We all know and love Lake Wallenpaupack in any season. In winter, it's frozen over, and these trails remain open for the most part. The lake trail along the dike leads past the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, through Wilsonville Campground, past the high school, and into the Creek Trail, which descends from the hydroelectric dam. In 2025, a new trail will connect this trail, the Creek Trail, and the Hawley trails, extending all the way to Lock 31. We wanted to give you a little introduction to the Gorge Trail—come on along.

Molly Rodgers and Grant Genzlinger are part of the Lackawaxen River Trails Group, which has worked to create more trails in the region. The Gorge trail a finished product, set to open in the spring of 2025.

"I think it's a wonderful thing," said Genzlinger. "It's been a long time coming. Anytime you're able to complete something that adds a public outdoor amenity for people's health, it's a great thing."  

This nearly two-mile trail has been in the works for years, winding its way between Hawley and the lake. State grants helped turn the Gorge Trail into a reality.

"We were just persistent, and it paid off," said Rodgers. "I think everybody is going to love this."  

We should note—this is not an easy trail. It’s an uphill, tough-terrain hike, so you have to be prepared.

"Some of the trails we've built so far have been handicapped accessible," Rodgers points out, "but this one is not. There are rough spots and roots to navigate, so it’s definitely a challenging trail."  

"It’s more like an Appalachian Trail, not a town trail," she continued. "If you're starting in Hawley, you're hiking uphill toward the lake. If you're coming from the lake, the Creek Trail, and the dam, it's an easier descent."  

"I think the vertical rise is 900 feet," Genzlinger added with a laugh.

Climbing the Gorge Trail, we continue to discuss the importance of this relatively short connector trail in terms of distance, while recognizing the significant impact it has on the Pocono Mountains and outdoor recreation.

"There has been a real lack of publicly accessible trails and parks throughout Wayne and Pike counties, which is surprising. Until recently, with our work on the Lackawaxen River, there was no public access to the river. The same goes for trails—there simply haven't been enough of them close to where people live. Having this connectivity winding through communities is truly remarkable. It’s a great asset for our region," said Genzlinger.

On one end, the Gorge Trail meets the Wallenpaupack Creek Trail, leading hikers past the hydroelectric dam and the massive pipe carrying water to the power plant. On the other end, it connects with the Hawley Park trails, including Riverside Park, the levee, and the downtown area—creating a roughly seven-mile route from the lake to Lock 31.

After several miles, you reach Lock 31 and D&H Canal Park. This is such a historic trail to walk—from Lake Wallenpaupack, through downtown Hawley, and down to Lock 31. To learn more, visit LackawaxenRiverTrails.org.