Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Honesdale, Pennsylvania, the 'birthplace of the American Railroad, is a lovely small town found in the Northeastern section of the state, nestled in the enchanting Pocono Mountains.  Originally named Dyberry Forks, Honesdale was founded in 1826 by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.

The 108-mile canal which began here, operated from 1828 through 1898, transporting coal from the Coal Region of Pennsylvania to New York and other Eastern markets.  The Canal Company built tracks to the various mines, and in 1829, they imported America's first locomotive from Stourbridge, England. The Stourbridge Lion, as the steam engine was named, can still be viewed at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD, on loan from the Smithsonian Institute of Washington DC.  An exact replica still stands in Honesdale. At one stage in its history, Honesdale claimed the title for being the largest anthracite coal market in the world.

Located in the Pocono's exquisite Lake Region, Honesdale is county seat of Wayne County.  Honesdale's population numbered is almost 5,000, according to the 2000 Census.  Wayne County's population neared 48,000, and the Country extends over 729 square miles of land, with more than 21 of those square miles being water.  Wayne County contains more lakes than any other county in Pennsylvania, and is renowned for excellent fishing.  Sportsmen catch bass, salmon, trout and walleye here, plus many other game fish.

Honesdale residents enjoy gentle summer months with temperatures averaging in the 70's, while the winter temperatures average in the teens.  Elevations in the County range from over 2600 feet above sea level, down to 670 feet. Wayne County lies 35 miles from Scranton, 150 miles from Philadelphia and less than that from New York City.  The city dwellers from those glittering metropolises escape their hectic lives and flock to the region for rest, relaxation, and plain, simple fun.

Visitors can still take a train ride on the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions, getting a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains.  A 66-mile Scenic Driving Tour begins in Honesdale, and swings north to the beautiful Upper Delaware River, home to the Eagle Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving habitat for the area's wonderful bald eagle and raptor population.  The Dorflinger Glass Museum is along the tour, a marvelous tribute to Christian Dorflinger, a world-class creator of fine crystal and cut glass. The Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary offers a number of hiking trails to wander through, with the chance to spy rare birds and waterfowl.  The Wildflower Festival of Music and Arts is held here each year, presenting fine performances of music that ranges from classical to jazz.  The former Dorflinger family home holds exhibits from local artisans.

The beautiful Prompton State Park lies just a few miles west of Honesdale, with over 2,000 acres and more than thirty miles of hiking and biking trails.  In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are enjoyed here.  A 300-acre lake awaits canoes and kayaks, and provides excellent fishing.  Several areas deep in the woods of the park have huge boulders and rocky outcroppings to challenge climbers equipped with rappelling gear.  An unusual addition for a state park, Prompton contains an 18-hole Disc Golf Course, a form of golf and Frisbee throwing combined, where several tournaments are held each year.

Historic Honesdale shows off its well-preserved architectural beauty on a Walking Tour. The Wayne County Historical Society is the first stop on the tour.  Much of the tour lies along portions of the old canal system.  Lovely historic churches and a synagogue can be viewed.  There are fifteen sites along the tour, and as visitors work up an appetite, nineteen restaurants wait to serve a variety of fare, from ethnic delights to down-home cooking.

Honesdale, Pennsylvania, rich in history and surrounding beauty, is an exquisite gem awaiting discovery.

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