If you’re looking for information about visiting Irving Cliff Overlook in Wayne County, you’re in the right place!
Irving Cliff is a fabulous roadside scenic overlook that sits high above Honesdale, the Wayne County seat.
The cliff is named in honor of author Washington Irving, who wrote the short stories “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) among other titles.
Washington Irving visited the cliff in 1841 and wrote a glowing description about the experience in a letter to his sister.
In 1883, construction began on a summer hotel on the summit of Irving Cliff.
Tragically, the Irving Cliff Hotel, set to open on June 22, 1889, was destroyed by a fire on May 28, 1889, with the cause never being determined.
Directions to the Irving Cliff Overlook
Irving Cliff Overlook is located at 202 Gibbons Park Road, Honesdale, PA 18431.
If you prefer to navigate via GPS coordinates, use 41.57918, -75.25162 to find the large dirt parking lot where Gibbons Park Road dead-ends at the overlook.
Walk around the gate at the back edge of the parking lot, and the overlook is right there.
A fence runs along the western edge of Irving Cliff Overlook – for your own safety, don’t go beyond it.
In 1955 Irving Cliff became part of the Gibbons Memorial Park, a gift from Frances Haag Gibbons in memory of her husband Austin Flint Gibbons and his parents Dr. and Mrs. Peter S. Gibbons.
What You’ll See at the Irving Cliff Overlook
Irving Cliff offers a beautiful 180 degree view of Honesdale, with the West Branch Lackawaxen River cutting right through the center of the scene.
To the south you’re looking in the direction of Lake Wallenpaupack.
To the north you’re looking in the direction of Dyberry and Tanners Falls.
Each year, the Christmas season is marked by the lighting of a 50-foot star atop Irving Cliff, known as the Dick Smith Winter Wonderland Star, in honor of Honesdale native Dick Smith who wrote the song “Winter Wonderland” about his childhood memories in Honesdale.
There’s a nice infographics board there that explains a bit of the history of the cliff as well.
Back near the parking area, you can follow a trail that would have originally brought people to the cliff by carriage from Honesdale below.
Sights to See in Honesdale
Be sure to drive down into Honesdale to check out the beautiful Wayne County courthouse.
Directly across the street from the courthouse and park you’ll find the boyhood home of Dick Smith, mentioned earlier.
A state historical commission marker gives you a brief description of this native son of Honesdale and his contribution to the world of music.
You’ll find many colorful murals throughout downtown, paying tribute to the area’s equally colorful history.
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