Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Catawissa to Honesdale

Traveling by car is one of the most liberating and beautiful ways to experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer. This road trip starts in Catawissa, a small town in Columbia County, and ends in Honesdale, located in the northeast of the state. Along the way, visitors will find a plethora of nature's beauty, small-town charm, and fascinating historical landmarks. The halfway point of the trip is Forty Fort, PA, where visitors can take a break and visit the Forty Fort Meetinghouse, a significant spot in American history.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Ricketts Glen State Park. This state park is a must-visit destination for lovers of natural beauty and hiking. With its 22 named waterfalls, ranging from 11 to 94 feet in height, this park will leave visitors breathless. The Falls Trail System in the park offers a 7.2-mile hike, which can take around three to five hours to complete. It's worth exploring, though, as the views and the sound of rushing water are remarkable.

Interesting Fact: Ricketts Glen was named a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1969.

2. Knoebels Amusement Resort. A trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort is a perfect day out for the whole family. From roller coasters to waterslides and classic amusements like Bumper Cars and The Whip, this park has something for everyone. Visitors who have grown tired of the thrill rides should relax on the Scenic Skyway, which offers stunning views of the park. There is also a campground for visitors who want to extend their stay.

Interesting Fact: The park's Grand Carousel has over 50,000 lights on it.

3. Steamtown National Historic Site. Railway enthusiasts will adore Steamtown National Historic Site. Here, visitors can learn about America's steam-era through interactive exhibits and a working roundhouse. The park also offers train rides through the Pocono Mountains, with an eye-opening narration. Visitors who want to learn more about the railroad's history in northeastern Pennsylvania can participate in one of the many special events scheduled throughout the year.

Interesting Fact: Steamtown National Historic Site is the only national park to maintain its collection of steam locomotives.

4. Lackawanna County Coal Mine Take a trip into the county's coal mining past with a visit to the Lackawanna County Coal Mine. Visitors will travel 300 feet into the earth via a mine car and tour the intricate coal-mining network that lies beneath the city. The guides are well-equipped to teach visitors about coal mining history and the dangers of the job. Finally, visitors should consider stopping by the museum, where they can see displays and photographs documenting the industry's evolution.

Interesting Fact: The Lackawanna County Coal Mine was closed in December 1966 and re-opened as a historical site in 1985.

5. Honesdale. Honesdale is where this journey ends. This small town was founded in 1826 and has a rich history to share with visitors. Those interested in the town's history should make a stop at the Wayne County Historical Society and the Dorflinger Glass Museum. Honesdale also has plenty of craft breweries, antique shops, and galleries to visit.

Interesting Fact: Honesdale was the birthplace of the American railroad. The Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive in America to run on rails, operated there in 1829.

Conclusion

This road trip from Catawissa, Pennsylvania to Honesdale, Pennsylvania highlights the beauty of the state and its unique attractions, ranging from picturesque natural beauty to handmade glass and jewelry. However, there is also a plethora of towns and historical sites in between that visitors can experience. Altogether, this road trip is around 70 miles and may take two to three days to complete, but it is worth it for the breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences.