Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — Attraction in Walpack Township

My chum and I come here every two years or so to either hike up Mt. Tammany or to do a hike in the nearby vicinity. Depending on the weather/time of year, it's gorgeous - you're treated to a pretty expansive view of the Delaware River Water Gap on both the NJ and PA sides - and the area by Sunfish Pond is pretty nice too. This isn't in my absolute top tier bucket list hikes of the area, but it's a solid option.

We stopped by here last Saturday morning just as the Canadian wildfire drama was starting to dissipate. You could definitely still see its effects at the top of the mountain, with a haze that limited the optics a bit, though the air (hopefully) seemed okay and wasn't noticeably smoky or anything. If you're hoping for a legit parking spot by the trailhead, I'd recommend getting here before 9am and honestly closer to 8am. There are a lot of parking spots on the other side of 80 and it's not THAT long of a walk, but you can't beat the convenience of those first two parking areas right by the highway. There's also a consistent port-a-potty presence, which is a huge selling point. And usually on the weekends there's a few volunteers set up with a card table providing maps and FAQ-type stuff.

On this particular day, we just did the 3.6-mile loop going up the red trail to the summit of Mt. Tammany overlooking the Gap, then taking the blue trail shortly thereafter back down, a little further into the woods/Recreation Area. I recently completely a very hardcore Arizona hike so grain of salt; I was in tip-top shape for this and had no issues getting up the mountain. There were definitely some other hikers taking a breather from time to time so depending on your fitness level/skillset, this could be challenging. For someone who regularly does a lot of rugged terrain, up-and-down hiking, I don't personally think this is too nuts - it also helps that it's not that long of a hike to get to the top, at which point it's pretty easy to mosey on back down. Even in its toughest/steepest sections, you're never at the point of rock scrambling or anything dramatic.

One downside for me is that this is an insanely popular destination for not just legit hikers (you're bumping up against the AT, so it's not unusual to see backpackers around here) but literally anyone with a functioning pair of legs so the viewpoints are often teeming with hoards of families and large groups out for a quick adventure. I usually like to get a pic by the edge, but I can't recall a time I didn't have to wait at least a few minutes for other people to get their selfie sticks out, etc. A little annoying, but I'm also spoiled by a lot of desolate hikes where I can pretty much do what I want.

The other side of the coin though is that you usually have a strong canine chum situation. This one wasn't as good as I would hoping for - maybe some pooches were scared off by the recent smoke - but we did get a nice meet and greet with a young pupper named Finn who literally whined every time his owners stopped because he wanted to keep going. A real trooper. We also saw a wild turkey that wasn't remotely perturbed to be around tons of people, and just casually walked across the trail at one point. Luckily we're not too close to November so I think the danger was minimal for him.

The trip back down is pretty pleasant though it's often rocky and you have to be careful of footing issues, even on the driest of days. I'm a big fan of the last stretch of the hike when you get back down from the mountainous section and walk by some very pleasant water sources. There's also a few spots where you can easily wade into the creek and cool off, along with some little wooden bridges and benches. And I'm always impressed that despite the fact that you're right up against Route 80, you don't really hear the highway too often except at the very beginning and end of the adventure.

It's popular for a reason. Even with the crowds and chaos that can accompany that, this is a hike worth doing. If you have the option, I'd recommend the fall for the...

This region of the eastern Pennsylvania is Beautiful during the fall and any time of year. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a true gem, offering an escape into nature that revitalizes the spirit. Stretching along 40 miles of the Delaware River, this massive park blends breathtaking scenery with a rich tapestry of history and recreation. The centerpiece is the stunning Water Gap itself, where the river carves dramatically through the Kittatinny Ridge, creating views that are nothing short of spectacular. The park caters to every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Hikers can explore over 100 miles of trails, from the famous Appalachian Trail segments to easier, rewarding paths like the one leading to the cascading beauty of Dingmans Falls. The river is a haven for water activities; kayaking, canoeing, or simply tubing down its gentle currents offers a perfect way to spend a summer day. Beyond the natural beauty, the area's charm is amplified by its historical elements, including old stone walls and the quaint village of Peters Valley. The diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers. Whether you seek a challenging hike, a relaxing day on the water, or a quiet moment of reflection by a waterfall, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area delivers. It's a pristine, accessible, and awe-inspiring destination that deserves a visit from anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. It's an unforgettable experience that highlights the natural beauty of...

So beautiful each season of the year! We have just finished hiking through in 12 inches of snow and found a beautiful creek in the middle of it all. Dingmans Falls was so packed, only big trucks and big dogs were parked out front today with all the snow. We drove just a lil further in and found " Tom's Creek" it had been plowed and trekked already but we were the only people there at 1130am. Both dogs loved it, the kids had an easy path to trek and wifey with lil man on chest had easy balance. The creek was absolutely beautiful and gorgeous surrounded by snow. Felt safe and also because of the hills creating the lower path, even though you could hear a gunshot from the hunters, you know your in a safe zone. We didn't need to walk much further than still being able to see where we parked and we found a craved benched on the bend we sat and had a snack. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful and Exactly what we were here for. Such a beautiful forest. We will officially add this part of the forest to our favorite list and be back as the seasons progress. There are restrooms at the front and loads of benches and tables. No covered areas and it's directly on the creek. Very very easy on and off to get to, like a rest stop station, off 209. If you need a spot for the pups , pictures or easy...