The D&H Canal Park at Lock 31 in Wayne County is a place where history and nature meet in a beautiful setting.
Spanning 16 acres, the park highlights the story of the Delaware & Hudson Canal, once a vital transportation link for anthracite coal.
Today, it invites visitors to step back into the 19th century while enjoying the natural beauty of the Lackawaxen River valley.
Directions | Hours | Admission Fees
The D&H Canal Park is located at 179 Texas Palmyra Highway, Hawley, PA 18428.
The park is open year-round, from dawn until dusk.
Admission to the park is free.
What You’ll See at the D&H Canal Park
One of the main attractions at the D&H Canal Park is the Daniels Farmhouse, a red, two-story structure dating back to the 1820s.
This farmhouse stood through the bustling canal era, serving as a witness to the busy days when coal, timber, and goods were shipped toward New York markets.
The replica canal boat/pavilion in the canal bed is another highlight, built to the same size as the boats that worked the waterway in the late 1800s.
Measuring about 95 feet long and 14 feet wide, this life-sized model offers a vivid glimpse into the scale of canal-era transportation.
Lock 31 itself remains partially intact, with its stone walls giving visitors a clear picture of how boats were raised and lowered along the route.
Nearby, the stone-lined sluiceway demonstrates how water was diverted to keep the canal navigable, a key element of its operation.
The Riverside Trail, which follows the former towpath, offers a shady walk beneath tall trees.
Along the way, you’ll find peaceful views of the Lackawaxen River, where wildlife thrives and nature reclaims the historic setting.
Interpretive signs throughout the park provide context, explaining how the canal operated between 1828 and 1898 before being replaced by faster railroads.
The pavilion/replica canal boat is ADA-accessible, ensuring that all visitors can experience this unique slice of Pennsylvania history.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the D&H Canal Park is both an educational and relaxing experience, perfect for families, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike.
It’s a place where the story of Pennsylvania’s canal era is preserved and brought to life for generations to enjoy.
Nearby Attractions
The Wayne County Historical Society Museum in Honesdale offers an engaging journey through the county’s people, industries, and innovations with its historic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and unique collections.
Irving Cliff is a fabulous roadside scenic overlook that sits high above Honesdale, the Wayne County seat.
The Dorflinger Factory Museum in Wayne County showcases exquisite historic glassware and the legacy of master glassmaker Christian Dorflinger within the confines of his original glass factory.
The Dorflinger Glass Museum in Wayne County, housed in Christian Dorflinger’s former home, displays over 1,000 pieces of brilliant-cut glass just a mile from the Dorflinger Factory Museum.
The Stourbridge Line is a magnificent sightseeing train excursion that runs along the banks of the Lackawaxen River, between Honesdale and Hawley in Wayne County.
Tanners Falls is a 20 foot-tall, multi tiered roadside waterfall, located on State Game Lands 159 in Wayne County.
Uncovering the Pennsylvania Roots of “Winter Wonderland” shows you the inspiration for one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, Winter Wonderland, located in the heart of Honesdale.
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