• Winter sunrise, Kittatinny Ridge

    Delaware Water Gap

    National Recreation Area NJ,PA

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  • Season Starts!

    Childs Park opens Thursday, May 23. Dingmans Falls Visitor Center opens Saturday May 25, and will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday the rest of the summer. The road to Dingmans Falls is open but is single lane at one point and NO BUSES or RVs ARE ALLOWED 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 small steamboat passing a beach with rowboats

... that a century before this recreation area was formed, the Delaware Water Gap was touted as a Wonder of the World, and drew vacationers via rail lines from Philadelphia and New York City. There were trails to stroll, verandas for viewing the gap, and a steamboat for moonlight cruises. More...