The Red Dot Trail's stairs are the beginning of a physically challenging trail. Please come prepared with necessities like hiking boots, extra water, and sunscreen.
NPS/Michael Cuff
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
There's a song by a Maryland band who's lyrics read "I put one foot in front of the other, as I walk away from mistakes I've made". The idea of walking for therapy, health, mental well-being, or just for fun is nothing new to the rangers here. This National Recreation Area offers the public over 150 miles of hiking trails of every ability level to give you options to get out in the woods for a little while.
Many of our staff live locally and hike these trails. Feel free to ask us about the ones we love the most, or where to find the ones that meet your need. Come out and take a hike along some of the nicest trails on the east coast.
In the spring and summer, you'll see and smell all kinds of wildflowers and get some of the best views anywhere. If you're really lucky, you might see a bald eagle, or some other wildlife. In the winter, it becomes another world where cross-country skiing and snow shoeing become the big outdoor recreation fun. Our hiking trails are a conduit to all kinds of possibilities. Check out the graphics below to find the right trail for you.
When it comes to hiking safety, we like to remind our visitors to please wear sturdy footwear made for hiking, to bring water for all hikers, and to leave no trace.
Please Read: Important Parking Information
Parking for some of our most popular trails like Mt. Tammany, Mt. Minsi, Raymondskill Falls, Dingmans Falls, Hackers Falls in Pennsylvania, and Buttermilk Falls in New Jersey, are usually full by 9:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays, from spring to fall
Avoid crowded trailheads by hiking early on weekdays, or choosing a less busy trail, such as Milford Knob Trail in Pennsylvania, or Rattlesnake Swamp Trail in New Jersey. Don't let the scary name fool you. This trail is quiet and peaceful.
If you have any questions, we are here for you. Please call park headquarters at (570) 426-2452 for assistance planning your hike. You can also check our Facebook page on summer weekends for real time updates.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation encompasses more than 70,000 acres and has over 150 miles of trails. When planning a hike, always check the local weather prior to, and the day of your visit.
The MCTA Pocono Pony Hiker Shuttle is a great alternative to trying to find parking at our most popular trails. Don't miss the bus! Click on the photo for more details
NPS/Michael Cuff
Hiking Shuttle Information
Our trails are a popular destination, particularly on weekend mornings and afternoons, in the summer. That popularity has a price. A lack of available parking during busy periods. One of the ways we are trying to reduce congestion at some of our most popular hiking locations is to use a shuttle bus that allows visitors to park at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center or Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride and shuttle over to the most popular trailheads without the parking hassles.
Map of hiking trails within the NRA. Click on image to open full size image.
NPS Map
Hikers enjoy the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area during all months of the year; every season offers a special reward. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees. In summer, hikers can seek out cool retreats among the hemlock forests and follow rolling streams to beautiful falls and cascades. Autumn hikers have crisp air to sharpen the senses and a varied palette of fall colors to enjoy.
** Note: The section of the McDade Trail between the Pittman Orchard and Conashaugh trailheads is closed annually between February and July for important resource protection (Nesting Eagles and Raptors).
