The Delaware Water Gap in PA is a place to unplug and unleash your inner explorer. With so many outdoor activities to enjoy in this recreational area, you will want to put your phone away and focus on being in the moment!

After you explore the “Gateway to the Poconos,” line up your next exciting activity by reviewing our free Vacation Guide! Inside, you’ll find other outdoor recreation similar to the kind you’ll find in the Delaware Water Gap in PA, and well as dining, hiking, and golfing—the list goes on and on! Request the guide for access to it all.

Hike, Swim, and Explore at This Poconos National Recreation Area 

Hundreds of millions of years ago, Delaware Water Gap formed when North America and Africa collided, creating the majestic mountains you’ll find today. Find out the most interesting details about this scenic beauty below, and then book your stay at Mountaintop Lodge so you can experience it for yourself!

There are numerous fun things to do in the park with your family and friends that will create long-lasting memories.

Hike the Appalachian Trail

If you’ve always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail or at least part of it, now is your chance! Twenty-eight miles of the 2,174-mile-long trail run through the Delaware Water Gap. There are more than 50 trails to choose from that range in various levels of difficulty. Some of the trails have amazing views of waterfalls, streams, and ponds. Don’t forget to stop for a picnic to take in your surroundings!

Climb a Rock Wall or Waterfall

Yes, it is possible to climb a waterfall; and depending on conditions, you can even ice climb in the wintertime. There are several climbing routes to take on Mount Minsi and Silverthread Falls that vary in difficulty. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation visitors centers offer climbing guidebooks that provide local information before you head out to anchor your rope!

Try Out Some Water Sports

You can swim on two lifeguarded beaches on the Pennsylvania side of the gap. Paddling, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing are fun ways to get out on the water. There is a free shuttle service that will conveniently help you get your own kayaks and canoes to the water. Local liveries offer rentals and will even put them in the water and pick them up for you.

Cross-Country Skiing

Forget about all of your worries as you ski down the side of a mountain in the crisp, fresh air. Freedom feels like zipping down the McDade Trail or Slateford Trails on majestic blankets of snow. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, everyone is welcome to try out the slopes.

Learn Some Fascinating History

Exercise your body and your brain! Not all activities are physical in the Delaware Water Gap. Check out some museums to learn about the history of the area. You’ll find historic sites that date back to the 1700s when the land was a frontier for the French and Indian War. Some of these sites include an old village, schoolhouse, mill, and a farmhouse on the New Jersey side of the gap.

Take some time to explore Millbrook Village. It’s open to the public on summer weekdays, but once was home for about 75 people. You can check out the site for a better understanding of how the majority of the nation’s people lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can also take a self-guided tour of the village of Bevans on summer weekends. You’ll see the historic grounds of the village while learning about the homes, general store, and church that stood there in the 1700s. Peters Valley School of Craft has since been added to the site. Old Mine Road was once the route farmers would take to deliver their crops. You can still take that route by driving or biking!

Unwind in a Mountain Lodge

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