Explore the East Coast’s Stunning Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—which is named after the Delaware River—spans the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Visitors can escape some of the East coast’s most densely populated urban areas to enjoy a serene corridor of nature that is bursting with waterfalls, a meandering river, and forests that are dotted with historic settlements.

In the mid-1960s, there was a push to build a dam that would flood a sizable stretch of land near the Delaware Water Gap. Nearly 15,000 people were relocated in preparation for a project that never came to fruition. Today, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area visitors can hike among rusted cars, abandoned buildings, and other signs of uprooted life that are being steadily reclaimed by nature.

Millbrook Village offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the olden days of yore. In the 1800s, Millbrook was a small town centered around a grist mill. Today, visitors can tour historic buildings and watch volunteers demonstrate 19th century trades such as blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking. Millbrook Village is surrounded by several scenic trails, including the moderately strenuous Orchard Trail which is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to numerous breathtaking waterfalls, including the tall yet slim Silver Thread Falls. Visitors often question if Silver Thread Falls is man-made, because the water flows with such precision that it truly does resemble a silver thread. Travelers can view Silver Thread Falls from a boardwalk that also leads to a thundering waterfall known as Dingmans Falls.

If you’re a kayaking, rafting, or canoeing enthusiast, the Middle Delaware National Scenic River is the ideal place to spend the day paddling. The Middle Delaware River is the perfect mix of placid water for those searching for a serene ride and pockets of rough water for those yearning for a bit of adventure. There are several spots along the river where visitors can rent kayaks, rafts, and canoes that come with life jackets, paddles, and an explanation of the basic layout of the river. The shoreline is dotted with lush forests, historic buildings, and sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Travelers searching to escape the hustle and bustle of city life can bask in the beauty and serenity of nature at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You certainly won’t regret spending a few days wandering in the woods surrounded by waterfalls and peaceful flowing water.

Location on Google Maps.