The Ultimate Afternoon at Merli Sarnoski Park
“Lackawanna County’s Lesser Known Gem”
Merli Sarnoski Park is a 840-acre park located just outside of Carbondale in northern Lackawanna County and in between Homestead Golf Course and Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. Dedicated in 1974 after Medal of Honor recipients, Gino Merli and Joseph Sarnoski. The park features a public lake for swimming and fishing, athletic fields, basketball courts, volley ball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Merli Sarnoski Park has over 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for you to enjoy.
Merli Sarnoski Park Trail
The parks main trail is a 2.9 mile moderate loop located just at the entrance to the park. Total elevation for this hike is 577ft which makes for a great activity for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash.
Mountain Mud Pond and Boneyard Loop
Another popular trail is the Mountain Mud Pond Trail which leads into the Boneyard Loop. All together the trail is a 3.5 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 403ft which makes for easy hiking and biking. The trail takes you down to the beach where it connects with the Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail eventually merging off and continuing deeper into the forest.
Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail
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Our personal favorite, mostly because it is our dogs favorite hike every, the Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail is a 1.1 mile easy hike that takes along the lake all the way around. Typically a less traveled, this trail offers quiet areas to hang your hammock, take in the lake views, and spot some of there parks many birds.
Blade Biking Trail
This 1 mile moderate biking trail is a great trail to get your feet wet to the world of mountain biking.
Fern Trail
Fern Trail is a 1 mile multi use trail typically used for hiking and running, but mountain bikers do tend to use the trail for a quick out and back.
HR 280
HR 280 is a 3 mile hiking and biking trail that is one of the less popular trails located within there park, but features some of the most difficult terrain in the area.
Twister Trail
Twister Trail is a 1 mile extremely difficult trail for hikers and bikers and is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in northern Lackawanna County.
Lake and Beach Activities
Merli Sarnoski Park is a great place to enjoy some beach time and fun in the sun even with the ocean hours away. The park features a large beach with bath houses, a pavilion for some shade and grilling, and has a large area for recreational swimming.
Fishing is arguably the most popular lake activity within the park. The park is typically stocked with fish by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Located to the rear of the lake is a boat launch for motorized boats, kayaks, and fishing boats for your enjoyment. The lake also features a large handicap accessible pier for everyone to enjoy.
Athletic Fields/Courts and playgrounds
Merli Sarnoski is the place for outdoor activities in Greenfield Township. The park is equipped with a regulation soccer field typically used for soccer matches, clinics and practices. Also located just north of the beach area is a full court basketball court nestled in the trees hidden from the road. It is a great location for some pick up games with friends or to get some shots up with no disturbances to distract you from your jump shot.
Along with basketball and soccer, the park is great for volleyball activities. At the entrance to the park is a full grass volleyball court located right next to the playground. Just off the beach to the south is a full sand volleyball court for beach goers to enjoy.
The park also features 2 full playgrounds fixed with swings, slides, monkey bars, and a variety of playground equipment for your young one’s enjoyment.
Make Merli Sarnoski Park a priority next time you visit NEPA.
Next time you find yourself in Carbondale or Greenfield Township make sure you take a trip to Merli Sarnoski Park. Whether you are looking for some lake fun, hiking, biking, or just relaxing in the parks many open fields to set up a picnic, this is the place to be.
Until next time,
BRICK
