Officials Urge Caution at Nay Aug Gorge Ahead of Summer

Scranton fire department responds to multiple annual rescues at the dangerous, off-limits area

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic outdoor recreation item repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the allure and risk of the Nay Aug Gorge in an abstract, pop art style.A vibrant visual celebration of the outdoor recreation gear that draws visitors to Scranton's Nay Aug Gorge, despite the area's inherent dangers.Scranton Today

First responders in Scranton, Pennsylvania are warning visitors to stay away from the Nay Aug Gorge, a scenic but treacherous area that has seen over 50 reported deaths. The gorge is officially designated as a trespassing zone due to its hazardous and ever-changing environment, but some continue to ignore the clear warning signs and put themselves at risk.

Why it matters

Nay Aug Gorge is a popular natural attraction in Scranton, but its steep cliffs, unpredictable conditions, and history of fatalities make it an extremely dangerous area for unauthorized access. Local officials are trying to prevent further tragedies by discouraging trespassing and emphasizing the severe consequences, both legal and physical, of ignoring the safety warnings.

The details

The Scranton Fire Department responds to 3-5 rescue calls at Nay Aug Gorge annually, as visitors often ignore the three posted signs warning that trespassing off the designated trails will result in a $300 fine. Deputy Chief Dan Hallowich stressed that the area's dynamic environment and lack of any 'reward worth the risk' make it completely off-limits to the public. Despite the clear dangers, a man was recently observed fishing in the gorge, prompting Hallowich to highlight the 'severe consequences' and 'drawn out, labor intensive' rescue efforts required when incidents occur.

  • Nay Aug Gorge has seen over 50 reported deaths throughout its history.
  • The Scranton Fire Department responds to 3-5 rescue calls at the gorge annually.

The players

Dan Hallowich

Scranton Fire Department Deputy Chief who emphasized the dangers of Nay Aug Gorge and the reasons for the trespassing restrictions.

Levi Santiago

A sophomore at the University of Scranton who was recently introduced to the Nay Aug Gorge trail and stated he would not consider crossing the fence to access the off-limits area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have it marked off as a trespassing area, not arbitrarily, because it is a very dangerous environment and it's compounded with the ever-changing dynamics. There is no reward worth the risk that you assume either fishing or swimming.”

— Dan Hallowich, Scranton Fire Department Deputy Chief

“Don't put yourself in a bad situation because you never know where you're going to end up. I know one thing my dad always told me is you know be aware of your surroundings and you know don't put yourself in situations like for example, like something like this.”

— Levi Santiago, University of Scranton Sophomore

What’s next

The Scranton Fire Department will continue to monitor the Nay Aug Gorge area and respond to any emergency calls, while local officials maintain the trespassing restrictions and warning signs to discourage unauthorized access to the dangerous site.

The takeaway

Nay Aug Gorge's natural beauty belies the severe risks it poses, with a long history of fatalities that have prompted Scranton officials to designate it as a trespassing zone. Despite clear warnings, some visitors still ignore the dangers, leading to costly and perilous rescue efforts that officials hope to avoid through continued public education and enforcement.