Are you seeking for a great adventure in the land of Poconos? Are you an adventure enthusiast like me? Then Delaware Water Gap is definitely the greatest pick for you among the various destinations of Pennsylvania. Not long ago, but still among the various places that I’ve been to, Delaware Water Gap delivered such an authenticity and thrilling feel for me. It is one of the very favorite places of my family too, that’s how unique the regions of Delaware Water Gap are, adventure sports, scenic spots, vacation rentals, and many more. You name it!
Delaware Water Gap otherwise known as ‘A Gap in the Urban Map’ is always filled with adrenaline chasing activities for everyone, it does not matter how skilled you are, anyone could take part in the very captivating activities. Fishing, hiking, hunting, paddling and various others, Delaware has something for everyone. Not just the adventure sports, Delaware Water Gap which is situated in the densely packed area of the US, provides the visitors to experience the unique and tranquil landscape along with its rich history.
Furthermore, In this blog, I’ll gladly take this opportunity to guide you readers to the very best adventure sports in Delaware Water Gap, for you to have an amusing and thrilling yet a peaceful escapade. So, make sure you stay along with me until the end!
Hiking Through The Woods
One of the most popular things to do in Delaware Water Gap, explore the serenity of landscape and forests along with bird watching and wildlife observing. There are so many things that one could expect while hiking through the meadows of Delaware Water Gap. It is a trail for every sole out there, as Delaware Water Gap provides 150 miles of distinct trails which have wheelchair accessible trails like Dingmans Falls Boardwalk Trail and even extreme adventures like Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail.
However, always make sure that you follow the hiking rules and protocols and never forget to bring enough equipment and gears for your convenience. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Delaware Water Gap is:
1. Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail
Among the various trails I’ve been on, this one is actually my very best, that is Mount Minsi via the Appalachian Trail. The trail can be considered as a moderately challenging one but it is also perfect for birding, wildlife watching, dog friendly and many others. The trail is also open to the public for the whole year and it is dog friendly too.
- Length: 7.7km
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
2. Council Rock and Lookout Rock
An out and back routed hiking trail which is mildly considered as a moderate challenging route. It takes almost 1hr and 10 mins for anyone to complete the trail and offers many lake views, birding, forest scenic spots and dog friendly atmosphere. I believe it is best to visit this trail from April to October.
- Length: 3.9km
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
3. Dingmans Falls via Dingmans Creek Trail
One of the easiest trails in the location which takes almost 40 mins to complete. Located near Dingmans Ferry, the trail is best to explore during March until November and the trail is most popular for walking, hiking and bird watching. You can even view many waterfalls, rivers, scenic views and even wildlife. Moreover, the trail has wheelchair access too. But the sad part is, you will have to leave your pets at home as the trail is not pet friendly.
- Length: 2.3km
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
Splash Through the Aquatics with Water Sports
The Delaware Water Gap is really popular for its wide range of water sports in the region, especially kayaking, canoeing and rafting. The adventure sports enthusiasts could have an amusing time in the rivers & lakes of Delaware Water Gap. Trust me, it is the perfect adventure for families to enjoy together, you could spend a great jolly time with your loved ones in the mellow section of the Delaware rivers. The trip that takes almost 3 hours offers the visitors with electrifying views.
Some of the best places for rafting, kayaks, canoeing in Delaware Water Gap would be:
- Delaware River Campground
- Shawnee River Trips
- Kayak East
- Chamberlain Canoes
Moreover, if you are planning for a great experience in canoeing or kayaking or rafting near Delaware Water Gap, then it is strictly advised by me that you should wear a life jacket, follow the instructions from your guide and properly follow the river safety rules. Furthermore, the best routes to follow to experience and view the fascinating and breathtaking views of the Delaware Water Gap is:
- Barryville to Pond Eddy
- Matamoras to River Beach
Spike in and Climb Up: Rock Climbing in Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is the best spot for exploring the various options of Rock Climbing in Poconos. There is something for all skill levels, for every visitor. Rock climbing became one of my favorite things to do in Delaware as it offers many benefits such as it burns calories, improves balance, boosts my confidence and improves my state of mind. I’m sure it’ll do the same for you. Now, let’s take a look at the options available for Rock Climbing in Delaware Water Gap:
- Trad Climbing: This requires technical knowledge and skill in anchoring. It is only for intermediate skilled climbers. Others are not advised to do it.
