HONESDALE, Pa. (October 20) – Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) joined Wayne County Commissioners, the Lackawaxen River Trails group, and others to celebrate the opening of the new Indian Orchard River Access in Texas Township, Wayne County.
The access area features a concrete boat launch for canoes and kayaks, a paved access road and parking area, restroom, walking trail, and picnic areas for nature viewing along the Lackawaxen River.
"With the completion of this project, we celebrate the results of the incredible momentum that started several years ago, when a special group of partners committed to delivering improved public access to the Lackawaxen River and throughout the Delaware River Watershed,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Continuing what has become an October tradition as predictable as Halloween, we are gathering again to cut the ribbon on a third new boat access, with Indian Orchard being the final piece to complete the Lackawaxen River Trail. Thank you to our partners in Wayne County for seizing the opportunity to connect communities through recreation and make the Lackawaxen more accessible and relevant than ever.”
Funding for the Indian Orchard River Access project was provided to Wayne County through the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program ($245,700) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and local fundraising.
“This river trail is quickly becoming one of the jewels of Wayne County,” said Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Jocelyn Cramer and James Shook. “We wanted these access points created along the Lackawaxen to be for everyone, so we’re glad to see the handicapped accessible features at both Sycamore Point and White Mills. We encourage everyone to recreate, enjoy these idyllic spots along the river, and take advantage of the natural beauty that Wayne County offers. We’re so excited to see a worthwhile idea on paper come to fruition so quickly and so wonderfully.”
"We have had an amazing journey together with our partners since we first envisioned this project over the past decade," said Molly Rodgers of the Lackawaxen River Trails group. "Starting with about a dozen enthusiastic volunteers, we earned the buy-in from our county commissioners, found public support evidenced in a trail feasibility study, secured grants, and welcomed donations of all sizes to help make it happen. What we celebrate today is the combined effort of so many different people who have helped make the river trail a reality."
Indian Orchard is the midpoint of the 10-mile-long river trail from Honesdale to Hawley and is the last of several recently constructed boat access projects that have been funded by an approximately $1,000,000 investment through both PFBC and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant programs and local partners.
In addition to Indian Orchard, the PFBC and DCNR provided funding to establish the White Mills River Access Park in Texas Township in 2023, and Sycamore Point Park in Honesdale in 2024. When awarding funding through its Boating Facility Grant Program in 2021 and 2022, the PFBC placed special emphasis on projects within the Delaware River Watershed. Thanks to additional grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, a combined $559,672 was dedicated to the three projects in Wayne County.
State elected officials representing Wayne County reiterated the importance of continued local, state, and federal partnerships and encouraged local residents and visitors to take advantage of the unique features of each new access area along the river trail.
“I’m delighted to see the opening of the Indian Orchard River Access and the entire Lackawaxen River Trail,” said Senator Rosemary M. Brown (PA-40). “These projects serve as an example of how a wonderful community partnership can result in meaningful projects that enhance public access to our natural resources, while also boosting recreation and tourism. The Lackawaxen River holds a rich history in our region and we’re already seeing the positive impact this trail will continue to have on our region.”
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when state, local and federal partners come together with a shared vision,” said Senator Lisa Baker (PA-20). “The Lackawaxen River Trail is not only enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities, but it’s also strengthening community connections and supporting tourism throughout Wayne County. Investments like these reflect our commitment to preserving natural beauty while expanding access for everyone to enjoy it.”
"Wayne County continues to be a leader in the Commonwealth as we recognize how delivering world-class recreational opportunities to our residents and visitors enhances our quality of life and benefits our economy,” said State Representative Jonathan Fritz (PA-111). “The investment of time and funding contributed by so many partners on the local, state, and federal levels is inspiring and proves that we can accomplish incredible things when we work together."
For more information on the PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program, visit Fishandboat.com.