Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
4.5
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This 70,000-acre park is named for the point at which the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Mountain.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
422 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
127
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,631 contributions
Aug 2023
I love coming to the Delaware Water Gap at all times of the year. The park is so picturesque and beautiful. I love the views from the parking lot and the paths when you get into the park.
This was the first time I ever went to Turtle Beach further up in the park and I have to say that the roads are loaded with potholes. You have to really be careful and take your time going up to the beach.
Turtle Beach is nothing special. It is a gap in the woods where there is a grassy beach where you can swim in the Delaware River. The day I was there there was a sign saying that there was not swimming and at 6:30pm, everyone was swimming. I would have ventured further into the park but with the roads being what they were I did not want to go any farther.
Still is a great park and it is beautiful both in the summer and fall.
This was the first time I ever went to Turtle Beach further up in the park and I have to say that the roads are loaded with potholes. You have to really be careful and take your time going up to the beach.
Turtle Beach is nothing special. It is a gap in the woods where there is a grassy beach where you can swim in the Delaware River. The day I was there there was a sign saying that there was not swimming and at 6:30pm, everyone was swimming. I would have ventured further into the park but with the roads being what they were I did not want to go any farther.
Still is a great park and it is beautiful both in the summer and fall.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crutt13
Pottstown, PA564 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I have to say I find it funny that almost every photo I see of this place is from Mt. Minsi.
Anyway, we hiked the Appalachian trail to Mt Minsi starting at the resort point overlook parking area. The trail was nice, with small creeks, wild rhododendron, good views and lots of wildlife. The trail is very rocky and many of the rocks are slick even with good hiking shoes.
The trail has a few great views of the gap, the river and the state forests. On the map it identified two ponds. One was like a large puddle and the 2nd was overgrown with lily pads. Overall, it was a nice hike.
There is very limited parking and lots of people so get there early or plan to spend time looking for parking.
Anyway, we hiked the Appalachian trail to Mt Minsi starting at the resort point overlook parking area. The trail was nice, with small creeks, wild rhododendron, good views and lots of wildlife. The trail is very rocky and many of the rocks are slick even with good hiking shoes.
The trail has a few great views of the gap, the river and the state forests. On the map it identified two ponds. One was like a large puddle and the 2nd was overgrown with lily pads. Overall, it was a nice hike.
There is very limited parking and lots of people so get there early or plan to spend time looking for parking.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola4876
Lansing, MI935 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a very pretty area. We did the Mount Minsi Loop; we thought we were doing the fire road loop; nope, got on the hard one somehow. Be smarter than we were: wear hiking boots, long pants, a backpack to keep your hands free, and a walking stick. The trail we got on had white markings; these markings might be on a tree or up on a rock you need to climb. Pay attention! If you want to look around, stop first. Highly recommend downloading AllTrails prior to doing these trails.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan Q
Curtice, OH467 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Nice hike with a few great views. My wife and I are mid 40’s and moderately good shape. She has an artificial knee. It was tough, but very doable. Due to COVID, the trail is currently a one-way only loop. All hikers are asked to go up the red dot trail and blue dot on the way down. Red dot was a little steeper going up, but had plenty of large rocks to place each step. We liked this portion of the hike. Blue dot on the way down kicked are butts due to EVERY step being very calculated around medium to small rocks to manage risk of injury. My trail app said there is a scenic spot on the way up the red dot, before you get to Mt. Tommany. It simply wasn’t where identified. There is nothing to see at that location. Wish we would have stopped for lunch a quarter mile earlier when there was a beautiful overlook of the river. Make sure to bring plenty of water. We each drank roughly 48 ounces on a 90 degree afternoon hike. Best part of the day may have been soaking our feet in the creek during our hike out. Beautiful views and ice cold mountain water to refresh our joints. The trail is roughly 4 miles. We completed in 4 hours, but that was with nearly an hour relaxing at the summit and creek side. It could easily be done in 3 hours if you are in good shape. Great day overall.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,864 contributions
Jan 2021
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area encompasses 70,000 acres of diverse landscape. Rolling streams, beautiful falls and cascades hemlock and deciduous forest, towering granite cliffs, along with the Delaware River. There are 150 miles of trails ranging from (Easy, Moderate, Difficult).
