Delaware Water Gap
Overview
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area preserves 70,000 acres of forested mountains, river valleys, and historic landmarks along the Delaware River. Highlights include over 100 miles of hiking trails—including a section of the Appalachian Trail—scenic waterfalls such as Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, and popular vantage points like Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and exploring historic sites like Millbrook Village.
- Trails
- 27
- Viewpoints
- 24
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 37
Opening Hours
06:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Boat Launches / Marina
Paved boat ramps and courtesy docks for non-motorized and motorized watercraft. Fees apply at many parks; annual launch permits available.
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
Required Permits
River Access & Vehicle Fee PermitRequired
Required for day-use access to expanded amenity areas, including river access beaches (Milford, Dingmans, Bushkill, and Smithfield) and boat ramps from April through October.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Always wear life jackets while on the river, stay on designated trails, carry extra water, and prepare for limited cell coverage.
- Watch out for rapid weather changes and black bear activity in the park.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Orchard Trail
Toms Creek Trail
McDade Recreational Trail (2)
Other Hiking Trail
Appalachian Trail (2)
Fossil Trail
Van Campens Glen Trail
Tumbling Waters Trail
Scenic Gorge Trail
Ridgeline Trail
Lower Hornbecks Trail
Coppermine Trail
Hidden Lake Trail
Kaiser Trail
McDade Recreational Trail (3)
Conashaugh View Trail (2)
Conashaugh View Trail
Quarry Path Trail
Pahaquarry Trail
Buchanan Trail
Appalachian Trail
Mt Tammany Trail
Hackers Trail
McDade Recreational Trail (Biking/Hiking)
Pond Loop Trail
Milford Knob Trail
Appalachian Trail (3)
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
1.2 mi
Valley View Group Campground
Campground
1.5 mi
Rivers Bend Group Campground
Campground
1.8 mi
Picnic Area
2.1 mi
Picnic Area
3.0 mi
South Contact Station
Ranger Station
4.5 mi
Picnic Area
6.3 mi
Picnic Area
7.2 mi
Dingmans Campground
Campground
7.5 mi
Lifeguarded Swim Area
Swimming Area
7.7 mi
Picnic Area
7.7 mi
Lifeguarded Swim Area
Swimming
8.3 mi
Dingmans Falls Visitor Center
Visitor Center
8.4 mi
Picnic Area
10 mi
Picnic Area
11 mi
Point of gap Overlook
Viewing Area
14 mi
Resort Point Overlook
Viewing Area
14 mi
Kittatinny Point Visitor Center
Visitor Center
14 mi
Picnic Area
14 mi
Arrow Island Overlook
Viewing Area
14 mi
North Contact Station
Ranger Station
15 mi
Lifeguarded Swim Area
Swimming
15 mi
Picnic Area
15 mi
Grey Towers Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
The Grey Towers National Historic Site is an architectural masterpiece and the sacred birthplace of the American environmental conservation movement. Located in Milford, Pennsylvania—just north of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—this 102-acre Neo-Norman fieldstone estate was the home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder and first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. It is the only National Historic Site managed directly by the U.S. Forest Service.
16 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Delaware Water Gap?
Delaware Water Gap is open every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
What is Delaware Water Gap?
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area preserves 70,000 acres of forested mountains, river valleys, and historic landmarks along the Delaware River.
Where is Delaware Water Gap located?
Delaware Water Gap is located in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania, United States.
How many trails are there at Delaware Water Gap?
Delaware Water Gap has 27 mapped trails covering 113.5 miles in total. The longest is McDade Recreational Trail (Biking/Hiking) at 21.5 miles. Difficulty ratings: 10 easy, 12 moderate and 5 hard.
What is there to see at Delaware Water Gap?
Places to see at Delaware Water Gap include Arrow Island Overlook, Grey Towers Historic Site, Lifeguarded Swim Area, Point of gap Overlook, Boat Ramp, Bushkill Meeting Center and 2 more.
What facilities are available at Delaware Water Gap?
Facilities at Delaware Water Gap include Boat Launches / Marina, Canoeing and kayaking, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and Swimming Areas / Beaches.
Is there parking at Delaware Water Gap?
Yes, Delaware Water Gap has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Delaware Water Gap?
Yes, Delaware Water Gap has 3 campsites marked on its map: Dingmans Campground, Rivers Bend Group Campground and Valley View Group Campground.
How can I contact Delaware Water Gap?
You can contact Delaware Water Gap by email at dewa_interpretation@nps.gov or by phone at +15704262452.
What safety tips should visitors to Delaware Water Gap know?
Always wear life jackets while on the river, stay on designated trails, carry extra water, and prepare for limited cell coverage. Watch out for rapid weather changes and black bear activity in the park.
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