The best running trails around Clarks Summit

Yes, several parks in the Clarks Summit area welcome dogs. Hillside Park is noted as dog-friendly, offering well-maintained paths for you and your canine companion to enjoy.

Absolutely. The region offers routes suitable for families. The Trolley Trail, for instance, is ideal for walking, running, and biking, featuring a gentle grade and mostly crushed stone or gravel surfaces. Hillside Park also includes a playground and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing.

The running trails around Clarks Summit offer diverse terrain. You'll find peaceful park paths, forested hills, and routes with moderate elevation gains. Some trails, like sections of the Trolley Trail, feature crushed stone or gravel surfaces, while others, such as the Lake Scranton Walking Trail, are paved. The area is characterized by serene lakes and lush greenery.

Yes, many popular running routes in the area are loops. Examples include the Natural Wetland loop from Scranton, the Lackawanna Lake loop from Waverly, and the Fairground Hill loop from Lackawanna State Park. The Lake Scranton Walking Trail is also a popular 3.57-mile paved loop.

Clarks Summit offers many scenic views. You can enjoy the natural wetland areas on the Natural Wetland loop from Scranton, or the beautiful Lackawanna Lake on the Lackawanna Lake loop from Waverly. Other notable features include the pond at Hillside Park, the forested areas around Fairground Hill, and the picturesque landscapes of Abington Memorial Park. The Gateway Preserve also offers beautiful natural environments.

While the featured routes are moderate, the region does offer easier options. Hillside Park provides well-maintained paths suitable for all fitness levels, and the Trolley Trail has a gentle grade, making it accessible for beginners and casual runners.

Komoot features several highly-rated running routes around Clarks Summit, with more than 16 runners having explored the varied terrain. Beyond these, the broader Clarks Summit area boasts over 20 trails covering 348 miles, catering to various distances and elevation gains.

Runners frequently praise the diverse terrain, from peaceful park paths to trails with varied elevation, and the region's natural beauty, including forested hills, serene lakes, and well-maintained parklands. The variety of routes caters to different fitness levels, making it an appealing destination for outdoor activities.

Yes, many parks and trailheads in the Clarks Summit area offer parking facilities. For example, Hillside Park and Lackawanna State Park provide parking for visitors accessing their trails and amenities. The Trolley Trail also has accessible points with parking.

Clarks Summit's diverse climate allows for outdoor activities year-round. You can enjoy spring blooms, lush summer greenery, vibrant autumn foliage, and even winter jogging on suitable trails. Each season offers a unique experience of the region's natural beauty.

Yes, the Trolley Trail is a prime example. The section running from Clarks Summit to Dalton is built on a former interurban trolley line, offering a scenic and accessible path for running, walking, hiking, and biking. The Countryside Conservancy maintains this section.

Parks like Hillside Park offer a range of facilities in addition to running trails. These can include playgrounds, community gardens, pavilions, picnic areas, and even lakes open for fishing with ADA-accessible piers. Lackawanna State Park also provides extensive recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, and boating.