In the spring you can enjoy the blooming bushes and trees, as well as, wildflowers, albeit not as many as years gone by. The summer offers the river, ponds and streams to cool off. The fall is a time of year that boasts a full palette of colors. I am visiting the National Recreation Area to enjoy the quite, white wonderland of ice and snow. This visit was to Mt. Tammany and the nearby visitor center and Delaware river. Access is right off of Route 80 north, Dunnfield Creek Appalachian Trail, the last exit before crossing the bridge to Pennsylvania. You can pick up the Appalachian trial from here. The hike up to the top of Tammany Mountain is considered difficult and with snow and ice somewhat more hazardous. The top offers vistas of the gap, the Delaware river and the forest.
There is considerable wildlife in this area compared to other New Jersey areas. Bears, foxes, coyotes, bob cats, raccoons, owls, and bats can be seen. During the winter months many of these animals are sheltering and less visible.
The visitor center is located on route 80 East. You can walk from Mt. Tammany parking lot on a paved road which takes you under route 80 to the visitor center. It is about a 5 minute walk. There are trail maps, a Guide to the Gap, and rangers to help you plan your visit. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the visitor center has been closed periodically. The visitor center is near the banks of the Delaware so a short walk will take you down to the river. There are restrooms available in this area. This entire experience is free so skip the spin classes.
In the spring you can enjoy the blooming bushes and trees, as well as, wildflowers, albeit not as many as years gone by. The summer offers the river, ponds and streams to cool off. The fall is a time of year that boasts a full palette of colors. I am visiting the National Recreation Area to enjoy the quite, white wonderland of ice and snow. This visit was to Mt. Tammany and the nearby visitor center and Delaware river. Access is right off of Route 80 north, Dunnfield Creek Appalachian Trail, the last exit before crossing the bridge to Pennsylvania. You can pick up the Appalachian trial from here. The hike up to the top of Tammany Mountain is considered difficult and with snow and ice somewhat more hazardous. The top offers vistas of the gap, the Delaware river and the forest.
There is considerable wildlife in this area compared to other New Jersey areas. Bears, foxes, coyotes, bob cats, raccoons, owls, and bats can be seen. During the winter months many of these animals are sheltering and less visible.
The visitor center is located on route 80 East. You can walk from Mt. Tammany parking lot on a paved road which takes you under route 80 to the visitor center. It is about a 5 minute walk. There are trail maps, a Guide to the Gap, and rangers to help you plan your visit. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the visitor center has been closed periodically. The visitor center is near the banks of the Delaware so a short walk will take you down to the river. There are restrooms available in this area. This entire experience is free so skip the spin classes.
