Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area

This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River, and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through a scenic water gap in the Appalachian Mountains. Canoeing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking; viewing wildlife, geologic features, natural scenery and remnants of our past-all await the visitor to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The park includes historic Millbrook Village and several environmental education centers.

The recreation area was originally envisioned as lands surrounding the proposed Tocks Island Reservoir. Early planning, management and land acquisitions were accomplished amid much controversy over the dam project. In 1978, Congress designated the section of the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In 1992 the Tocks Island Dam project was officially de-authorized.

Authorized September 1, 1965.

Visitation | Location | Address | Telephone | Operating Hours and Seasons | Climate, Recommended Clothing | Directions | Transportation | Fees, Costs, and Rates | Facilities and Opportunities | Recommended Activities/Park Use | Reservations/Permits | Basic Visit Recommendations | Special Events/Programs | Visitor Impacts | Adjacent Visitor Attractions | For Additional Information

VISITATION:

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Over four million annual visitors include spring anglers, summer canoeists and swimmers, autumn hunters, winter cross-country skiers, year-round hikers. The park is in a resort area, with highest traffic in July and August; lowest in December and January.

LOCATION:

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Northeastern Pennsylvania (Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties) and northwestern New Jersey (Sussex and Warren counties).

ADDRESS:

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Delaware Water Gap NRA Bushkill, PA 18324-9999

TELEPHONE:

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570-588-2451. This phone line is staffed 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday, except holidays. Recorded information 24 hours.

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

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Most roadways and river open 24 hours a day, year-round, unless closed due to heavy snowfall or other hazardous conditions. Accesses and most facilities open dawn to dusk, 365 days of the year. Some facilities are closed in winter. See Facilities and Opportunities.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

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Summer air temperatures average 75 - 85 degrees F (some days in the 90s) with lows to the 50s. Moderately high humidity. Occasional thunderstorms and dense fog. Water temperatures in summer (May to September) rise from the mid-50s to highs in the mid-70s in July.

Spring and fall climate is variable. Temperature can drop rapidly after sunset on warm days. Wetsuits may be required for river use.

Winter air temperatures (December to March) are frequently below freezing, with numerous snow and ice storms in some years. Water temperatures drop from the 50s to the 30s by December, with most of the river usually freezing over each winter.

Clothing: Always dress in layers. Be prepared for rain and cold weather at any time. Hypothermia is possible, especially on the river, even during the summer. Pack properly for your river trip. Appropriate, well-fitted shoes are essential for hiking or climbing.

DIRECTIONS:

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From northern Pennsylvania and New England, connect to Interstate 84, then to Route 209 South (Exit 10) through Milford or (Exit 11) Matamoras to enter the north end of the park. Pick up a map or brochure at the Matamoras, PA I-84 Welcome Center!

From southern Pennsylvania and points west, connect to Interstate 80 East; past Stroudsburg take 209 North (Exit 52) to the middle of the park at Bushkill -Visit Bushkill Visitor Center for information, brochures!- or cross the I-80 bridge to first exit in New Jersey. Visit Kittatinny Point Visitor Center for information, brochures!

From New York City and New Jersey, connect to Interstate 80 West to the Delaware Water Gap at the south end of the park. Pick up a map and brochure at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center! Routes NJ 15 N and 206 W lead to the north end of the park and Milford, PA.

TRANSPORTATION:

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Air Service is available:

Lehigh Valley International Airport, Allentown, PA: 1-888-FLY-LVIA, 610-266-6000

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Avoca, PA: 570-457-3445

Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ: 973-961-6000

Bus service between New York City and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA stops at Stroudsburg, PA-4 miles from the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center and 3 miles from the Appalachian Trail at the Gap.

Martz Bus Lines: 570-421-3040

Greyhound Bus Service: 1-800-231-2222

Limited seasonal bus service from New York City area to Milford and Matamoras, PA. Regular daily service is provided to Port Jervis, NY.

Shortline Bus Service: 1-800-631-8405

Limited daily passenger train service is available from Hoboken, NJ, to Port Jervis, NY. PATH (subway) connection is available from New York City to Hoboken.

MTA Metro-North Railroad: 1-800-638-7646

Limited auto rental and taxi service may be available in Stroudsburg, Milford and Matamoras, PA, and Port Jervis, NY.

No public transportation is available within the recreation area.

