Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through a scenic water gap in the Appalachian Mountains. Canoeing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking; viewing wildlife, geologic features and natural scenery - all this and more await our visitors. The park includes historic Millbrook Village and several environmental education centers.

The recreation area was originally envisioned as lands surrounding the proposed Tocks Island Reservoir. Early planning, management and land acquisitions were accomplished amid much controversy over the dam project. In 1978, Congress designated the section of the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In 1992 the Tocks Island Dam project was officially de-authorized.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
HQ - River Rd. off Rt 209
Bushkill, PA 18324-9999
(570) 588-2451 - Visitor Information recording
(908) 496-4458 - Visitor Center in summer
(570) 588-2435 - HQ / Dispatch / Lost & Found
(800) 543-4295 - Emergency 543-HAWK
(800) 654-5984 - All TDD Inquiries

By Plane
Each of the following three airports are approximately 1 1/2 hours away from our Headquaters Building (located in Bushkill, PA).

Lehigh Valley International Airport, Allentown, PA: 1-888-FLY-LVIA, 610-266-6000

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Avoca, PA: 570-457-3445

Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ: 973-961-6000

By Car
We are located on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (and very close to the New York border).

Approximate distance from several major cities:

Philadelphia, PA - 90 miles

New York City, NY - 70 miles

Newark, NJ - 64 miles

Scranton, PA - 53 miles


From northern Pennsylvania and New England, connect to Interstate 84, then to Route 209 South (Exit 10) through Milford or (Exit 11) Matamoras to enter the north end of the park. Pick up a map or brochure at the Matamoras, PA I-84 Welcome Center.

From southern Pennsylvania and points west, connect to Interstate 80 East; past Stroudsburg take 209 North (Exit 52) to the middle of the park at Bushkill - Visit Bushkill Visitor Center for information and brochures - or cross the I-80 bridge to first exit in New Jersey. Visit Kittatinny Point Visitor Center for information and brochures.

From New York City and New Jersey, connect to Interstate 80 West to the Delaware Water Gap at the south end of the park. Pick up a map and brochure at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center. Routes NJ 15 N and 206 W lead to the north end of the park and Milford, PA.

By Plane
Bus, Airplane, Train, Car Rental and Taxi Services are available near the recreation area:

Bus service between New York City and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA stops at Stroudsburg, PA - 4 miles from the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center and 3 miles from the Appalachian Trail at the Gap.

Martz Bus Lines: 570-421-3040
Greyhound Bus Service: 1-800-231-2222

Limited seasonal bus service from New York City area to Milford and Matamoras, PA. Regular daily service is provided to Port Jervis, NY.

Shortline Bus Service: 1-800-631-8405

Limited daily passenger train service is available from Hoboken, NJ, to Port Jervis, NY. PATH (subway) connection is available from New York City to Hoboken.

MTA Metro-North Railroad: 1-800-638-7646

Limited auto rental and taxi service may be available in Stroudsburg, Milford and Matamoras, PA, and Port Jervis, NY.

Getting Around
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey along approximately 40 miles of the Delaware River. This area falls within five counties, three in Pennsylvania (Northampton, Monroe, and Pike) and two in New Jersey (Warren and Sussex). Since the area is so large we would recommend that you start your visit at one of our visitors centers (see the Facilities link).

No public transportation is available within the recreation area.

Summer air temperatures average 75 - 85 degrees F (some days in the 90s) with lows to the 50s. Moderately high humidity. Occasional thunderstorms and dense fog. Water temperatures in summer (May to September) rise from the mid-50s to highs in the mid-70s in July.

Spring and fall climate is variable. Temperature can drop rapidly after sunset on warm days. Wetsuits may be required for river use.

Winter air temperatures (December to March) are frequently below freezing, with numerous snow and ice storms in some years. Water temperatures drop from the 50s to the 30s by December, with most of the river usually freezing over each winter.

Clothing: Always dress in layers. Be prepared for rain and cold weather at any time. Hypothermia is possible, especially on the river, even during the summer. Pack properly for your river trip. Appropriate, well-fitted shoes are essential for hiking or climbing.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
A wide variety of activities are available for visitors to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Enjoy the park with respect for its natural resources, both for your safety and for the protection of these treasures for future generations.

Allow a day to hike, swim, and perhaps see a waterfall. Allow two days to visit historic sites and rural scenery. You may also plan a river trip or arrange one with a local livery, however camping at our primitive river campsites is on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to a one-night stay. Here are some other activites you may enjoy:


Swimming at Smithfield or Milford beaches

Hiking the Appalachian Trail or the trails overlooking the Gap

Fishing for shad, trout, walleye, muskellunge, bass (requires appropriate state license)


Hunting (requires appropriate state license)

Canoeing or tubing down the river

Watching wildlife from a safe distance

Viewing our many waterfalls

Taking guided nature hikes


Bicycle touring on backroads and mountain biking at the Blue Mountain Lake bike trail in New Jersey

Auto-touring and visiting historic houses


Picnicking

Cross-country skiing on selected trails and backroads

Click on image to enlarge.