- Ice Climbing: Which is also an extreme sport activity and requires a skill set and knowledge in climbing. It is mostly climbing over frozen falls and ice walls.
- Bouldering: A great climbing sport for beginners which is climbing over short and tricky boulders using shoes and a bag of chalk above safety mats.
Furthermore, now let’s take a look at the most popular spots for rock climbing in Delaware Water Gap:
1. Mount Minsi
Known as the highest point in the region along with Kittatinny Ridges. Both Mount Minsi and Mount Tanmay have quite similar climbing ways and offer more than 100 routes with multiple pitches. Trad climbing is the most preferred style in both the mountains. It is advised to select your route carefully as some routes are not climbed often so it may have loose rocks and be dirty. The most rated climbing routes are:
- Full Tilt
- Boca Roca Grande
- Pain Build Character
- Voyage of the Damned
2. Mount Tanmay
The biggest yet best multi pitch climbing location in the region, is also much more spectacular than Mt Minsi in my opinion. With more than hundred routes, Mt Tanmay has spectacular situations and easy access to them. The location has been developed ever since people started visiting there, which makes it an ideal spot for rock climbing in Delaware Water Gap. Trad Climbing is the most preferred climbing technique used in the location with many others such as: Toprope, boulder, mixed, ice, and aid.
The most rated climbing routes in the spot are:
- The rib
- Corkscrew
- Tree Toad Fracture
- Death don’t’ have mercy
- Ride of the Valkyries
Precautions Before Your Adventure
Rock Climbing can be a fun and thrilling activity, however, there are some things to be always followed before the great sporting adventure such as:
- Always wear helmets
- Check if your climbing tie in knot is tied correctly or not
- Double check if the harness is buckled or not
- Bring all the gears and equipment required
- Use a really long rope for climbing
Fishing All The Way in Delaware Water Gap
Fishing is one of my favorite things along with my family as it is so much fun and entertaining. Delaware Water Gap is a perfect place to do fishing along with your loved ones, you could even teach them the basics of fishing. Trust me they will love fishing with you. In Delaware Water Gap, fishing is considered as a public enjoyment, traditional use, and for commercial uses. Now, let me list out some of the best spots for fishing in Delaware Water Gap:
- Worthington State Forest
- Jenny Jump State Forest
- Gouldsboro State Park
You can enjoy fishing among the many rivers and best lakes in Delaware and catch many amazing species in the area. Some of the most caught fish species in the regions are:
- American Shad
- Brook Trout
- Yellow Perch
- Pumpkinseed
However, there are details to be followed before you head out for your great fishing adventure. Let me list them out for you:
- For fishing near the New Jersey side of Delaware rivers, you will be needing a New Jersey Fishing Licence.
- Pennsylvania fishing license is required for fishing in streams, lakes, rivers or ponds near Pennsylvania.
- Fishing license is not required for children below of age 16
- Life Jackets should always be worn by everyone while on the river.
Bike Your Way Through Delaware Water Gap
The region of Delaware Water Gap provides some really amusing trails for experiencing the surroundings and its wonders. You can easily bike your way along the rivers in Delaware, fields and the forests in Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area. Now, let me list out the very best biking trails in Delaware Water Gap for you to enjoy the breathtaking views:
1. McDade Trail
One of the best biking trails that I’ve tried is the McDade Trail of Delaware Water Gap. Even though the trail is kind of moderately challenging, I believe it can be achieved by anyone. It requires almost 9h and 30 mins to complete the route but in that time you could view many wildlife, rivers, wildflowers and more. The perfect time to visit the trail would be from March till October. Moreover, you could also bring your dogs into the trail but only on leash.
