Expansive, majestic and beautiful are just a few words that can be used to accurately describe the Delaware Water Gap. It is the perfect place to camp out and explore for weeks on end. The majority of people who go Delaware Water Gap camping begin making plans to return during their very first trips, and there are a few different reasons for this. First, the Delaware Water Gap is made up of more than 60,000 acres of serene wildlife, footpaths and walking trails, streams, creeks, and of course, the Delaware River itself. You don’t have to be the type of person who goes camping every weekend in order to appreciate what this National Recreation Area has to offer, but visiting it can make you understand why it is internationally known.
History of the Delaware Water Gap
Although the land and water encompassing the Delaware Water Gap has been around for millions of years, it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was formally recognized as a National Recreation Area. Today, a huge number of people flock here, mainly during the summer, to unwind, relax, and get back to nature. Whether you’re a wildlife lover at heart or simply want to go on a vacation that only requires you to get up and get out each day, taking a trip to the Delaware Water Gap can literally change your life. One thing is certain – you will never run out of things to do, historic places to visit, or history to learn at this national recreational area.
Museums and Farms at the Delaware Water Gap
The area in and around the Delaware Water Gap has been inhabited by Native Americans for several millennia, and become the home of some of the very first European settlers in North America. As such, there are numerous historic farms and museums that you must visit when you come on vacation. The awe inspiring Zimmerman Estate is actually a preserved farm that belonged to one of the region’s most well known residents. There is also the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery, which hosts a collection of artifacts and exhibits designed to educate visitors to the Delaware Water Gap on its rich history.
Delaware Water Gap Landmarks and Historic Areas
Throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, you will find surprise encounters of every kind. At the end of some of its walking trails, you will find places such as the Historic Wallpack Center. You can see the restored post office right at the center of this town that was once inhabited by countless generations of Delaware Water Gap natives. Along the Military Trail, there are signposts and even the same gate posts and mountains that soldiers in the Revolutionary War marched by as they prepared for battle. If you ever lose your way, you can always pull up the Paddle Partner app and get a complete look at the area.
Walking Trails and Sightseeing
Since there’s a lot of land to cover in the Delaware Water Gap, you will want an idea of where the best and most often traveled trails are. There’s the Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop trail, which is somewhat challenging, and the Back Mountain trail which is a little less steep and easier to navigate. You will want to decide which trails to take depending on if you want to walk, bike, hike, or take a pet along with you. Be sure to map out which trails lead to the best campsites so that you can rest and take shelter long before exhaustion begins to set in.
Delaware Water Gap Waterways
What would the Delaware Water Gap be without plenty of water to swim, play and boat on? First and foremost, you need to know that not all waterways will be safe for you to venture into. Although there should be plenty of signs posted letting you know if you are allowed to enter or not, it is a good idea to double check with the Paddle Partners app. In addition to watering holes to fish in (assuming you’ve brought a fishing rod in your backpack) and beaches for you to walk across, there are also impressive waterfalls all throughout this National Recreation Area for you to marvel at. Make sure that you stop at Dingman Falls, Marshalls Falls, and Raymondskill Falls, among others.
Making Your Vacation Memorable
You can travel in a recreational vehicle and camp out with all the comforts of home or stay in one of the many cabins that are available to vacationers at the Delaware Water Gap. Come when the plants, trees, and flowers are in full bloom or when the area will be bustling with other visitors in the summer months. There really isn’t any way to go wrong when you are intent on taking a time out from the stresses and pressure of everyday life, but try to have at least a general idea of what you want to do in this huge recreational area. You can find a quiet area amongst the trees and enjoy a good book, or put on your headphones and hike the day away. Natural athletes are drawn to the spots that are particularly good for rock climbing, while bird watchers are able to spot a few different varieties that can’t be found anywhere else on earth.
If the idea of canoeing out on the open waters, then pitching a tent on the beach appeals to you then you need to plan your next vacation at the Delaware Water Gap. Few outdoor areas are as comfortable as this place is, and as soon as you come for a visit you will want to become more familiar with it. Although it is easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer size of the Delaware Water Gap, you can count on getting help from both staff members and other visitors whenever needed. So, figure out which part you want to visit first, and plan to make a day of it because this historic area has enough character to fill up even the most daring adventurer’s calendar for a long time to come.