Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a large protected area along the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The land includes forests, meadows, and riverbanks with numerous trails, camping areas, and swimming spots.

The area was established in 1965 after a planned dam project was stopped before construction flooded the region. Choosing to protect the river valley instead of damming it preserved the landscape and local communities from transformation.

The area was long home to the Munsee, a Lenape people who lived here before European settlers arrived. Today, stories and sites throughout the region connect visitors to these early inhabitants and their relationship with the land.

Access is straightforward, with parking at main entry points and marked trails for different skill levels. Spring through fall is the best time to visit, when all trails and facilities are fully open.

The Delaware Water Gap itself is a natural cut through the mountains where the river flows between two peaks, creating one of few passages through the Appalachians. This geological formation served as an important landmark for early travelers moving through the region.

Location: Pennsylvania

Inception: September 1, 1965

Operator: National Park Service

Address: 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA

Phone: +5704262452

Website: https://nps.gov/dewa

GPS coordinates: 41.15381,-74.91388

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04