The famed Delaware Water Gap was created between the shorter forest ranges and rocky mountain chains. Forty miles of pristine Delaware River run briskly amongst the forested shores and lush green in between this majestic park. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a haven for hiking, canoeing, bird watching, wildlife seeking, and the scenic beauty of the mountains and the rivers. The area is also known to be one of the world’s scenic wonders, with many parks and waterfalls around the place. The place also represents the rich history of the Poconos and the inhabitants who lived there ages ago.
The Delaware Water Gap is a mile-long stretch that separates two mountains and includes the Delaware River stretch with 67,000 protected forested and park areas where the visitors can enjoy recreational and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and water activities in one the most pristine places in Pennsylvania.
Best time to visit parks in Delaware Water Gap
The mid-year month period – during the spring and fall months – is the perfect time to visit parks in Delaware Water Gap, thanks to the comfortable weather temperatures. Also, remember that August is the busiest month/season for tourism in Delaware Water Gap, so finding privacy and space can be tricky.
Things to know before going to the parks in the Delaware Water Gap
Whether you plan to visit one or many recreational parks and areas around Delaware Water Gap, some tips will help you make the most of your leisure and adventurous visit to the Delaware Water Gap that you would not want to miss out on! Having the right items in hand is essential for having a stress-free and enjoyable experience in the park.
- It is recommended to pack smaller bags while in the park and should contain sunscreen, a hat, water bottles and other travel-sized essentials.
- Always a good idea to have some food packed with you.
- Having enough water is key to a good camping trip. There are good chances that you will wander around the park and get more thirsty.
- Since most of the parks and camping areas in Delaware Water Gap are massive, it is essential to plan your time in the park so that you don’t miss out on anything you have been longing for.
Best parks in Delaware Water Gap that you shouldn’t miss out on!
1. George W Childs Park
Area: N/A
Timings: (Closed until notice)
Fees: Depends on the activity
Accessibility: Limited
Things to do/Recreational opportunities
Hiking
- The park has 1.5 miles of a hiking trail that goes through the Dingnams Creek and winds through the ravine around, forests and across the waterfalls and other historic structures around the park.
- Hikers can also admire the stone formations around the area and learn about the history of the place.
Waterfalls
- The park has many beautiful waterfalls that you can find while hiking around the park. Some of the famous waterfalls that you can see in the area include Factory Falls, Fuller Falls, and Deer Leap Falls.
Note: Due to the harsh winter storm damage in 2018, the George W Childs is closed for public entry. For recent updates, you can either contact local guides or visit the park’s official website.
2. Delaware State Forest
Area: Approx. 83,530 acres
Timings: N/A
Fees: Free
Accessibility: Limited
Things to do
Hiking:
- 200 miles with more than 100 trails. These trails are also perfect for biking, horse riding, and more.
- The main trail – the Thunder Swamp Trail system, spans 26 miles. The major highlights of the course are the mountain streams, swamps, and Pocono Plateau. The trails have many short loop trails for day hikes and longer loops for camping overnight.
- You might need to take permits for camping overnight or car camping. Contact the district office to know what is permitted to know updated information.
Picnics
- There are many areas where you can picnic around the forest area. However, Lily Pond and the Laurel Run have facilities like tables, grills and well-maintained regions suitable for picnics.
Camping
- Camping for a night or more would require permits. You can also plan motorized camping in which you can use your vehicle for storage.
- Many designated campsites have features like picnic tables and fire rings.
Hunting
- The park is quite popular for hunting deer, turkey, rabbits, black bears, and squirrels – at certain designated areas and seasons.
- Hunting is permitted in the state forest and has certain safe zones and buildings for hunting enthusiasts.
Fishing
- The Delaware State Forest had a lot of opportunities. There are around 13 lakes and ponds within the area. There are many clear water streams there as well.
Boating
- Boating facilities have been included in many lakes around Delaware Water Gap, including White Deer Lake, Pecks Pond, and Little Mud Pond. All the rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are required to be registered. There are specific ponds made for iceboating that also need to be registered.
Horse Biking
- Horse riding is allowed in most parts of the forest roads and trails. One of the great trails to explore is the Thunder Swamp hiking trail. Other smooth, flat trails are perfect for horse riding.
Other activities
Besides the other activities mentioned, you will find other interesting outdoor activities like ATV riding, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in respected trails and recreational areas. ATV trails include Maple Run, Burnt Mills, and the Dixon Miller recreation area. Bruce Lake is the best known for its snowshoeing trail.
3. Mt Nebo Park
Area: Approx. 159 acres
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Fees: For specific activities
Accessibility: Limited
Mount Nebo offers a majestic view of the Arkansas River Valley. A plain path with crushed stone leads to the regional park. The ridge is located between Shawnee and Marshalls creeks.
Things to do:
Camping
Mount Nebo State Park has many trails for hiking, ranging from easy to steep with different surfaces like forested, rocky, and hilly trails. You can enjoy hikes of 14 miles with the area’s scenic beauty that ranges from 0.5 miles to almost 7 miles long.
You can choose to take your own time to cover the trails or choose to backpack overnight and hike over different campsites. The park also has natural springs that are initiated from the mountains through the stone formed during the start of the 1800s. The springs are also a pretty popular hiking spot for history enthusiasts. The two famous hiking spots include the Nebo Springs trail along with the Nebo steps and Gum Springs Trail.
Biking
For those looking for outdoor adventure, there are also mountain biking opportunities. Trails with a total 25 miles are available to be explored. Before you start creating the biking plan, make sure that you check the weather conditions.
Wildlife watching
As you explore the park’s corners, you will find many opportunities to spot some unique outdoor adventures, including catching glimpses of wildlife while driving along the roads. You have a good chance of spotting wildlife in the open areas, while some other animals can be shot spotted in the dense forests. While walking across the park, you will find a pond, basin of rocks and lush forest—the conserved land of Mount Nebo Park.
4. Brodhead Creek Park
Area: Approx. 30 acres
Timings: 7 am – 8 pm
Fees: $10 for non-residents between May and September.
Accessibility: Open
Things to do
Picnicking
- The place has easy trails to walk around and is ideal for picnics. This streamside park has many relatively peaceful and relaxing trails, especially during spring and fall. It has two pavilions and walking trails that go around and through the woods. The place is also pet friendly, which means you can get your dogs and cats – but it is recommended to have them on a leash.
- To ensure that people don’t pollute, the park started admission fees during peak season for non-residents.
Fishing
- Since the park is located on Brodhead Creek banks, it helps them get easy access to fishing.
- Children above 12 and adults are required to have a special permit for fishing.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
