Lackawaxen River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lackawaxen River |
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The Lackawaxen River several miles above confluence with the Delaware River
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Map of Lackawaxen and Lackawanna watersheds
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Region | Poconos |
| Counties | Wayne, Pike |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | West Branch Lackawaxen River Confluence above Belmont Lake, in Orson and Poyntelle 1,840 ft (560 m) 41°47′31″N 75°25′54″W / 41.79194°N 75.43167°W |
| 2nd source | Johnson Creek Mt. Pleasant Twp. 1,480 ft (450 m) 41°44′45″N 75°23′1″W / 41.74583°N 75.38361°W |
| River mouth | Delaware River Lackawaxen 580 ft (180 m) 41°29′13″N 74°59′14″W / 41.48694°N 74.98722°W |
| Length | 31 mi (50 km) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 598 sq mi (1,550 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Discharge figures from and | |
The Lackawaxen River is a cool river in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. It's about 31 miles (50 km) long. This river flows through the northern Pocono Mountains, a beautiful area. It's a tributary of the much larger Delaware River. This means the Lackawaxen River flows into the Delaware River. The river helps drain water from an area of about 598 square miles (1,549 km²).
Contents
Journey of the Lackawaxen River
The Lackawaxen River starts in Prompton. This is a small town in western Wayne County. It begins where two smaller streams, the West Branch and Van Auken Creek, meet.
Flowing Through Towns
As the river flows, it passes by several towns. It goes through Honesdale and Hawley. Near Hawley, another stream called Wallenpaupack Creek joins it. Water from the Lake Wallenpaupack hydroelectric power plant also flows into the river here.
Joining the Delaware River
The river continues its journey east. Finally, it meets the Delaware River in a place called Lackawaxen. Long ago, the river was made deeper east of Honesdale. This was part of a big project for the Delaware and Hudson Canal.
Fun Activities on the River
The Lackawaxen River is a great spot for outdoor fun!
Canoeing and Fishing
Many people enjoy canoeing on its waters. It's also a very popular place for fly fishing. People come here to catch trout.
Famous Fishermen
Did you know that the famous American author Zane Grey learned to fly fish right here? He loved fishing in these waters.
What's in a Name?
The name "Lackawaxen" comes from the Lenape language. It means "swift waters." This name perfectly describes parts of the river!
West Branch Lackawaxen River
The West Branch is an important part of the Lackawaxen River system. It's about 21.5 miles (34.6 km) long.
Where it Starts
This branch begins where several small streams come together. This happens in the villages of Orson and Poyntelle. Both villages are in northern Wayne County.
Its Path and Lakes
The West Branch flows south-southeast. It goes through Belmont Lake in Belmont Corners. After that, another stream called Johnson Creek joins it. Then, it flows southeast through the Prompton Lake reservoir. Finally, it meets Van Auken Creek. This meeting forms the main part of the Lackawaxen River.
