the structure will gain new life as a safe and accessible community asset focused on recreation, transportation alternatives, and neighborhood connectivity.

The bridge project represents a major step toward the long-term vision for the proposed Lower Leggett’s Creek Greenway, which seeks to expand trail access and connect more residents to outdoor recreation opportunities throughout North Scranton.

“This project is about reconnecting neighborhoods and creating safe, practical access to one of the region’s most important recreational resources,” said Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA. “The Marvine bridge serves as the catalyst for future trail connections that will allow more residents and families to reach the trail system directly from their neighborhoods.”

As part of the project, LHVA will rehabilitate the historic steel truss structure for public use and create improved trail access connections in the Marvine Dutch Gap area. The project also advances broader efforts to improve walkability, encourage healthy outdoor activity, and preserve historic infrastructure through adaptive reuse.

Funding was awarded through PennDOT’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. The statewide program supports projects that improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, community accessibility, and transportation alternatives.

LHVA thanked its project partners, local municipalities, and elected officials for their continued support of regional trail and connectivity initiatives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.