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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Designation: National Recreation Area

Location: New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting.

🌤 Weather Information

Spring: Temperatures usually range from lows of 26 F to highs of 80 F with average rainfall of 5 inches. Summer: Temperatures usually range from lows of 55 F to highs of 85 F with average rainfall of 4 inches. Fall: Temperatures usually range from lows of 30 F to highs of 83F. Fall foliage is at its peak sometime in October as daily mountain temperatures vary frequently and influence the change. Winter: Temperatures usually range from lows of 15 F to highs of 49 F.

🚗 Directions

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a long, narrow park that sits between two major interstates, I-80 at the south and I-84 at the north. US 209 is the main north/south road through the park on the Pennsylvania side and Old Mine Road is the main north/south road though the park on the New Jersey side.

Images

View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks

The Delaware Water Gap is the geologic formation that gives the park its name. This distinctive cut thru the Kittatinny ridgeline was made by the Delaware River over thousands of years.

Credit: Courtesy of James Hicks

A waterfall flows toward the viewer along a rocky riverbed.

Fulmer Falls is the second of three waterfalls in George W. Childs Park

Credit: NPS Photo

A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking

A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking

Credit: NPS Photo

a snaking river view from a mountain top

High view of the Delaware River from atop Mount Tammany

Credit: NPS Photo

Great Blue Herons attending their nests in a tree

Great Blue Herons attend their nests in a tree

Credit: NPS Photo/Dan Mohr

A strongly running Dingmans Falls waterfall surrounded by plants.

Dingmans Falls in summer, as seen from the wheelchair and stroller accessible boardwalk

Credit: NPS Photo / Michael Cuff

Tall and narrow, Silver Thread Falls

Silver Thread Falls, as seen from the Dingmans Falls Boardwalk

Credit: NPS Photo / Michael Cuff

View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks

The Delaware Water Gap is the geologic formation that gives the park its name. This distinctive cut thru the Kittatinny ridgeline was made by the Delaware River over thousands of years.

Credit: Courtesy of James Hicks

A waterfall flows toward the viewer along a rocky riverbed.

Fulmer Falls is the second of three waterfalls in George W. Childs Park

Credit: NPS Photo

A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking

A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Entrance fee for beaches and boat launches. Fee is good for one vehicle and it's passengers (up to 7 people).
$10.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Annual seasonal pass for expanded amenity fee areas. Passes can be purchased from park visitor centers or staffed fee booths located at Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, and Turtle Beach.
$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday, Apr 1

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 73.8°F | Low: 49.1°F

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 11.9 mph

Rain Chance: 85%

UV Index: 0.9

Sunrise: 06:43 AM

Sunset: 07:25 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 57.7°F

Cloud Cover: 85%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Apr 2

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 46°F | Low: 38.8°F

Humidity: 91%

Wind: 10.1 mph

Rain Chance: 85%

UV Index: 0.3

Sunrise: 06:41 AM

Sunset: 07:26 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 41.6°F

Cloud Cover: 85%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Apr 3

Overcast

Overcast

High: 55.9°F | Low: 37.2°F

Humidity: 93%

Wind: 13.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 06:39 AM

Sunset: 07:27 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 43.9°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Dingmans Falls Visitor Center is Experiencing Phone Service Problems Information
Due to phone line issues, Dingmans Falls Visitor Center cannot receive phone calls at this time at the published number. Please use (570) 828 - 2253.
Possible Delays on Old Mine Road due to Van Campens bridge repairs Information
Due to a bridge repair project over the Van Campens Brook, visitors on Old Mine Road may encounter delays over Summer 2025. The road will remain open, with single-lane traffic during working hours.
Dingmans Falls and Kittatinny Point Parking Lots Are Experiencing Long Wait Times on Weekends Information
Due to the heavy volume of traffic, you may experience wait times of up to 90 minutes to park at the visitor centers, on most summer weekends. Please plan accordingly and have alternate plans in the event that parking is full at these sites.
Dingmans Falls Trail, Road, and Access Closed for Bridge Replacement Park Closure
Dingmans Falls site is closed for a bridge replacement project and trail rehabilitation. All traffic, including pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the road and trail during construction.

More Info

The cliffs at Mount Minsi are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons Park Closure
Mount Minsi from Point of Gap to Arrow Island parking lots to the top of the ridge, in Pennsylvania, will be closed to rock climbing and hiking, January 27, 2017 through approximately early August to prevent human disturbance to nesting peregrine falcons.
Dingmans Bridge Closed for Routine Maintenance - 9/8/24 to 9/19/24 Park Closure
The Dingmans Bridge will be closed for routine maintenance from September 8th to September 19th.

More Info

Hornbecks Creek Trail is Partially Closed Information
The trail is closed between the first and second waterfall; a portion of the trail has sloughed off, causing a hazardous condition. The first waterfall is accessible from the Route 209 trailhead and the second waterfall is accessible from Emory Road.
Routine Winter Service Levels in Effect Park Closure
Roads and areas of the park may be closed or inaccessible during the winter, Please check the park's current conditions page to learn more.

