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BARK Rangers to Bark Ambassadors

A black dog in an orange vest sits in between his owners framed by a photo op picture frame.
BARK Ranger Finley and Bark Ambassadors Pat and Bob love promoting responsible recreation in the park.

NPS Photo/B. Romyns

BARK Rangers

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a very pet-friendly park within the National Park Service. With over 150 miles of trails, fewer than 10 miles are restricted to working service animals with no pets allowed . The park recognizes that outdoor recreation and pets go hand-in-paw, because who doesn't love hiking with their best friend?

The rules of BARK ensure that the impact of visiting with pets is minimal. For their pet to become a BARK Ranger, pet owners must follow these simple requests:

B – Bag your pet’s waste: keep the trails clean by bagging and properly disposing of waste.
A – Always wear a leash: unleashed pets can injure or cause stress to wildlife, scare other visitors, or cause dangerous encounters. Wearing a 6ft fixed leash is required while in the park.
R – Respect wildlife: steer clear of wildlife and avoid detrimental situations by staying on trails.
K – Know where you can go: while many trails are pet-friendly, please check the site you are visiting before going to ensure your pet can go with you.

While following the rules of BARK, visitors should leave their pets to relax at home while visiting sites that are restricted to working service dogs. These restricted sites include:

  • Raymondskill Falls

  • Dingmans Falls Trail

  • George W. Childs Park

  • Valley View and Rivers Bend Group Campsites

  • Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, and Turtle Beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day

By showing that they are actively respecting the park while recreating with their pets, visitors receive a BARK Ranger bronze-colored, metal dog tag in the shape of a shield. One side is inscribed "Bark Ranger" with a small paw print, and the other says "Delaware Water Gap NRA." These rewards for good stewardship and responsible recreation encourage visitors to follow outdoor ethics while exploring wild spaces inside and outside of our park boundaries. When visitors excitedly return with pictures of themselves picking up after their dog, or videos of their dogs happily walking on a 6ft fixed leash, we can award them with a BARK Ranger tag.

A Bark Ambassador and BARK Ranger on the McDade Recreational Trail
Bark Ambassadors get to wander the park with their pets and contact visitors who may have questions.

NPS Photo/ S. Busse



Bark Ambassadors

Understanding that pets can pose issues in wild spaces, DEWA aims to promote responsible recreation with furry friends in mind. We have seen dogs, cats, lizards, and even birds go on adventures with their humans in the park. So, why not utilize the pets as volunteers as well? Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area's Bark Ambassador volunteer program highlights the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors with pets.

Bark Ambassadors are park stewards who can bring their BARK ranger pets along with them while volunteering. By doing so, they can contact many visitors, encourage them to follow the rules and regulations, and distribute Bark Ranger tags when a visitor and their furry friend are recreating responsibly. These volunteers also participate in the "Pop-Up for Pups" events during the warmer months.

Pop-Up for Pups is a roving activity tent, usually located at a popular trailhead or site, where pets and their owners can join in BARK related activities, take the pledge to be respectful of wildlife and resources, and receive their honorary tags. Keep an eye out for Bark Ambassador events on our website and social media calendars.

By growing the BARK Ranger program to include pet and park centered volunteer work, we hope to prevent detrimental resource and wildlife interactions while promoting considerate and respectful recreation. To get yourself and your pet involved, check for Bark Ambassador openings on www.Volunteer.gov.

A BARK ranger dog tag hanging from a branch.

NPS Photo/C. Buta





Become a BARK Ranger

To grab a BARK Ranger agreement card, call our Park Headquarters Visitor Center at (570) 426 - 2452 or email us to request one by mail, or for directions to the nearest open information desk. After your adventure in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, return with your agreement card and pictures or examples of how you and your pet followed the rules of BARK to earn the dog tag.

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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Last updated: August 3, 2023