
River Common
A 0.5-mile riverside park featuring gardens, an amphitheater, and fishing pier, offering scenic views and a vital green space.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom

River Common
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 0.5-mile riverside park featuring gardens, an amphitheater, and fishing pier, offering scenic views and a vital green space.
"Beautiful walk with great views in every direction. Nice sidewalks along the river."

🌸 Spring Blossom Spot
Visit in spring for the cherry blossoms; Susquehanna Ave in West Pittston is also great!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Levels
Walk both ground and elevated paths for diverse river and city views. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Blooming Cherry Blossoms
Throughout River Common
Vibrant pink and white blooms create a stunning spectacle, ideal for photographers and nature lovers.

Riverside Fishing Pier
Along the Susquehanna River
Cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of river fishing, a popular activity for many visitors.

Amphitheater Views
River Common Amphitheater
Enjoy the expansive views of the river and city from this large outdoor venue, often hosting summer concerts.

Gardens and Green Spaces
Various garden areas
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens offering a peaceful escape and scenic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for River Common
Navigating River Common's Layout
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Spring Blossom Spot
Visit in spring for the cherry blossoms; Susquehanna Ave in West Pittston is also great!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Levels
Walk both ground and elevated paths for diverse river and city views. :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Carp Fishing Hotspot
Known for 'river common carp' fishing, especially on the Great River Ouse.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Great views of the river, courthouse, and bridge. Ideal for photography. :camerawithflash:
scenic places in NEPA
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Spring Blossom Spot
Visit in spring for the cherry blossoms; Susquehanna Ave in West Pittston is also great!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Levels
Walk both ground and elevated paths for diverse river and city views. :athletic_shoe:
🎣 Carp Fishing Hotspot
Known for 'river common carp' fishing, especially on the Great River Ouse.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Great views of the river, courthouse, and bridge. Ideal for photography. :camerawithflash:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Limited amenities like drinking fountains; bring water, especially on warm days. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
River Common is praised for its beautiful riverside walks, scenic views of the city and river, and its role as a much-needed green space. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths and the opportunity for photography, especially during spring blooms. Some note a lack of amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains, and a general awareness of local issues is advised.
"Beautiful walk with great views in every direction."
Tony Rudy
"Nice sidewalks along the river ground level and elevated street level. Nice place"
Tamela Nelsen
"Good Morning Wilkes-Barre, PA! I'm just passing through, what a great river front park system and an awesome way to start your day. This is an interconnected park system with multiple parking options on both sides of the river. I had full bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming."
Will Handley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
River Common is accessible by car with multiple parking options on both sides of the river. Public transport options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas available, making it easy to access the park from either side of the river.
The park is designed with nice sidewalks, making it suitable for walking and biking. It's a great way to experience the riverside. :bike:
River Common is a prominent riverside park in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and is generally easy to locate, especially if you are familiar with the city's waterfront.
Walking is highly recommended to fully appreciate the views and different sections of the park. You can also bike along the paths. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, River Common is a public park and entry is free for all visitors. :ticket:
As a public park, River Common is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific event times may vary for the amphitheater. :clock1:
There is no admission fee to enter River Common. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy. :moneywithwings:
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at River Common, with a dedicated pier available for anglers. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
While generally open, be mindful of any posted rules or regulations, especially during events or for specific activities like fishing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the fishing pier, a large amphitheater, beautiful gardens, and scenic walking paths along the river.
Absolutely! The park offers spectacular views of the river, courthouse, and Market Street Bridge, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Restrooms are not always readily available along the paths, so it's advisable to plan accordingly or use facilities before or after your visit.
Generally considered safe, especially during the day and during events with police presence. However, awareness is advised due to past local issues.
You can enjoy walking, jogging, fishing, photography, picnicking, and attending events at the amphitheater.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
River Common itself does not have on-site dining facilities. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or dine at nearby restaurants in Wilkes-Barre.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are nice areas to sit and enjoy a meal with scenic river views.
Yes, the surrounding Wilkes-Barre area offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, a short distance from the park.
Bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and encouraged, especially for picnics. Please be sure to clean up after yourself. :sandwich:
Drinking fountains are not a common amenity throughout the park, so it's recommended to bring your own water.
📸 📸 Photography
The elevated street-level paths offer panoramic views of the river, courthouse, and bridge. The gardens and fishing pier also provide great photo opportunities.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting. Spring is ideal for capturing the cherry blossoms.
A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance. :drone:
Popular subjects include the river, bridges, city skyline, gardens, and during spring, the cherry blossoms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at River Common
For those interested in fishing, it's advisable to research local fishing regulations, including licensing requirements and catch limits, before your visit. The experience can be rewarding for both seasoned anglers and those looking to try their hand at river fishing in a scenic setting. Remember to bring your own gear and be prepared for the elements. :fishing_pole:
Photography Opportunities
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the landscape and creating stunning photographic opportunities. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, River Common offers ample chances to capture beautiful images. Remember to bring your camera and explore the various perspectives the park has to offer. :camerawithflash:
Community and Amenities
This lack of amenities has been attributed by some to the area's past challenges, but the park remains a cherished asset. Visitors are advised to come prepared with essentials like water and to be mindful of the park's upkeep. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that River Common is a beautiful and valuable addition to the city, offering a place for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit