Archbald Pothole State Park: What to expect when visiting

Archbald Pothole State Park is located in northeastern Pennslyvania, about 20 minutes from Scranton.

Archbald Pothole is considered one of the largest glacial potholes in the world. It’s 38 feet deep and 42 feet wide and was created during the Wisconsin Glacial Period around 15,000 years ago.

It was discovered in 1884 when miners were working to extend a shaft. “The miner fired a blast, and when the outpouring of stones and water from the whole came rushing through, the miners… called out a cry of alarm and ran from the mine…” Edward Jones, the mine manager, said at the time. After debris was removed, the Archbald Pothole was discovered. Since then, it’s been a popular tourist destination. Archbald Pothole State Park was formally opened in 1964.

Visiting Archbald Pothole

We visited on an early fall morning. It was about 8:30, and we were the only car in the parking lot. As we got out of the car, it was a beautiful morning. However, I was disappointed by the large amount of trash in the parking lot, especially when there were clearly trash cans right there.

The pothole is located a very short walk from the parking lot. A paved path leads around it and to a slightly elevated viewing platform that gives a great view down into the pothole. Plenty of signs asked people not to throw trash into the pothole, despite that there were still a few beer cans. Still, given the parking lot’s condition, the pothole was in much better condition. We read a few signs and enjoyed the view for a bit before heading down the road.