Lackawaxen River Ride

The Settlers Inn founder Jeanne Genzlinger shares a favorite local biking route along the scenic Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers, which traverses historic sites, great fishing spots, eagle observation areas, and some interesting Poconos dining options. The route can be tailored to suit your skill level and schedule. This is a great ride for adventure cyclists who may want a 5-15 mile ride or for more serious cyclists taking a 40 mile round trip. We are delighted to assist in planning your ride.

• In just a few miles, cross the Zane Grey Bridge over the Lackawaxen River and make an immediate left onto Scenic Drive. Two River Junction Sporting Goods Store and Deli is on your left. The confluence of the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers is just beyond the train trestle. There is a public boat access onto the Delaware on your left, and on your right public parking near the Zane Grey Museum—former home of the legendary western novelist best known for Riders of the Purple Sage. The museum’s hours are posted out front, and during warmer seasons tours are available. Jeanne suggests that the front porch of the Zane Grey museum is a great spot for a break and beautiful view of the river.
• Continue to wind along Scenic Drive past the Lackawaxen and Union Cemetery on your right, which holds the tomb of an unknown soldier killed in the Revolutionary War Battle of Minisink on July 22, 1779.
• At the stop sign, bear left toward the Roebling Bridge, named in honor of its engineer John A. Roebling, most famous for his work on the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Stop awhile to enjoy excellent views of the Delaware or tour the bridge, and at its mid-point stand in two states at once.
• The Eagle Institute’s Field Office, a blue building on the corner near the PA entrance to the bridge, is open to the public on weekends from January through April with information on eagle viewing and guided tours. We should take this out because cyclists won’t be coming along from January to April
• Across the Roebling Bridge, in NY, turn right onto Scenic Byway Route 97 South, also known as Bicycle Route 17, which parallels the Delaware River. Just down the road is an Eagle Observation Area on your right. Info and maps are available in the small hut.
• Continue along Route 97 past several local canoe liveries, camping areas and Cedar Rapids restaurant and bar, on your right, where you can grab a bite to eat.
• Finally, enter the Hamlet of Barryville and make a right onto River Road, which briefly winds along the Delaware. Shortly past The Spring House Commons, where you can stop for a treat at Chocolate Mousse Cafe, make a left just prior to the No Outlet sign. The River Market – a great place to refuel for the ride back – is at the corner of this side street and Route 97. On summer Saturday mornings, the Barryville Farm Market is in full swing on the lawn behind River Market.

Return Ride:

Ride along Route 97 North; make a left at the Roebling Bridge, crossing the Delaware River into PA. At the stop sign make a right onto Scenic Drive, then a right at the next stop sign. Cross the Zane Grey Bridge over the Lackawaxen River and cycle along The Towpath/Route 590 West. At the Rowland Cafe continue straight through stop sign, following The Towpath/West Bicycle PA Y Route. After several miles – just past the Mt. Moriah Cemetery – you’ll have the option to make a left onto Kimble Road and return to your vehicle, completing a 37-mile loop.

Return Ride Option: 
Or, if you began your tour by bicycle, you may choose this alternate route, which completes an approximately 40-mile loop and follows a rural road up and down several hills to The Settlers Inn. Continue straight after passing the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. At the stop sign near the Forest Fire Department make a left onto Route 590 West. After about 4 miles, bear right, continuing along Route 590. At the traffic light, you’ll see The Inn just ahead on Hawley’s Main Avenue. Note: 590 has more traffic and more inclines.