Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Active and Adventure Vacations

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Fall foliage in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania (Tony Sweet/Digital Vision/Getty)

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Active and Adventure Highlights

By Travel Expert: Alistair Wearmouth

  • Canoe 40 miles of the Middle Delaware National Scenic River, which cuts a languid, scenic swath through the forested Appalachian Mountains. Overnight canoe camping is permitted at primitive riverside sites—in fact, it's highly recommended! Day trips by canoe, kayak, raft, or inner tube are also ideal ways to enjoy the watery scenery.
  • Fish the stocked rivers at Dingmans or Bushkill Creeks for brown or brook trout, Van Campens Brook for rainbow trout, or the small lakes and ponds around the Delaware Water Gap for rock bass, catfish, and sunfish. Single-day tourist fishing licenses are available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
  • Hike the three-mile Dunnfield Creek Loop, which traces the creek as it tumbles toward the Delaware River. You'll enjoy spring ferns and wildflowers, brilliant fall foliage, and glimpses of wildlife such as river warblers, bald eagles, and groundhogs.
  • Ride the five-mile McDade Trail, a multiuse hiking and biking trail that follows the Delaware River from Hialeah in the south to Turn Farm in the north. A mostly flat, gravel ride ideal for beginners and kids, several adjoining dirt roads and tracks add to the fun. Smithfield Beach, about halfway in, offers a nice place to cool off on those hot summer or spring days. The trail does double duty in winter for cross-country skiers, as conditions permit.
  • On the New Jersey side of the National Recreation Area, hike along the Kittatinny Ridge to the summit of Mount Tammany, where the ridge plunges 1,200 spectacular feet down into the Delaware Water Gap. This is a moderately strenuous 3.5-mile hike with views, wildlife, and a cooling waterfall at the end.


Hotels

expert favorite hotel
Dingmans Campground
1006 Route 209
Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 7.1 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
from: $129 compare hotel rates expert favorite hotel
The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
1 River Rd.
Shawnee On Delaware, PA 18356
Hotel Class: 3 class stars
Distance: 14.1 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
3.8 out of 5 11 reviews
3.8 out of 5
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
Pocmont Resort
PO BOX 1232, Bushkill Falls Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 3.8 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
All Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Middle Delaware National Scenic River
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
c/o Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, HQ River Rd off Route 209
Bushkill, Pennsylvania 18324
Distance: 0.2 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Middle Delaware National Scenic River is a... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite attraction
Joseph McDade Recreational Trail
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
c/o Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, HQ River Rd off Route 209
Bushkill, Pennsylvania 18324
Distance: 5.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description: The Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail is a... Read More
Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
274 River Road
Beach Lake, Pennsylvania 18405 Map
Distance: 0.0 Miles (from destination center)
Description:

Rolling hills, riverfront villages, and bald... Read More

Active Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
All Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Attractions

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