• Winter sunrise, Kittatinny Ridge

    Delaware Water Gap

    National Recreation Area NJ,PA

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  • Areas closed or newly opened

    Childs Park opens May 25. Dingmans Falls, Blue Mt Lakes/Skyline and unpaved Old Mine roads are open. STILL CLOSED PA: Mt. Minsi spur trails closed due to falcon nesting; Hornbecks & Adams Trails closed; McDade Trail closed trail miles 24.5 to 27.5 More »

The River, the Valley, and You

Paddlers slip down the river between low forested mountains; anglers wade the trout streams; hikers scan the valley from the ridge or peer into the 1000-foot-deep Water Gap. The valley has known human hand and voice for 10,000 years. Floodplains nourished the Native farmer; waterfalls drew the Victorian vacationer. Today, a 70,000-acre park welcomes those who seek the outdoors close to home.

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Features

  • A large waterfall in a ravine (Hackers Falls)

    Water in Motion

    Streams tumble off the Pocono Plateau into cool ravines that bloom with rhododendron. Watch the water at Raymondskill or Hackers Falls.

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  • A young volunteer at the village

    Places in Time

    Historic structures dot New Jersey’s scenic byways. Join villagers of the year 1900 summer weekends or in October at Millbrook Days.

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  • A river passing between two mountains

    Mountains in Progress

    The Water Gap is still forming today, a testament to the power of flowing water. Stop at Kittatinny Point or the Rt. 611 overlooks to see.

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  • Hikers atop a mountain looking down at the river

    "Endless" Hiking

    Climb Minsi and Tammany, gateposts of the Gap, or trek 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail along the “endless mountain”--Kittatinny Ridge.

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  • View downstream from a kayak

    Calm River Water

    The Middle Delaware is clean, calm water, perfect for a family paddle in canoe or kayak. Local liveries provide equipment and transportation.

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  • A biker nears the halfway point - mile 15.5

    Hike It, Bike It!

    More than 100 miles of trails and old roads cross the park. McDade Trail offers 32 planned miles for hikers, dirt bikers, and cross-country skiers.

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  • Young man in a lifejacket (PFD)

    Swim Safe!

    Our three beaches have lifeguards. Strong currents and drop-offs make swimming hazardous elsewhere. Wear a lifejacket on or in the river!

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  • Large pink flowers (rhododendron) in bloom

    Explore Ravines

    Shady stands of hemlock trees foster a particular forest environment--and beautiful wildflowers. Stroll or hike in this unique native habitat.

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  • Bald eagle flying above

    Look (out) for Wildlife!

    Herons fish the river; eagles and hawks circle the Gap. Watch out for black bear and white-tailed deer jaywalking across our country roads.

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Did You Know?

A ranger in the uniform of the French and Indian War.

... that in the 1750s, the northwest border of New Jersey (now Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area) was a frontier of the English colonies. In the French & Indian (Seven Years) War, a string of forts protected these settlements. The sites of seven of these outposts are in the park. More...