Archbald Pothole State Park in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-23. Check linked official notices before travel.

Archbald Pothole State Park protects a large glacial pothole north of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This is a place for a focused geology stop and a short woodland walk. Vehicle access is seasonal, so check the closure period before making the detour from Interstate 81.

Highlights at the pothole

The rock opening reaches 38 feet down and narrows toward its base. Glacial meltwater and circulating stones carved the feature. A small loop also follows a former coal-mine tram route, linking the woodland setting with the area's mining past.

Plan a seasonal visit

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Confirm seasonal access with the managing office before an off-season trip.

A deep opening and shared woods

Observe the pothole from the designated viewing area. Do not climb into the opening or cross protective barriers. Hunting occurs on approximately 100 acres during established seasons, so review the hunting boundaries and rules before walking beyond the main attraction.

Preserve the geology

Leave the rock surfaces intact. The exposed pothole continues to weather, and damage cannot simply be replaced. Report vandalism to park staff. Keep your visit on established visitor routes.

Reservable facilities

The park currently has no reservable facilities. Contact the Lackawanna State Park office for specific access arrangements rather than assuming a campground or reservable shelter is available here.

Find the park entrance

The entrance is on US Business Route 6 in Archbald. From Interstate 81, take Exit 191A toward Carbondale on Business US 6. The park is on the right about six miles along that road. The managing office's mailing address in North Abington Township is a different destination.

Use the official park profile and maps before arrival. Save the map for offline use.

Nearby state parks

Lackawanna State Park, north of Scranton near the I-81 corridor, is another road-accessible stop in the area. Prompton State Park lies farther east near Honesdale, with access from West Shore Road. Select the next park by your onward route rather than treating either as part of Archbald Pothole.

View the pothole and walk the loop

Start by comparing the opening with the narrower lower walls. Its shape helps explain why the feature is a pothole carved into bedrock, rather than a mine entrance dug to its present form.

For a walk, take the small loop from the wayside. It follows an old tram road through forest and past rock ledges. The park's hiking page links to the route map.

Viewing area and visitor support

The attraction has a viewing area above the pothole and a loop trail from the wayside. Ask the managing office about any accommodation you need before traveling. Seasonal park access and conditions determine which parts of a visit are practical.

Geology and mining history

An underground discovery

Coal miner Patrick Mahon uncovered the filled pothole in 1884 while extending a mine shaft. Workers cleared the stones, and the feature later drew public tours. Pennsylvania received the property in 1961 and dedicated the state park in 1964.

Swirling meltwater first cut through sandstone, then shale and anthracite coal. The hole was subsequently buried by sediment before mining exposed it. The official history explains both processes.

Contact the managing office

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the park through the Lackawanna State Park Complex. Call 570-945-3239 or email [email protected].