Between River Accesses/Facilities:

Personal vehicle; most canoe liveries provide shuttle service between put-in and take-out points for their customers.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

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There is no admission fee to the park. Recreational fees are collected at Smithfield Beach, Milford Beach, Bushkill Access and Dingmans Ferry Access in the summer. Authorized commercial vehicles using Pennsylvania Route 209 between Bushkill and Milford are charged a fee.

Local liveries rent canoes, rafts, and tubes for river use.

Required state hunting and fishing licenses are sold at local sporting goods stores.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

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Acreage: 67,210. (Federal: 55,438.)

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Kittatinny Point Visitor Center, just off Interstate 80 in New Jersey (last exit before Delaware Water Gap toll bridge heading west; first exit in NJ heading east), is open daily 9:00-5:00 spring through late October, and most weekends in winter. Information, audio-visual program, displays, sales outlet for park-related items, restrooms. Rangers offer impromptu Terrace Talks on weekends. Phone 908-496-4458 (See Directions)

Junior Naturalist Discovery Packs are available for children to borrow to explore the world of nature. A self-guiding booklet is included in the packs, which are available at visitor centers. Recommended ages 6-12.

Junior Ranger Program: A self-guiding booklet encourages children to explore the park and become a Junior Ranger. You must first complete the Junior Naturalist Discovery Pack program to become a Junior Ranger. Recommended ages 8-12.

Bushkill Visitor Center, on U.S. Route 209 along the lovely Bushkill Creek, will be open daily 9:00-5:00 from early July through late October (call to confirm the schedule). Information, audio-visual program, displays, sales outlet for park-related items, restrooms. Phone 570-588-7044 (See Directions)

Park Headquarters, on River Road one mile off Route 209 in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, is open Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30, except holidays. Information, brochures, restrooms. Phone 570-588-2451

Millbrook Village is located in New Jersey on Old Mine Road (not marked-go through Worthington State Forest) 12 miles north of Interstate 80 (last exit before Delaware Water Gap toll bridge heading west; first exit in NJ heading east). Selected buildings are staffed Thursday through Sunday, 9:00-5:00, spring through late October. Traditional trades such as blacksmithing and woodworking are demonstrated in this restored 19th-century rural community. For Craft Demonstration hours, phone 908-841-9531

Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, off Route 209 in Pennsylvania, is closed for renovation but the boardwalk and trail are open.

Slateford Farmhouse, off PA Route 611 south of Delaware Water Gap, PA, is closed for restoration and preservation work.

Trails, Roads:

• More than 60 miles of hiking trails, including climbs to Mount Tammany (1,527') and Mount Minsi (1,463') overlooking the Gap
• More than 25 miles of the Appalachian Trail
• Backcountry roads in New Jersey for biking, cross-country skiing
• Scenic Old Mine Road in New Jersey for leisurely auto touring

Bridges cross the Delaware River at Milford, PA, at Dingmans Ferry, PA, and at Interstate 80 at Delaware Water Gap.

Blue Mountain Lake Mountain Bike Trail is now open!

Programs/Activities:

Craft demonstrations at Millbrook Village, weekends in summer. 

Junior Naturalist Discovery Packs, a self-guiding program for children available at visitor centers.

Guided hikes, campfire talks, and residential programs at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC).570-828-2319 

Guided hikes and residential programs through the Appalachian Mountain Club at Mohican Outdoor Center. 908-362-5670

Lodging and camping facilities:

• Worthington State Forest along the river in New Jersey. Phone 908-841-9575. 
• Dingmans Campground (private concession) along the river in Pennsylvania. Phone 570-828-2266 (The park does not make reservations for this campground; please call Dingmans Campground directly.)
• Two group campgrounds, available through permit. Contact 570-588-2440.
• Backpacking sites on the Appalachian Trail for through-hikers. Contact park for regulations. 570-588-2451
• Campsites for canoeists and boaters on extended trips. Contact park for regulations. 570-588-2451
• Nearby campgrounds and Motels (call the appropriate Tourist Agency)

Food/supplies:

Restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations are available off Interstate 84 (Port Jervis, NY, and Matamoras and Milford, PA, exits) and in Milford, the Stroudsburgs, Delaware Water Gap, and along Route 209 south of Bushkill in Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, services are located along Route 206 (Hainesville to Newton), Route 94 (Blairstown), and at Interstate 80 (Columbia).

