Winter Activities Near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Winter is one of the coolest things about the Poconos and Delaware is a perfect place for the adventurers out there to explore the wide array of thrilling activities. I fell in love with the regions of Delaware not just because of its recreational activities, but also the scenic beauty of the landscapes. There is so much to explore in Delaware.

Expanding above 70,000 acres of land, the Delaware Water Gap is naturally formed by mountain ridges and airy woods on both sides which makes the regions a beautiful sight for the naked eye. There are so many glamorous spots in the regions such as hiking trails, recreational areas and rivers, historic villages and so much more. These fascinating spots create a lot of things to do in Delaware Water Gap in winter like skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and more. 

In this blog, I’ll provide you with an idea of the many Delaware Water Gap things to do in winter and some homely places for you to stay at. So, stay with me through this journey of cool breeze in the air and know more about your winter journey in Delaware. 

The Joy Of Winter: Delaware Water Gap Winter Activities

Winter will always be a thrilling and exhilarating time for everyone as it is the season of festivities and more. In Delaware, there are a multitude of things and sights to explore during winter which makes the visitors feel blessed. Among those features, I’ll list some of my very own favorites, keep reading this blog and feel the joy of winter.

Dog Sled Tours

The Mountains of Poconos are awaiting for the visitors to explore them, and my best thing for traversing the regions is a dog sled tour. The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort is ready with the Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours, which is an ideal touring choice. Travel and get amused by the beauty of winter in Delaware among huskies. 

The cute puppies will take you for the sightseeing journey while you can either be a musher while standing on the back of the sled or by riding inside the basket. Don’t worry, the trainer will show the visitors how to drive the sled through the snow. 

• Location: Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
• Working Hours: 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sundays
• Tours operate from December 23, 2023 to February 25, 2024
• Age of 10 is minimum required 

Ice Climbing

Thrilling, adventurous and captivating at the same time, Ice climbing is one of my key things to do in Delaware Water Gap in the Winter. As an adventurous person, I’ve never backed down from feeling the thrill of climbing the iced up falls but always with the required equipment. The feeling of being in control throughout the whole time is exquisite. 

In Delaware, there are many waterfalls suitable for ice climbing during winter, like Tammany Ice fall, Buttermilk falls, and the cascades near to Slateford Farm and Dingmans Ferry. Ice climbing can be a different and enchanting experience for everyone, however, you should make sure that you have all the right equipment and safety precautions.  Ice Screws and Top Roping are the key essentials.

Snowshoeing 

One of the most invigorating and fun things to do in Delaware during winter. Snowshoeing will always be one of my favorite activities as it is extremely easy and makes me feel refreshed. Moreover, it can also be a great workout for the people while just wearing the usual arctic clothes. 

The State Forest of Delaware is a great destination for snowshoeing during winter. The Bruce Lake Natural Area is the trail offered for the snowshoers to explore the beauty of the forest with a perfect trail which is marked for easy navigation. Furthermore, there is a policy against bicycling or motorized travel in the trails which makes the regions non groomed for the visitors. 

Let me list out some other trails for snowshoeing in the regions:

Cross-Country Skiing

Whenever I plan a trip to the mountains during winter, the first thing that comes to mind for me and family’s mind is the fun of skiing. It is always a captivating feeling to ski down the trails, and to teach the kids how to ski will forever remain a memorable moment. Skiing in the Poconos can be enjoyed even by the beginners, it does not matter if you are experienced or not.

Moreover, you may enjoy the beautiful views of Delaware while skiing, also, you don’t need to worry if you are inexperienced at skiing, it is such an easy winter sport to learn. Furthermore, even if you don’t have the gear and equipment, you may borrow it from the ski clubs nearby.

Now I’ll point out some amazing snow covered trails in the state of Delaware for you to enjoy a great day of skiing.

