The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (often just called the Water Gap national park) protects 40 miles of the Delaware River, the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi, along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey line. It covers more than 70,000 acres with over 150 miles of trails, river beaches, waterfalls and a section of the Appalachian Trail.
There's no entrance fee. Park roads are open 24 hours, and most trailheads, picnic areas and day-use lots are open sunrise to sunset.
The best hikes
- Mount Minsi (PA, Appalachian Trail): the classic view into the Gap. From the village of Delaware Water Gap it's 1.8 miles to the summit (moderate); the trailhead lot is the Delaware Water Gap/Lake Lenape area, which closes at sunset.
- Mount Tammany (NJ): the Red Dot Trail climbs 1,201 feet in 1.2 miles and is rated difficult, starting with steep wooden steps. Go up Red Dot and down the Blue Blaze trail for a 3-mile loop. The trailhead at Dunnfield Creek has restrooms.
- Raymondskill Falls (PA): the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, on a short (0.3-mile) but steep and uneven trail. No pets, food or alcohol, and the upper lot closes early January to mid-April.
- Hackers Falls (PA): 1.4 miles out and back, moderate. No swimming, wading or climbing within 50 feet of the falls.
- Tumbling Waters (PA, at the Pocono Environmental Education Center): a 2.8-mile moderate loop with stairs down to the falls.
- George W. Childs Park (PA): three waterfalls, with an accessible path to the first two Factory Falls viewing platforms. No pets.
- On spring-to-fall weekends the lots at Mount Tammany, Mount Minsi, Raymondskill and Hackers Falls are usually full by 9 AM. Go early, or try the quieter Conashaugh trails.
Sources: NPS: Appalachian Trail · NPS: Red Dot Trail · NPS: Raymondskill Creek Trail · NPS: Hiking
Dingmans Falls is closed
The Dingmans Falls site, including the visitor center, road and boardwalk to Silverthread and Dingmans Falls, is closed for a bridge replacement and trail rehabilitation, with all traffic (even walkers) prohibited. The Park Service hasn't posted a reopening date, so check the park's conditions page before you go.
Sources: NPS: current conditions
River beaches and paddling
- Swim beaches on the Pennsylvania side are Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach. There are no lifeguards; floats and water toys aren't allowed (life jackets only), and there's no alcohol or pets in summer. Beaches close from 8 PM to 6 AM.
- Summer weekend lots fill up and close until spaces open, and you lose your spot if you leave.
- Pennsylvania launch sites include Milford Beach, Dingmans Access, Bushkill Access and Smithfield Beach. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on the river at all times, and from November 1 to April 30 everyone in a canoe, kayak or boat under 16 feet must wear one. No glass on the river.
- A $10 per car per day amenity fee is charged at Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, Dingmans Access and Bushkill Access in season (April through October); the America the Beautiful pass doesn't cover it.
Sources: NPS: Swimming · NPS: River safety · NPS: Fees
The town of Delaware Water Gap
- A small borough founded in 1793 at the foot of the Gap, where the Appalachian Trail comes through town.
- The Deer Head Inn calls itself the longest-running jazz club in the United States, and the Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz Festival takes over town the weekend after Labor Day.
- Summer Sunday-evening gazebo concerts at the Church of the Mountain (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Dutot Museum on summer weekends, and trolley tours April through November.
- Martz buses stop in town, and Monroe County's bus service runs a seasonal River Runner and Hiker Shuttle.
Sources: Borough of Delaware Water Gap: visit
Getting there and the toll bridge
- From the Poconos, take I-80 east toward Exit 310 (Delaware Water Gap). The Pennsylvania Welcome Center is at Exit 310.
- The I-80 Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge charges only westbound, coming into Pennsylvania: $2 with E-ZPass or $5 by plate (no cash).
- Route 209 runs north along the Pennsylvania side of the park to Bushkill, Dingmans Ferry and Milford; its pullouts and parking areas close at sunset.
