Prompton State Park


Prompton State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on in Clinton and Dyberry Townships, Wayne County, Pennsylvania in the United States. This park, which was established in 1962, is officially listed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as being undeveloped. This means that it is officially a state park but the PA-DCNR is not currently managing the park. However, the lands of the park are open to visitors. Friends of Prompton State Park, a grassroots organization is working to take over management of the park in much the same way that Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County is managed by The Friends of Salt Springs Park. Northeast Sports Ltd. of Honesdale sponsors several outdoor sports events that are held at the park. Prompton State Park is west of Honesdale on Pennsylvania Route 170.

History

In May of 1942, heavy rains caused the Lackawaxen River and Dyberry Creek to rise rapidly. The record-breaking flooding in nearby Honesdale and Hawley claimed 29 lives and caused over $7 million damages. Following this flood, plans were made to control future flooding in the Lackawaxen River valley. Congress authorized funding in 1948 for the construction of two dams by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In nearby Dyberry Township, Jadwin Dam was completed in 1959. In the following year, Prompton Dam was completed, which included a reservoir. The park was opened for public use in 1962.

Recreation

Prompton State Park is open to visitors year-round. Activities available to the visitor include fishing, hiking, boating, picnicking, mountain biking, hunting, ice fishing, geocaching, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park closes at dusk, so the park and its lake are for day-use recreational activities only. There are no campgrounds on premise.

Disc Golf

The park also includes an 18-hole dual basket disc golf course. The course has multiple terrains, including moderate hills and lightly wooded areas. The disc golf course is located at the dam entrance at the south end of the park. This is a favorite spot for local celebrity Dave Gorman.

Boating

Small motorboats, up to 10 horsepower, are permitted on the 280-acre lake. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and other non-powered water-crafts are permitted on the lake. The boat launch is located on the west shore. It is accessible on route 170 2-miles from the route 6 intersection.

Fishing and Hunting

Fishing, including ice-fishing, is permitted in the 290-acre Prompton Lake. Hunting is also permitted in most of the park along with trapping and dog training during hunting season. Both activities require proper licenses.

Trails

There are over 26 miles of hiking trails surrounding the lake. All trails are marked with blazes. All hiking trails are also open to mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The hiking trails have varying terrains and elevation with varying levels of difficulty.
On the south end of the park, the parking lot is beside the dam on route 170 near the intersection of route 6. On the north end of the park, a parking lot is accessible off of Beech Grove Road.
Additional trails accessible from the North End:
Additional trails accessible from the South End:
The following state parks are within of Prompton State Park: