Area closures are for the protection of both our visitors and of the resources.
NPS Photo / Victoria Stauffenberg
Temporary Area Closures in the Park
The following areas within the park are closed to visitors due to construction or seasonal operations.
New Jersey Closures
Construction Closures
Watergate Recreation Site - More info available here.
Road Closures
Route 615 from Pompey Ridge Road to the Flatbrook Bridge is closed due to storm damage.
Mountain Road from Buttermilk Falls south to Hainey Mills is closed due to storm damage.
Seasonal Closures and Winter Maintenance
Old Mine Road:
The section of Old Mine Road between the Worthington State Forest boundary and Millbrook Village and the dirt section of Old Mine Road near Van Campen Inn will be CLOSED for winter.
The northern section of Old Mine Road between Mettler Road and the intersection with Route 206 will receive NO WINTER MAINTENANCE. This 4-mile section of road will not be plowed or treated for ice and may be closed if safety hazards arise. Depending on the weather, roads may be snow-covered and icy. Travel on this section of road is at your own risk. Cell phone service is not reliable.
Other NJ Roads:
Blue Mountain Lakes Road will remain open to the parking area for the Blue Mountain Lakes trail and will be closed to vehicles beyond that point for the season.
Mountain Road will be closed to vehicles for the winter, but visitors may walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the road.
Jager Road, from Old Mine Road to the park boundary will receive no winter maintenance.
Pennsylvania Closures
Construction Closures
George W. Childs Park and associated trails
National Park Drive (including Slateford Bridge)
Seasonal Closures and Winter Maintenance
River Road in PA will be closed prior to snow and/or ice events and will not be re-opened until priority routes are clear and safe and conditions permit.
Zion Church Road will be plowed after River Road has been opened.
Winter Conditions: Visitor Use Sites
Walkways and parking lots will normally be cleared within 72 hours of the end of a storm.
River Access:
River access will be available at Smithfield Beach, Milford Beach, and Bushkill Access. These areas will be closed temporarily during a storm and re-opened after priority routes are clear and safe for travel.
River ice may limit access depending on conditions. The NPS does not clear river ice from launch areas.
Eshback Access will remain open but will receive no winter maintenance.
Trail Access:
All trails that are currently open will remain open during the winter, but trailhead parking will be dependent on conditions and may be limited in some areas.
Road closures may also affect access to some trails. Trailhead parking areas that will remain open during the winter months will not be cleared of ice and snow until after all priority routes are clear and safe for travel.
McDade Recreational Trail access will be available at Smithfield Beach, Park Headquarters, Bushkill Access, Bushkill Meeting Center (northern parking lot), and Milford Beach.
Dingmans Falls road and trailhead parking lot will remain closed to vehicles from January 2, or the first significant snowfall, to April 15. The trail will remain open, and visitors may walk, ski, or snowshoe to the falls. Restrooms are closed.
Raymondskill Falls upper parking lot will be closed from the first snowfall until April 15 but the lower parking lot will remain open, as conditions permit.
Cliff Park trailhead parking area will receive no winter maintenance and will be open as conditions allow. Trailhead restrooms will be closed until May.
Available Restrooms:
New Jersey - Kittatinny Point Picnic Area, Blue Mountain Lakes parking area, and Millbrook Village.
Pennsylvania - Smithfield Beach, Bushkill Meeting Center, Bushkill Access, Hidden Lake, Toms Creek, and Milford Beach.
All restrooms with running water will be closed for the winter, including outdoor spigots.
Hiking safely means planning before you go. Don't forget to let someone know your hiking plans.
NPS Graphic
Limited Services Available: Visit Responsibly
Most park trails are open, but some bathrooms are closed and services are limited. Law enforcement is on duty. All park regulations apply.
Avoid crowded trailheads If the parking lot is full, find a different trail. There are many available to you.
Park only in designated areas Illegally parked cars will be ticketed and towed.
Maintain social distance Even when outside, stay at least 6 feet from other people.
Pack out your trash Please help us keep you, wildlife, and employees safe.
Hike Safely Protect search and rescue personnel. Stay out of closed areas, mark the location of your car, and know your limits.
