Where the Delaware River slices through the rugged Kittatinny Ridge lies the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — a massive 70,000-acre national park sanctuary straddling the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Encompassing 40 miles of the free-flowing Delaware River, 28 miles of the Appalachian Trail, lush hemlock ravines, and Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfalls, the Water Gap is widely celebrated as one of the premier outdoor wilderness destinations in the eastern United States.
“Standing atop the quartzite cliffs of Mount Tammany or Mount Minsi, you can watch eagles soar above the 1,000-foot river gorge carving through the Pocono Mountains.”
Iconic Hiking Trails & Panoramic Overlooks
Whether you’re looking for a steep, rocky summit scramble or a scenic stroll, the recreation area offers over 100 miles of maintained hiking trails:
- Mount Tammany (Red & Blue Dot Trails): The park’s most famous and rewarding hike. A steep 1.5-mile climb up the Red Dot Trail rewards hikers with a breathtaking 1,527-foot summit view over the S-curve of the Delaware River.
- Mount Minsi & The Appalachian Trail: The Pennsylvania counterpart summit. Following the white-blazed Appalachian Trail from the town of Delaware Water Gap, this 5-mile loop offers multiple rocky ledges overlooking Mount Tammany.
- McDade Recreational Trail: A 32-mile flat, gravel multi-use path following the Pennsylvania side of the river — perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and cross-country skiing.
Pennsylvania’s Tallest Waterfalls
The park’s steep shale and sandstone ravines hide some of the most impressive waterfalls in the Mid-Atlantic:
- Raymondskill Falls: Standing at 150 feet across three cascading tiers, Raymondskill is officially Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. A short, steep 0.3-mile trail leads to two viewing platforms suspended over the falls.
- Dingmans Falls: The second-tallest waterfall in the state (130 feet). An accessible 0.8-mile wooden boardwalk winds through a cool hemlock ravine past Silverthread Falls directly to the base of Dingmans.
- Childs Park Waterfalls: A serene series of three cascading falls (Factory, Fulmer, and Deer Leap) featuring historic 19th-century stone bridges and wool mill ruins.
Paddling & Floating the Delaware River
The Delaware River inside the park is completely undammed, providing 40 miles of pristine, crystal-clear water for river recreation:
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Gentle Class I and II rapids make the river accessible for paddlers of all experience levels. Popular half-day trips run from Milford to Dingmans Ferry, or Smithfield Beach to Delaware Water Gap.
- River Tubing & Swimming: On warm summer weekends, visitors float down calm river stretches or relax at guarded river beaches like Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach.
- Fly Fishing: Renowned for smallmouth bass, American shad, and wild trout fishing.
Essential Visitor Tips
- Park Entrances: Located off I-80 Exit 310 (PA side) and Exit 1 (NJ side) near East Stroudsburg, PA.
- Arrive Early: Parking lots at Mount Tammany and Raymondskill Falls fill to capacity by 9:00 AM on summer and autumn weekends.
- Park Fees: Park entrance and hiking trails are free; expanded amenity fees apply at Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach during summer.
- Explore Nearby: Combine your visit with nearby Pocono attractions like Camelback Mountain Resort or head north to historic Milford.