An Afternoon at Nay Aug Park
Scranton, Pennsylvania’s third largest city, is home to the beautiful Nay Aug Park. The park features natural wonders, and family fun activities such as the Nay Aug Gorge, swimming pools, open fields, and some coal mine history. Additionally the Everhart Museum, play grounds, waterslides, and pet friendly waling paths are an afternoon must when visiting Scranton. This post will share some experiences and guides to enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.
Walking Trails of Nay Aug
The park offers a few different pet friendly (leashed up of course) walking trails, including the Davis Trail. A personal favorite, the David Trail spans the outside edge of the park and runs parallel to Roaring Brook. This 2 mile trail with access to over looks of the Nay Aug Gorge, a walking bridge across the Gorge and some great views of the Nay Aug Falls, is the most popular trail within the park. You can access Roaring Brook by taking Kanjorski Covered Bridge. Another spectacle of the park and easily accessible, the bridge offers great views of the Gorge, therefore this a popular spot for park goers. Swimming or accessing the gorge is strictly prohibited as fatalities have occurred in the Gorge. Signs are easily visible on where you are allowed to access.
On our visit to the park, Britt and I took our little pups, Cali and Peyton on the Davis Trail for a nice afternoon walk. The dogs loved it. All the sniffs and open areas for them to run around is exactly what we were looking for. We started at the beginning of the Davis Trail in the northwest corner of the park, and headed down to the Gorge. The trail offers a few different outlook and viewing points of the river below as well as tunnels and the old remnants of the railroad tracks that used to be bustling back when coal was king. The path itself is mostly gravel creating a comfortable hike that can be done regardless of skill or physical ability.
The Gorge
Formed over 11,500 years ago after the last Ice Age, the Gorge is one of Pennsylvania’s 27 National Park Service Natural Landmarks in Pennsylvania. Offering beautiful views of the valley, changing leaves in the fall, and a natural waterfalls, this Gorge is definitely a must see when visiting the park. Again, as stated. above, access to the water is off limits.
When Britt and I finally made it down to the viewing point for the Gorge, it was a perfect time to hydrate and for the pups take a little break. The viewing points offer great views and shaded areas for some cover on a hot summer day. The day that we decided to choose to do the park was a sunny yet cool day for an afternoon stroll, a perfect combination in my opinion. The park and trails were not as busy as the normally are in the summer, therefore it was a perfect day to get out.
David Wenzel Tree House
Offering more stunning views of the Gorge is the David Wenzel Tree House. This is a great spot to take your kids for a good view of the Gorge.
From the trail, the tree house really is something to stop and take in. The Davis Trail runs directly below the walking bridge to the edge of the tree house. You can access the bridge from the parking area, or trails above the Davis Trail.
The Everhart Museum
Another great activity to take in while visiting the park, is checking out the Everhart Museum. The museum was built in 1908 and offers education, art, science and natural history galleries. The museum offers a variety of different membership and community events for all to enjoy. If you plan on enjoying the museum for the afternoon, the fee is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and students, and children are free. This is definitely worth the visit.
The Swimming Pools and Waterpark
Nay Aug offers 2 olympic sized community pools and a water slide for the kiddos to enjoy. Unfortunately at the moment the swimming complex is undergoing renovations and is closed to the public. However, once renovations are complete, the swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the sunshine and enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.
Grab a bite or some coffee at Blackwatch Cafe inside the park
Nestled at the northwest corner of the park is Blackwatch Cafe. This small, quant, and cute cafe is located just before the Davis Trails entrance. Grab a bite or a drink before your trek. They offer indoor and outdoor seating for their patrons.
Have a Picnic in the park
The park offers large fields for relaxing and lounging. Additionally these field are great for family activities and get togethers. The park has 2 playgrounds, great for your little ones, as well as benches and grill pits. You can grab a bite at the acfe or pack your lunch for the day. 2 places I would recommend if you choose to bring your food is “Eden a Vegan Cafe”. Known for their vegan food and fares, this eatery is great for salads as well as their pizza and sandwiches. If Vegan is not your thing, no worries. Pick up a to go sandwich or light meal from Purple Pepper Deli & Farmstead. This Deli is a local favorite featuring a large menu so you will be sure to find something you enjoy.
Events and Conclusion for your Afternoon at Nay Aug Park
Nay Aug hosts a variety of different events year round, from Concerts, poetry reading and stand up comedy, as well as galleries and events in the museum. I highly recommend that you check their events page before planning a visit to the park. I hope this post helps you enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.
