Posted in Pennsylvania
July 17, 2016
You Have To See The World’s Largest Pothole In Pennsylvania To Believe It
Pennsylvania might just deserve the title of The Pothole State for those unexpected dips in the road we inevitably face, especially after a long, harsh winter. But nothing earns Pennsylvania that title more than the fact that our beautiful state is home to the world’s largest pothole. That’s right. You really have to see this pothole in Pennsylvania to believe it.
Archbald Pothole State Park, a cozy 150 acre park in Lackawanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania, draws visitors for the spectacular natural wonder it holds: Archbald Pothole, the world's largest pothole.
Formed more than 20,000 years ago during the Wisconsin Glacial Period, Archbald Pothole boasts a depth of 38 feet and, at its widest point, is 42 feet by 24 feet.
The pothole could conceivably hold an estimated 140,000 gallons of water.
To get an idea of how massive the pothole really is, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 35 fire truck tankers could fit in it.
Discovered in the 1880s when miners were blasting to extend a mine, Archbald Pothole was originally used to help ventilate the mine. But, within time, the landowner Colonel Hackley erected a protective wall and a fence around the hole.
Archbald Park became a huge tourist attraction, earning prestige as the world's largest pothole in what became Archbald Pothole State Park in 1964.
Interestingly, Archbald Pothole may not be the world's largest pothole but we'll never really know for certain. Explorers discovered what's believed to be an even larger pothole only 1,000 feet from Archbald Pothole. The cost to excavate the pothole, however, would be too steep.
While Archbald Pothole is certainly the main attraction at the state park, visitors can also engage in a number of activities, including hiking the modest loop trail around the park. The scenic trail passes a former coal mine and takes hikers along rock ledges and into a forest.
Limited hunting is also permitted in the park.
Archbald Pothole welcomes visitors from mid-April through mid-November. However, the state park itself is open daily from dawn to dusk all year around.
Take a quick tour of the world’s largest pothole. Click play below.
The world’s largest pothole also happens to be the most popular pothole in Pennsylvania. But, Archbald Pothole isn’t the only natural wonder in Pennsylvania. Check out this natural phenomenon in Pennsylvania that will absolutely blow you away. Click here to read more.