Lacawac Sanctuary
Nature preserve
About
Lacawac Sanctuary is a nonprofit nature preserve of about 550 acres in Wayne County, near Lake Wallenpaupack. It has over 9 miles of hiking trails through woods and wetlands, and you can pick up a printed trail map at the Visitor Center or Welcome Station.
Trails run from 0.2-mile strolls to the 2.9-mile Big Lake Trail, which passes Heron and Golden ponds and has a view of Lake Wallenpaupack. The Lake Lacawac trail leads to a boardwalk over a boreal bog, and a pair of osprey nests along Heron Pond each year. You can scan QR codes along the trails for a self-guided tour.
History
The land was once part of a summer estate called Connell Park, and its 1903 lodge is part of an estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Watres family started the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation in 1966 with a donation of 341 acres, and the sanctuary was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968.
When to go
The sanctuary is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The rhododendron trail is best in the summer months, according to Lacawac.
Good to know
Leashed dogs are welcome. Stay on existing trails and take your dog's waste with you.
Alcoholic drinks, smoking and fires of any kind are not permitted.
Lacawac says it offers accessibility features including all-terrain wheelchairs and scooters, so ask ahead.
Price
- Hiking the trailsFree
Some programs and events may have their own prices. Check the website before you go.
Prices checked November 2026 on the website of Lacawac Sanctuary. They can change, so check before you go.
Run Lacawac Sanctuary? Offer a coupon here for free.
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