Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania


Established in 1965, this protected area along the S-curve in the Delaware river is an unspoiled place to swim, boat, fish, camp, hike and see wildlife − and it's just 70 miles east of NYC.

White-water rafting after a wet spring can be a thrilling adventure.

Shortline or Martz Trailways buses run here from Manhattan.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania attractions

1. Pocono Environmental Education Center

0.47 MILES

This nature center has a good exhibit on the flora and fauna of the Delaware Water Gap, plus several trails looping out from the main building. A touch…

2. Buttermilk Falls

2.21 MILES

Turn right down a dirt road after the Walpack Center cemetery, then navigate a steep wooden stairway to the top of the spectacular Buttermilk Falls, one…

3. Bushkill Falls

6.54 MILES

The 'Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania' is a bit ambitious, though we suppose the two locations do share the quality of being highly developed tourist…

4. Milbrook Village

7.32 MILES

Milbrook Village, composed of about two dozen buildings, some original, is meant to evoke a late-19th-century farming community. From a peak of 75…

5. Park Headquarters

8.99 MILES

The main park headquarters includes an expansive visitor center with lots of interactive exhibits, plus helpful ranger staff who can fill you in on trail…

6. Grey Towers

11.82 MILES

The austere chateau-style home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the US Forest Service, is open for tours. You can see an extensive library full of leather…

7. Worthington State Forest

13.77 MILES

An especially rugged section of the water gap where the Appalachian Trail passes through, dotted by 14 rock-basin lakes. Campsites are available. The area…

8. Sunfish Pond

14.46 MILES

Despite the name, this is really more of a glacial lake than a pond, located 1000 feet above sea level and only accessible by hike – we prefer the…