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Archbald, Pennsylvania: World's Largest Glacial Pothole

Big Ice Age hole in the ground 42 feet wide that could hold 140,000 gallons of meltwater. Conveniently located next to a highway. A handy observation deck on the rim allows you to peer into its depths. If you drop your phone, it's a goner.

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World's Largest Glacial Pothole

Near Carbondale, on Route 6, outside the small town of Archbald is the "World's Largest Glacial Pothole."

It consists of a hole in the ground, about 40 feet in diameter or so. It was caused by the swirling of the receding glacial waters during the last ice age. There is a concrete platform around the hole, a plaque from the Pennsylvania Historical Society, and that's about it.

When I was a kid growing up in Carbondale, it was considered an interesting thing to do, to go look at the pothole. You would drive out there, look at the hole, and say something like, "It sure is a big one" This was our bit of local civic pride.

[David Freedman, 09/06/1998]

World's Largest Glacial Pothole

Archbald Pothole State Park

Address:
960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA
Directions:
Archbald Pothole State Park. I-81 exit 191A onto US-6 BUS. Drive north six miles. Park entrance on the right.
Hours:
Park open mid-April - mid-Nov. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
570-945-3239
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