More Info

River Road periodically closed some evenings in March and April Park Closure
On evenings when rain is forecasted, River Road between park headquarters and Hialeah will be closed at 5 pm to protect migrating amphibians. The road will reopen by 9 am the following morning.
All Fireworks are Prohibited within the National Recreation Area. Caution
All fireworks are prohibited, within the Park. Please be safe this holiday. Don't risk your safety, and don't risk wildfires. For more information on fireworks displays outside the park go to:

More Info

Main Street Walpack Bridge Closed Until Further Notice Information
Main Street in Walpack Center is closed at the Flatbrook Bridge due to structural damage to the bridge.
Possible Delays on Old Mine Road due to Van Campens bridge repairs Information
Due to a bridge repair project over the Van Campens Brook, visitors on Old Mine Road may encounter delays over Summer 2025. The road will remain open, with single-lane traffic during working hours.
Recreation.gov Now Open for Alosa Reservations Information
These sites are composed of six individual reservation-only campsites and are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania.

More Info

Do Not Approach Wildlife - Rabies Caution
A raccoon found near the Smithfield Beach commercial launch tested positive for rabies. Out of an abundance of caution, all visitors should keep a safe distance from and avoid approaching any wildlife. Call 1-800-543-4295 if you need immediate assistance.
Main Street Walpack Bridge Closed Until Further Notice Information
Main Street in Walpack Center is closed at the Flatbrook Bridge due to structural damage to the bridge.
Dingmans Falls Trail, Visitor Center, and Access Roads Closed for Bridge Replacement - Summer 2025 Park Closure
Dingmans Falls site is closed for Summer 2025 for a bridge replacement project and trail rehabilitation. All traffic, including pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the road and trail during construction.

More Info

Do Not Approach Wildlife - Rabies Caution
A raccoon found near the Smithfield Beach commercial launch tested positive for rabies. Out of an abundance of caution, all visitors should keep a safe distance from and avoid approaching any wildlife. Call 1-800-543-4295 if you need immediate assistance.
High Fire Risk Warning Caution
We are under a High Fire Risk Warning, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area reminds visitors that open fires are prohibited at all times, within the park, except in designated areas. Use water to fully extinguish any charcoal fires.
Dingmans Bridge Closed for Routine Maintenance - 9/8/24 to 9/19/24 Park Closure
The Dingmans Bridge will be closed for routine maintenance from September 8th to September 19th.

More Info

Park Events

Rosenkrans Holiday Open House

Visit Walpack Center for a holiday open house in the Rosenkrans Museum!

Learn what the holiday season was like 100 years ago from Walpack Historical Society docents while touring a historic building.

The Walpack Historical Society will be hosting its annual Holiday Open House at the Rosenkrans Museum on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th, 2024.

The event takes place from 12 pm - 3 pm on both days.

We hope you will join us as we kick off the 2024 Holiday Season.

Location: Walpack Center - Rosenkrans Museum

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Old Fashioned Holiday Weekend
Join the Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History at the Foster Armstrong House for the 2025 Old Fashioned Holiday Weekends!   M.A.R.C.H.'s holiday open house will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on select weekends during the holiday season.   Specially decorated rooms within the museum will have themed and decorated trees will be open for visitors to enjoy.   Start your holiday season off with some historic festivities!   Admission is free, and the gift shop will be open during the tours.   All open house dates are subject to change due to inclement or hazardous weather.

Location: Foster-Armstrong House

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Rosenkrans Holiday Open House

Visit Walpack Center for a holiday open house in the Rosenkrans Museum!

Learn what the holiday season was like 100 years ago from Walpack Historical Society docents while touring a historic building.

The Walpack Historical Society will be hosting its annual Holiday Open House at the Rosenkrans Museum on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th, 2024.

The event takes place from 12 pm - 3 pm on both days.

We hope you will join us as we kick off the 2024 Holiday Season.

Location: Walpack Center - Rosenkrans Museum

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Old Fashioned Holiday Weekend
Join the Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History at the Foster Armstrong House for the 2025 Old Fashioned Holiday Weekends!   M.A.R.C.H.'s holiday open house will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on select weekends during the holiday season.   Specially decorated rooms within the museum will have themed and decorated trees will be open for visitors to enjoy.   Start your holiday season off with some historic festivities!   Admission is free, and the gift shop will be open during the tours.   All open house dates are subject to change due to inclement or hazardous weather.

Location: Foster-Armstrong House

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Old Fashioned Holiday Weekend
Join the Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History at the Foster Armstrong House for the 2025 Old Fashioned Holiday Weekends!   M.A.R.C.H.'s holiday open house will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on select weekends during the holiday season.   Specially decorated rooms within the museum will have themed and decorated trees will be open for visitors to enjoy.   Start your holiday season off with some historic festivities!   Admission is free, and the gift shop will be open during the tours.   All open house dates are subject to change due to inclement or hazardous weather.

Location: Foster-Armstrong House

Date: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
1978 River Road
Bushkill, PA 18324

🏤 Mailing Address:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 2
Bushkill, PA 18324

📞 Voice Phone: 5704262452

📞 Fax Phone: 5704262402

✉️ Email: dewa_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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