View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks

National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

visit on nps.gov

Info

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.

Park Photos

View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks
1 of 7

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

View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks
A waterfall flows toward the viewer along a rocky riverbed.
A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking
a snaking river view from a mountain top
Great Blue Herons attending their nests in a tree
A strongly running Dingmans Falls waterfall surrounded by plants.
Tall and narrow, Silver Thread Falls

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Fees

Passes

Operating Hours

Park roads are open 24-hours a day. Most day-use areas within the park are open sunrise to sunset (such as trailhead parking lots, Millbrook Village, and all picnic areas).

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

Weather info

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.

Events