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

Maps, books, and related educational materials sold at visitor centers and through mail order by Eastern National. 973-948-0463

Gallery and store at Peters Valley Craft Center specializing in American crafts. 973-948-5200

Historic home tours on Sundays in summer at Van Campen Inn, built 1746. 973-729-7392

Demonstrations and talks Sundays in summer at Neldon-Roberts Stonehouse and Foster-Armstrong House. 973-293-3106

Residential school programs in environmental education at Pocono Environmental Education Center in PA, 570-828-9695, and at Walpack Environmental Education Center, NJ. 973-948-5749

YMCA Outdoor Center and Group Camping, offered primarily to non-profit youth groups, schools and compatible organizations with an educational aspect or objective to their program, can be found at
Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec in NJ. Open May to end of September. 908-362-8217 or during summer call
973-300-0021

Accessibility:

Accessible parking, buildings, and restrooms at visitor centers and at Headquarters.

Accessible picnic sites at Kittatinny, Depew, and Watergate in New Jersey, and at Milford Beach, Childs Park, Toms Creek, and Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania.

A brochure on accessibility in the park is available at visitor centers and at Headquarters. Phone 570-588-2451

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) is available: 1-800-654-5984

Special Needs:

Bus parking areas are located at each visitor center, Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, and Millbrook Village.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

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• Canoeing or tubing down the river
• Swimming at Smithfield or Milford beaches
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail or the trails overlooking the Gap
• Fishing for shad, trout, walleye, muskellunge, bass (requires appropriate state license)
• Hunting (requires appropriate state license)
• Watching wildlife from a safe distance
• Viewing waterfalls
• Taking guided nature hikes
• Bicycle touring on backroads and mountain biking at the Blue Mountain Lake bike trail in New Jersey
• Auto-touring and visiting historic houses
• Picnicking
• Cross-country skiing on selected trails and backroads

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:{back}

State and federal hunting regulations apply. River fishing requires a license from either New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Permits are required for special park uses such as commercial photography, weddings, and ceremonies.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:{back}

Allow a day to hike, swim, and perhaps see a waterfall. Allow two days to visit historic sites and rural scenery. River trips of 1 to 5 days may be arranged, however camping at our primitive river campsites is limited to a maximum of 4 days/3 nights.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:{back}

Delaware River Sojourn, June. Educational programs and canoe trips along the entire length of the river. Modest fees.

Peters Valley Craft Fair, last weekend in September. Contemporary and traditional crafts people sell their work in clay, jewelry, leather, glass, basketry, wood, metal. Demonstrations live music. Admission.

Millbrook Days, first full weekend in October. Demonstrations and programs in a recreated farming village celebrate 19th-century rural life. Free.

Van Campen Day, third Sunday in October. Tours and activities at a historic rural mansion. Free.

VISITOR IMPACTS:{back}

Camping and hotel reservations must be made well in advance of holiday weekends. Weather and river conditions may close park beaches, river access points, and roadways. Hunting is permitted in season within the recreation area.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:{back}

National Park Service sites within two hours drive from the recreation area:

• Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Fishing, canoeing/rafting/tubing on Class I and II rapids between placid pools and eddies on 73 miles of free-flowing river. Visit Zane Grey Museum and Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct. Phone 570-685-4871
• Steamtown National Historic Site Railroad museum, yards, and locomotives. Steam excursions. Phone 570-961-2033
• Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Rural iron industry and furnace. Phone 610-582-8773
• Morristown National Historic Site Quarters for Washington's Continental Army for two critical winters. Phone 201-539-2085
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Maine to Georgia)

U.S. Forest Service sites within two hours drive from the recreation area:

• Grey Towers National Historic Landmark. Life and times of Gifford Pinchot, who established the country's Forest Service. Phone 570-296-9630

Tourist Agencies:

• Pennsylvania State Tourism 1-800- VISIT PA (1-800-847-4872)
• New Jersey State Tourism 1-800-JERSEY 7 Extension 5925 (1-800-537-7397 Extension 5925)
• Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau 1-800-POCONOS
• Pike County Chamber of Commerce in Milford, PA: 570-296-8700
• Local New Jersey tourism:1-800-4SKYLAN
• Tri-State Chamber of Commerce in Port Jervis, NY: 914-856-6694

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:{back}