July 2021
Visiting the Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania
Even though we had lived in Central New Jersey for many years, we are still getting to know the area to the north and the pandemic has been a good excuse for that. Growing up, this area of the northeast was for an occasional trip to ski at the Pocono Mountains – that was about it. On our drive back from a summer trip to the Finger Lakes, we passed trail head signs for the Delaware Water Gap and it caught our interest. It did not take long into researching to add this to our list – we explored as a day trip but it can easily fill an entire weekend!
Location
- Area in the north west part of New Jersey that straddles over the Delaware River into Pennsylvania as well.
- This spot has unique placement of the ridge allows for high peaks and a wide river that gives the landscape perfect for hiking, calm water activities, and chasing waterfalls as well as some adorable towns.
- The Delaware Water Gap is conveniently located near other destinations that could make for an extended trip such as Mt Pocono, Scranton, or even Hudson Valley.
- This area is great all year round – offering ski resorts in the winter and water activities in the summer. We visiting in November 2020 as our final “hurrah” before pandemic winter set in and we just missed the fall foliage but I can imagine the leaves are stunning.
Hiking
- There are tons of hiking trails in this area that range from beginner trails to trails for experienced hikers as well as a nice variety of distances to chose from depending on your trip.
- On our day trip, we completed the Mt Tammany (red dot) trail up and the Pahaquarry (blue dot) trail down totaling a 3.6 moderate hike – highly recommend this trail loop!
- The next trip we take we are going to do the Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail which is a 5 mile moderate loop.
- Parking lots at some of these trails can get full on holidays and weekends so be sure to arrive early to snag a spot.
- A full list of trails including distances and difficulty can be found here: Hiking – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Waterfalls
- There are so many opportunities to see waterfalls at the Delaware Water Gap – both ones you can work for and ones you do not have to.
- Bushkill Falls is a great stop to add onto your trip to the Delaware Water Gap and very friendly for visitors of all types – you can do as little or as much walking as you like. Read this post for more details and all the photos of Bushkill Falls.
- Raymondskill Falls is the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania and can be seen with a short and easy half a mile loop.
- Dingmans Falls is the second highest waterfall in Pennsylvania and can be seen with a short and easy mile loop on a boardwalk trail.
- There are plenty more waterfalls to explore beyond these as well!
Surrounding Towns
- There are several towns throughout this area with so much to offer – Stroudsburg, Delaware Water Gap (proper), Digmans Ferry,
- We stopped in Delaware Water Gap (proper) and I honestly cannot wait to go back!
- Village Farmer and Bakery – this spot is such a gem, full of freshly baked goods of every kind and local products. Additionally there is a cafe serving breakfast and lunch with a hot dog and slice of apple pie special of $2.95 – you cannot beat that!
- Joe Bosco BBQ – classic BBQ joint serving delicious meats. We grabbed the burnt ends (my personal BBQ favorite), brisket, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese – all wonderful.
- Bovino’s Pizzeria and Brewery – two in one!
I hope you make a trip to explore this area! If you have visited, I would love to know your favorite things to do and places to visit.