Written January 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea
13 contributions
Jul 2021
Not much more to do than drive through it, unless we missed something. Lots of corn and soybeans. We thought we'd be able to see the cliffs that we knew were to one side, but they were hidden by foliage. We didn't do any of the hikes because by the time we saw the pulloffs, they were either full or we'd driven past.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
a.veces.viajo
Brooklyn, NY26 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I would like to say that I was tricked into going on this hike as it was pitched to me as an easy thing to do. Wrong. Lies. Deception. We got to the trail and were excited and then were told that it would be 5 miles & even then I was still excited. What I was not expecting or prepared for was the climbing or the incline or the amount of rocks. I don’t hike. I barely jog. This trail was challenging and it took a lot longer than I expected. Buttttt it was AMAZING. Yes, I complained a lot but I was able to do everything. I climbed over trees, got lost a few times & made it to the top! While I am sore this morning, I am very happy about my hiking experience. Bring reusable water bottles & pace yourselves. I am now investing in hiking boots bc I felt like my sneakers didn’t offer enough ankle support.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Empty Nesters
Louisville, KY333 contributions
Sep 2020
We stopped at the visitor center and hiked the Mt. Tammany trail for an incredible view of the Delaware Water Gap. The trail was very rocky and moderately difficult. The actual visitor center was closed due to COVID.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wpatravelers
Warren, PA103 contributions
Sep 2020
We expected much more. We wanted to start at a visitor center for a map and recommendations. It took us 2 times across the river to get to Kittatanny visitor center. CLOSED. No where on the NPS website does it say that. The notice on the door said to go to the Dingman visitor center. We followed our atlas the best we could and after 2 hours of rough potholes roads we found the ferry crossing bridge. Dingman visitor center CLOSED. We haven't had a glimpse of the river yet. On to Milford, at least, by accident, we found Grey Towers NHS grounds open. On the way back down 209 looking for the park HQ, we were tailgated and passed on double yellow lines by 6 motorcycles who didn't like us going the speed limit. We finally saw the park HQ sign that said 1/2 mile. We never saw another sign, nor the park HQ. We were supposed to stay another day, but we give up. We are informed travelers, do research ahead of our trips. This has been a complete failure and waste of vacation days.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthBayVisitor
North Bay, Canada92 contributions
Apr 2022
Couldn't park by the trails - area was full. In defense it was a sunny beautiful Saturday, might not be like that normally. Ended up crossing the toad and parking by picnic benches and wandering around there a bit. Worth a visit.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigb1uesky
Boulder, CO40 contributions
We would love to go river tubing, and we have our own tubes, so we do not need to book a company. Do you know of a good put-in and takeout place, where we could have a fun few miles?
Theand G
Delaware102 contributions
I see there are some primitive canoe camping sites available on a first come basis (on outfitter site)
Can we just put our canoe in on our own and use one of those sites when we get to it ( if it isn't already taken ) or are those solely for people who are with edge of the woods?
If we can, where is a good spot to park/ put in?
Thanks so much in advance
Hi, I'm planning to go tomorrow but in their website says it is closed.
Reading the reviews here I think is just the office areas that are closed but I'm not sure.
Have someone been there recently and could help me?
If so, where should I park and which direction to take?
Do I still have to pay?
Thank you so much!
Hikeat
New York City, NY24 contributions
The office (kittatiny) is closed to the public there were a few rangers about directing traffic and later seated a a table with a stuffed hawk. Also saw lines of people by about four pit toilets. Did not check the condition of the toilets. No fees were charged.
DMC
Middletown, DE234 contributions
I am planning a solo day trip to DWG and bringing my dog. I'm in good shape, but not a super experienced hiker. So I'm not looking for crazy trails. I would like to reach the peak that looks over the winding Delaware water gap. I believe this is Mt. Tammany? Which Trail should I take? Any suggestions at all for a first-timer to this park? Thank you, thank you :-)
Hikeat
New York City, NY24 contributions
Dogs love the brook alongside the trail to sunfish pond. There is a trail that overlooks the river nearby. I dont recall the name of that trail. There should be a guide map posted in the parking lot near the trailhead.
Cindy C
Felton, DE1 contribution
I will be going there next tuesday and will have a day there. What is a fairly easy hike location to do in about 4 hours? We would also like to visit a quaint village for some shopping and a meal. Where would you recommend?
April
Beaverton, OR363 contributions
Hornbecks Creek Falls was an easy trail with the fall leaves and fallen walnuts, but the water falls was a trickle. Dingmans Creek Falls is very pretty mostly on boardwalks and stairs to the high falls. Further down the road is Raymondskill Creek Falls. It's a loop and well worth it. You can easily do all three of these in one day. We drove to Milford and had lunch at Milford's Diner. Great food and a few shops. Bethlehem is worth your time too.
claydaw
Mechanicsburg, PA18 contributions
Any activity or things to see not involving hiking?
