Cliff Park Area Trails

History

Cliff Park --­ the inn, the golf course, and surrounding countryside --­ became part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2003. The Buchanan Family owned the land from 1803 until 2002. In 1900, an old farmhouse was converted into an inn and the golf course (the inspiration of Annie Felt Buchanan) was opened in 1913. With alteration through the years, the course remained a favorite with golfers while spectators watched the "Front Five" sitting on the inn's porch. In 2011, the lease for Cliff Park Inn terminated and the lessees left; the park is exploring other ways to use the property.

Those who take the Trail from the Pond at Cliff Park to the Cliffs will follow in the footsteps of some famous people, as these rugged cliffs were used as stand-ins for Wild West and silent cowboy movies. The flamboyant Tom Mix made cowboy movies here, and silent film stars. Walter Miller and Mary Pickford once stood on these cliffs in making the film The Informer, released in 1912.

Plant Habitat

Typical trees in this habitat are pignut hickory and eastern red-cedar. In the open canopy lowbush blueberry and black huckleberry are found along with grasses such as wavy hairgrass, poverty oatgrass, and little bluestem. Wildflowers such as rock harlequin, wild columbine, and dwarf cinquefoil are also present. Wildflowers and grasses are vulnerable to foot traffic and slow to recover from trampling. Please keep to the designated trails and viewing areas.

 

View from Raymondskill Ridge, Cliff Trail

NPS Photo by Alex Emert

 

Raymondskill Falls Trail | Directions
Length: 0.25 mile, one-way
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Elevation change: 160 feet
Trailhead location: Raymondskill Road
Brochure: Cliff Park bulletin
Description: Raymondskill is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. If you add the steps together, it is only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. A five minute walk from the parking lot will lead you to this natural wonder. A quick trip down the rough natural staircase will take you to the middle falls viewing platform, which offers the best photo opportunities. The lower trail is about a half-mile long (one way), and will bring you down by switchbacks to the Raymondskill Creek.
Hiking Safety  

Cliff Trail | Directions
Length: 2.8 miles, one-way
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Blaze: White
Elevation change: 390 feet
Trailhead location: Raymondskill Road
Brochure: Cliff Park bulletin
Description: The Cliff Trail offers some of the most spectacular overlook views in the entire recreation area of the serpentine Delaware River valley from atop the Raymondskill Ridge. Did you know that in the early days of the Silver Screen, westerns were filmed using this magnificent scenery as a backdrop? Possible itineraries for your hike here might include walking the length of the Cliff Trail to Milford Knob and back, or putting together a loop with the Hackers, Buchanan, and Pond Loop trails. Bring your camera!
Hiking Safety  

Hackers Trail | Directions
Length: 1.4 miles, one-way
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Blaze: Yellow
Elevation change: 340 feet
Trailhead location: Raymondskill Road
Brochure: Cliff Park bulletin
Description: Enjoy your jaunt over and under rolling hills and through hemlock and mixed hardwood forest as you make your way to Hackers Falls. This trail meets the Buchanan-Pond Loop at the 1.4 miles mark; whether you turn back the way you came, or continue to explore the loop and return via the Cliff Trail is entirely up to you.
Hiking sSfety  

Milford Knob Trail | Directions
Length: 1.3 miles, one-way
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Blaze: Green
Elevation change: 390 feet
Trailhead location: Parking and trailhead are located at North Contact Station on Route 209, just south of junction with Route 206
Brochure: Cliff Park bulletin
Description: If you fancy a challenging hike up to the top of the Raymondskill Ridge, followed by a lovely view of historic Milford, then the Milford Knob Trail is perfect for you. Note the difference between the lowland forest, and the mixed hardwood forest and scrub found in the upland. The preferred loop begins with the Milford Knob trail, follows the Quarry Path to the Cliff Trail, and concludes with taking the Cliff Trail north to the Knob overlook. Simply retrace your steps to the Milford Knob trail to return to your vehicle.
Hiking Safety

Quarry Path | Directions
Length: 0.5 mile, one-way
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Blaze: Green/white
Elevation change: 230 feet
Trailhead location: Parking and trailhead are located at North Contact Station on Route 209, just south of junction with Route 206; trail connects Milford Knob and Cliff trails Brochure: Cliff Park bulletin
Description: This trail connects the Milford Knob Trail with the Cliff Trail, passing a vernal pool (seasonal wetland).
Hiking Safety