PA Waterfalls

Exploring Nay Aug Falls in Scranton

View from the Nay Aug Falls overlook in Scranton PA

If you’re looking for information about Nay Aug Falls in Scranton, you’re in the right place!

The scenic Nay Aug Falls located within Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, featuring a small waterfall flowing over a rocky ledge into a calm pool below. The surrounding landscape is rich with evergreen rhododendron bushes and leafless deciduous trees, indicating a late autumn season. Fallen leaves dot the water's surface and rocky riverbank, while the cliff face looms in the background. — The falls on a November afternoon.

Nay Aug Falls is a rarity in Pennsylvania, in that it is located in and owned by a city.

A nighttime view of the iconic 'Scranton The Electric City' illuminated sign perched atop a building in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The sign is lit up with neon lights and stands out against the dark sky. Below the sign, the architectural details of historic buildings can be seen, with the American flag partially visible, gently waving in the breeze. — Overlooking Scranton at night.

Nay Aug Park in Scranton, the largest park in PA’s sixth-largest city, is where you’ll find this impressive waterfall.

An informational plaque at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, mounted on a wooden fence, proclaiming the Nay Aug Park Gorge as a National Natural Landmark. The plaque, issued by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, states that the site was designated in 1989 for its exceptional value in illustrating the nation's natural heritage. — Nay Aug Park is the largest city-owned park in Scranton and a National Natural Landmark.

Nay Aug was the local Native American term for “noisy brook”, and no doubt Roaring Brook (the stream Nay Aug Falls is located on) derived its name from that term as well.

Nay Aug Falls in the Roaring Brook Gorge Scranton PA — Nay Aug Falls in the Roaring Brook Gorge

How to Find Nay Aug Falls in Scranton

Nay Aug Park and Nay Aug Falls are located on the southeast side of Scranton, right next to Interstate 81.

Navigate to the parking area shown on the maps above and below, at GPS coordinates 41.39933, -75.64158.

A map of Nay Aug Park showing how to find Nay Aug Falls — A map of Nay Aug Park.

From the parking area simply follow the Davis Trail for approximately 0.25 miles to the Rie Rie Overlook above the falls.

The 'Rie Rie Overlook' at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a rustic wooden railing leading towards a waterfall. The overlook sign is vandalized with graffiti, and a 'No Swimming' sign is visible in the background. The area is rich with rocks, fallen leaves, and dense evergreen shrubbery, highlighting the natural beauty of the park. — Rie Rie Overlook above the falls.

Photographing Nay Aug Falls

All of the permissible views of Nay Aug Falls are from above – you cannot legally go down to stream level, for safety reasons.

Nay Aug Falls on Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County

So if Nay Aug Falls looks taller that the 15 feet it is commonly listed as, it’s because the scale of the Roaring Brook Gorge makes everything feel larger.

Nay Aug Falls in Scranton PA — The falls on a May morning.

When you are standing in front of Nay Aug Falls, it’s hard to imagine that traffic on Interstate 81 is less than 150 yards away!

As you backtrack to the parking lot, take a minute and check out the views from the Doe Overlook.

A wooden observation deck at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, named 'Doe Overlook.' The deck features sturdy wooden benches and a protective railing, with a green sign indicating the name of the overlook. Leafless trees and a cloudy sky suggest a late fall or early winter season, with a view of the hilly landscape in the background. — Doe Overlook near the falls.

Here you have a great view of the Western Portal of Nay Aug Tunnel.

View of two old railroad tunnels at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, showing signs of disrepair and graffiti. The tunnels are set into a stone and concrete embankment, with a railroad track running through the center. Overhead power lines and barren trees with a hint of autumn colors in the leaves are visible, reflecting the season and the industrial history of the area. — Train tunnel near the falls.

Other Attractions at Nay Aug Park

The David Wenzel Treehouse rises 150 feet above the Nay Aug Gorge, upstream from the falls.

The iconic treehouse at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania, elevated on sturdy beams, featuring a red and wooden facade with a shingled roof. It is connected to the ground by a high bridge, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding autumnal forest with its mix of bare trees and evergreens. — The Treehouse is located a short distance upstream from the falls.

Opened in 2007, the Tree House is designed to be fully handicapped accessible.

The walkway leading up to the treehouse in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania, featuring red wooden railings and a weathered wooden floor. The roofed sections of the treehouse provide shelter, with decorative white lights strung along the frame. The walkway offers a view of the surrounding trees in late autumn, with a mix of bare branches and lingering foliage. — Elevated walkway leading to the Treehouse at Nay Aug Park.

The Brooks Mine was the brainchild of Reese Brooks, operator of the Greenwood Mine in nearby Moosic.

The historic entrance to the Brooks Coal Mine in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania, partially covered with autumn leaves. The entrance features a gated archway set within a stone structure, with the name 'BROOKS MINE' inscribed above. Tall trees with sparse, late autumn foliage stand guard around this old mine, adding to the historic ambience of the scene. — Entrance to Brooks Mine at Nay Aug Park.

Opened at Nay Aug Park in 1902 as a demonstration mine, it’s purpose was to educate visitors about anthracite coal mining.

Brooks Coal Mine is a 150-foot-long mine built as a model in 1902 by Reese Brooks.

Closed for nearly 50 years, the mine reopened for tours in 2023.

Interior view of the Brooks Coal Mine tunnel at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The tunnel entrance shows moss-covered stone arches and wooden support beams. Railroad tracks lead into the dark depths of the mine. A warning sign for 'DANGER NO SMOKING OPEN FLAME' is visible, indicating the hazardous nature of the environment within the historic coal mine. — Brooks Mine reopened for tours in 2023.

Founded in 1908, the Everhart Museum at Nay Aug Park is one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The front entrance of the Everhart Museum located in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The museum's facade is adorned with decorative carvings and two large banners promoting natural history and art exhibitions. In front of the entrance stands a bronze statue on a pedestal, with neatly maintained grass and clear skies in the background. — The Everhart Museum was funded by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, a Scranton physician and Civil War veteran.

It is the only natural history, science, and art museum in the region, and is open year-round.

A dinosaur skeleton exhibit at the Everhart Museum in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The skeleton appears to be a large, herbivorous dinosaur, positioned in a dynamic, walking pose. It is displayed on a bed of gravel, encircled by a red velvet rope barrier. In the background, there's a view into another exhibit room through an open doorway. — Dinosaur exhibit at the Everhart Museum.

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Nearby Attractions

16 Must-See Attractions in Lackawanna County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Nay Aug Falls.

A collage of four photos taken in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Top left: Historic steam and diesel locomotives displayed at the Steamtown National Historic Site turntable. Top right: A Stegosaurus skeleton on exhibit inside the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art in Scranton. Bottom left: A vibrant mural of Dwight Schrute from the television show "The Office" painted on a wall in Scranton. Bottom right: A serene waterfall flowing through the rocky landscape of Nay Aug Gorge at Nay Aug Park in Scranton.

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