- Length: 46.5km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Type: Point to Point
2. River Rd to Hialeah Trailhead via McDade Trail
Located near to Bushkill, Pennsylvania and is considered as an easy trail which requires almost 3hr and 30 mins to complete. The trail is also popular for birding, hiking and cross country skiing and is open all year for the visitors to explore.
- Length: 16.3km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Type: Out & Back
3. Milford Beach to Raymondskill Creek via McDade Trail
Another easy trail for you to complete within just 1hr and 45 mins. The trail is located near Milford, Pennsylvania and is really renowned for birding, hiking and cross country skiing. Dogs are not allowed in this trail, and it is open all year for you to explore.
- Length: 8.5km
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Easy
Tips before your biking escapade
Furthermore, here is some tips for you to follow while your thrilling bike adventure:
- Carry proper safety equipments
- Carry navigational equipments
- Obey all land restriction rules and policies
- Check weather and road conditions before heading out for the adventure
Winter Adventures in Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap is the prime destination for adventure sports in PA as it offers the visitors many amazing and thrilling activities to do in the winter alongside their families. From the recent times I’ve been to Delaware I couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with the region and its recreational activities. There are so many attractions in Delaware Water Gap and especially during the winter such as skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and many more. So now let’s take a look at the popular winter sports in the region.
1. Snowshoeing
Among the wide range of winter activities, snowshoeing is one of my best things to do and the easiest too. The feeling of cold air alongside viewing the beautiful landscapes while snowshoeing makes me feel refreshed and positive. The best part is you just have to wear normal arctic clothes and boots while snowshoeing. These are the best trails in Delaware Water Gap for snowshoeing:
| Name | Distance | Difficulty |
| Blue Mt Lake | 5.9 miles | Easy-Medium |
| McDade Recreation | 31 miles | Easy |
| SlateFord Trail | 3.1 miles loop | Easy-Moderate |
2. Cross Country Skiing
My very first pick for a winter adventure in Delaware Water Gap would be Cross country skiing. Skiing down the trails alongside my family and friends was always a captivating and refreshing feel for me. It doesn’t matter even if you are a beginner in skiing, you could always take up lessons and learn skiing from Delaware itself. The best spots for cross country skiing in Delaware Water Gap is:
- Brandywine Creek State Park, Greenville
- Killens Pond State Park, Felton
- Wilmington Trail Club, Wilmington
Moreover, always bring these equipments before cross country skiing:
- Extra Food and Water
- Medkit
- Winter Clothing
- Ski
- Boots
- Poles
- Small Backpack
Winding Up
So, now that we covered the whole article, you might’ve received a pretty good idea about the wide range of adventures in Delaware Water Gap. As I stated earlier, it doesn’t matter how skilled or experienced you are, there is always something for each and everyone out there. The various attractions of Delaware Water Gap makes it a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and travel lovers. Now, it is time for you to pack your bags and get ready for the greatest days of your life.
However, before heading out always make sure that you have a vacation rental to crash at after your great escapade. Don’t worry as We HolidayKeepers are more than ready to welcome you into our luxurious vacation rentals including ultimate hospitality and spectacular amenities.
Contact Us for any further doubts or queries.
FAQs
Q: Is Lake Lenape Swimming safe?
A: Yes it is completely safe to do swimming in Lake Lenape but it is advised to follow the safety instructions.
Q: Suggest some good spots for Delaware water gap tubing and camping?
A: Some of the best places for tubing in Delaware water are:
- Kittatinny Canoes
- Chamberlain Canoes
- Delaware River Tubing
And the best spots for camping are:
- Lake Genero
- Hudson Valley River Camp
- Ugly Apple Farms
Q: Is Delaware Water Gap rafting safe?
A: Yes, it is completely safe to do rafting in the Delaware Water Gap.
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.