GASB N
New York City, NY101 contributions
Didn’t see anything other than hiking . No sitting or play area. Table at small parking was full of bees, so wouldn’t sit there, and didn’t see anything else in immediate area. Small nice place , limited parking spots
Julie and Paul C
Dunnellon, FL205 contributions
Hello, we are bringing our pet on vacation with us. Are there any pet friendly things to do? Parks that allow pets, Restaurants, Winery? Anyone pet friendly in this area?
Moey
37 contributions
Go to the official website. dwgnra
It is in both NJ and PA. There are a lot of trails and swimming & boating opportunities
I don't believe dogs are allowed on beach. There is a lot to do but since i don't know what area you r going to it is hard to recommend. You should go see & hike the Delaware Water Gap area. The welcome center is right off Rt 80 in PA
They have tons of flyers & brochures a ailable. U ahould call each place that i terests u. If u r in the Milford PA area a great day boarding or overnight kennel is Kountry Kennels in Sandyston NJ just 5 miles south of Milford bridge on Rt 206. Dimmick Inn in Milford PA is very good for lunch or dinner or Apple Valley. If you do co.e i to NJ Neldon Roberts schoolhouse is in north bou d lane and make left on River Rd (just over bridge) and visit Foster Armstrong house 1 1/2 mile on left. MUSEUM
Over bridge on right is Old Mine Rd whi h is also River Rd
Oldest road i US. Millbrook Village is down River Rd appeox. 10 miles or so. You will pass thru Peter's Valley craft village & store, then into Walpack and have lunch or finner at Walpack Inn open Fri,Sat, Sun. Check website. High Point State Park with Veteran's monument T highest point in NJ has swi.mi g fa ilities, camping, etc. Grey Towers home of Gifford Pinchot is in Milford
Ca oeing, rafting on Delaware River - stop ar one of the many islands in River for your lunch - take it with u- and u can take ur dog. Many pla es rent rafts, etc. Great area. Enjoy, have fun, be safe. If going on River use life vests for all - dog included
Go to the various websites for more accurate info.
What is the best time of year for birding and photography?
macska2016
Fishkill, NY133 contributions
Best time for spring birding migration is April/May. Nesting is May, June. Fall birding migration is probably Sept/Oct, but haven't been there for this. There is a Hawk Watch area used by birders in New Jersey - but Hawk watch probably good anywhere in region.
Photography would be great anytime spring - May, June, Summer July - Sept. Fall, i'm sure is spectacular - October/early November
Is it near route 80 . I would be coming from nj in middle of October
Frank M
United States106 contributions
Yes. Interstate 80 crosses from NJ to PA going west. There are signs indicating where to turn off for hiking, visitors' center and view of the Delaware. Also U.S. rt. 209 in PA and Old Mine Rd. in NJ (last exit in NJ) parallel the Del. Water Gap Nat. Rec. Area going n.e. to Milford PA and Port Jervis NY. Many waterfalls are located to see along the PA side including Bushkill Falls, Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls. The Gap itself is the area where I-80 enters the gorge with Mt. Tammany on one side and Mt. Minsi on the other. Also the AT trail (Appalachian Trail) crosses this section as well.
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Claim your listingDelaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Hotels near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
- (0.03 mi) Shawnee River Village 1
- (0.03 mi) Depuy Townhouses
- (0.24 mi) Rodeway Inn & Suites Stroudsburg - Poconos
- (1.56 mi) Cherry Valley Manor
- (0.26 mi) Clarion Inn & Suites Stroudsburg - Poconos
- Restaurants near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
- (0.23 mi) Dunkin'
- (0.48 mi) Minisink Hotel
- (0.37 mi) Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ
- (0.42 mi) Village Farmer and Bakery
- (0.30 mi) Water Gap Convenience Store
- Attractions near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:
- (0.48 mi) Edge of the Woods Outfitters
- (0.29 mi) Pennsylvania Welcome Center
- (0.51 mi) Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery
- (0.57 mi) The Historic Castle Inn
- (0.71 mi) Chamberlain Canoes
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Information
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