• Brandywine Creek State Park, Greenville
• Wilmington Ski Club, Wilmington
• Killens Pond State Park, Felton 
• Lums Pond State Park, Bear
• Wilmington Trail Club, Wilmington

Ice Skating

Enjoy a day full of ice skating without any worries alongside your friends or family. Among the many exhilarating things to do in the winter in Delaware, ice skating is my top 3 activities to do. The fun and refreshing feel while skating is a special thing for me and it doubles when I do it with my loved ones. 

You may also make the best out of this winter season by performing in the many ice skating sessions in delaware as listed below

Snow Tubing

One of the most carefree yet fun and exhilarating ways for friends and families to enjoy a day filled with entertainment. Snow Tubing is my most preferred activity among the various winter fun, to slide down the ice covered hills and feel the thrill of gravity. Delaware is a perfect place to do snow tubing in the Poconos. 

Moreover, you may enjoy snow tubing among the many other fun things to do in Rehoboth Beach in winter at the Whoville Inspired Holiday Village. There are some other crowd pulling spots for Snow Tubing near Delaware like: 

• White Lightning Snow Tubing
• Blue Lightning Tubing
• Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
• Camelback Snow Tubing

SnowMobiling

Yet another enchanting thing to do this winter in the Delaware Water Gap as there are almost 115 miles of trails available for snowmobiling adventure. You may enjoy both long rides and short rides as both of them are available with 70 miles of trail being groomed. 

The riders should always wear helmets and the snowmobiles should be covered with insurance  as the Delaware State Forest allows the visitors to bring their own snowmobiles into their trails. 

Here are some of the groomed trails of the region:

• Dixon Miller Recreation Area
• Edgemere Snowmobile Trail System
• Promised Land Tract

Plan Your Staycation at Delaware Water Gap

Delaware can be a fun and thrilling place to explore the winter fun in the Poconos, however, you have to make sure to plan the whole trip before going on and out so that you may get enough time to cover all the must try activities stated above by me. 

The most important thing to plan is a place for you to stay at. There are many exquisite vacation rentals in the regions of Delaware such as Mansions, Cottages, Resorts and many more. Let me give you a brief idea about these properties:

• Mansion: Most luxurious properties with the maximum facilities and amenities. I’ll always pick a mansion to stay at if I’m going for a vacation as a large group. You may even host parties inside a mansion without any outside interference. 
• Cottages: Cozy yet comfy cottages are available in the regions of Delaware. My first choice for a staycation with my own family. The privacy and amenities available in a cottage is just as good as any other.
• Camping: For the adventure enthusiasts to explore and get in touch with nature while staying inside a tent or an RV. There are some really amazing camping spots in Poconos and you may have a completely different feel than staying in a hotel. Here’s a complete guide to camping in the Poconos for the ones who haven’t been camping before.

Wrap Up!

Winter is the best time for festivities, events and many other activities while Delaware is one of the best spots for anyone to have the best winter experience in their lifetime. The Delaware Water Gap is often preferred by many people, especially for exploring the various snow based activities and many enticing family things to do in the Poconos. 

The State Of Delaware offers many amazing activities in their regions for the visitors with the best available equipment and hospitality in it. The wide array of outdoor fun activities in the regions never fails to drag the visitors back to Delaware every year. Moreover, the vacation rentals in the regions make Delaware as an ideal choice for winter season vacations.  

\We HolidayKeepers is always ready to offer you some of the best vacation rentals in the Poconos along with the best possible hospitality and amenities. Contact Us for any further doubts or queries.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit Delaware for Winter Sports?
A: You may visit the regions of Delaware from late November to Early February for exploring the winter fun.

Q: Which are the best places to visit in Delaware Water Gap in winter?

A: There are many amazing places in Delaware for exploring the winter such as

• New Castle
• Rehoboth Beach
• Milford
• The Holiday Lights Express
• White Clay Creek State Park

Q: Which are the best things to do in Delaware Water Gap in Winter?

A: There are a wide range of winter activities in Delaware such as:

• Skiing
• Ice skating
• Snowmobiling
• Ice fishing
• Horseback Riding
• Snowtubing

paul p

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.