Campbell’s Ledge

For generations, Luzerne County residents have found wonder and awe at the scenic overlook on Campbell’s Ledge, where the breathtaking view stretches across the valley where the North Branch of the Susquehanna River meets the Lackawanna River. At the summit, a serene 20-acre pond offers a peaceful spot for picnics or a well-deserved rest after a hike.

In 2023, this beloved place was nearly lost when the property went up for sale. For years, the owners had generously welcomed the public onto this treasured landscape—but after they entered an agreement with a private investor, the future of Campbell’s Ledge became uncertain. When that sale fell through, Trust for Public Land moved quickly to ensure this iconic site could be protected for generations to come. In November 2025, we secured the funding needed to complete the first phase of the project and permanently protect 246 acres and transferring it to the Borough of Duryea for public benefit.

Today, we’re working to raise the remaining funds needed to safeguard all 440+ acres of Campbell’s Ledge, ensuring this remarkable place remains open, protected, and accessible to everyone. This is not just a beautiful place—its steep cliffs, rare species, and unique geological features earned it a designation as one of Luzerne County’s Natural Heritage Areas. Historically, it has been a significant landmark used by Indigenous and native tribes as a prominent location to send visual signals over long distances, and later dubbed Dial Rock by early settlers, who could tell time by the shadows cast on its cliffs. Nearby archaeological discoveries reveal traces of human habitation dating back over 9,000 years.

With your support, we can protect Campbell’s Ledge and ensure it remains natural and accessible to all. Once the funds are raised, we will transfer ownership to a public agency or conservation partner, ensuring that this remarkable place will continue to inspire moments of wonder for generations to come.