The famous Appalachian Trail winds through the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, stretching along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. Covering 28 miles within the park, the trail follows ridge lines with stunning overlooks of the Delaware River, dense forests, and varied terrain.

Popular sections in Monroe County include the hike to Mount Minsi, a moderate trek with panoramic views of the Water Gap. The trail also passes through Smithfield Beach and Tott’s Gap, giving hikers a mix of riverfront and mountain scenery.

Keep chasing those waterfall views on the Dingmans Creek Trail near Dingmans Ferry. This easy, 0.4-mile route features two stunning falls in one short walk. Just minutes in, you’ll reach Silverthread Falls, an 80-foot, ribbon-like cascade. Continue along the boardwalk to Dingmans Falls, Pennsylvania’s second tallest waterfall at 130 feet. A short, steep staircase leads to the top for even more breathtaking views. The trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible up to the base of the falls.

George W. Childs Park in Dingmans Ferry offers a peaceful 1.4-mile trail through lush hemlock forests. The path follows a scenic ravine, leading to three beautiful waterfalls—Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls and Deer Leap Falls—along with the remnants of a 19th-century woolen mill.

Escape the crowds on the Lower and Upper Hornbecks Creek Trails. Lower Hornbecks Creek Trail is a flat, two-mile out-and-back path off Route 209 near Dingmans Ferry, ending at a 20-foot waterfall. Upper Hornbecks Creek Trail is more rugged. A short walk from the Emery Road parking lot leads to the falls, or extend your hike from the Pocono Environmental Education Center via the Scenic Gorge and Ridgeline Trails.

The McDade Recreational Trail spans over 30 miles, showcasing the park’s diverse landscapes—from riverside views to farmland and dense forests. Running from Milford Beach to the Hialeah trailhead, this hiking and biking trails offers over a dozen access points, making it easy to explore in sections. Some areas are flat and leisurely, while others, like the ridge near park headquarters in Bushkill, are steep and challenging.

Delaware Water Gap is home to countless waterfalls, but Raymondskill Falls is one you simply can’t miss. At about 150 feet high, it’s the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Two viewing platforms provide an up-close look and offer great photo opportunities. To reach the falls, take the Raymondskill Creek Trail at Cliff Park in Milford. The trail is 0.3 miles one-way, with some steep sections and uneven terrain. Still, it’s generally an easy, family-friendly trail.

Camping at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. Riverside campsites are available for paddlers on a first-come, first-served basis, while backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas along the Appalachian Trail. For those who prefer more amenities, private campgrounds nearby offer tent sites and RV hookups. Campgrounds are run by outside agencies operating within the park system.

In the fall, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Scenic overlooks, winding trails, and the Delaware River provide the perfect backdrop for leaf-peeping, whether you’re hiking, kayaking or fishing.

Fishing in the Delaware River within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a popular activity. The river hosts various species, including smallmouth bass, American shad, striped bass, catfish, and brook trout. Please note: fishing is prohibited in certain areas, such as Dingmans Creek within George W. Childs Park and designated swimming areas.

Delaware Water Gap boasts more than 150 miles of trails of various difficulty levels. Popular hikes include Dingmans Falls Trail, an easy boardwalk path leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, and Raymondskill Falls Trail, a short but scenic hike to Pennsylvania’s highest waterfall. For a moderate challenge, try the Cliff Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning overlooks of the Delaware River. Adventurers looking for a longer trek can explore the McDade Recreational Trail, a multi-use path running parallel to the river with access to historical sites and diverse landscapes.

With over 70,000 acres of land, most of which is open for hunting, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers amazing opportunities for hunters. Hunting is not allowed in areas designated as Safety Zones, on established or designated public roads, parking areas, or developed areas and trails. Hunters must adhere to all state and federal regulations, obtain the required permits, and respect seasonal restrictions.

The Pocono Environmental Education Center is the education partner of the National Park Service. Located in Dingmans Ferry, this nonprofit organization provides fun, hands-on nature programs for schools, families and the public. The center is home to six public hiking trails ranging from short nature walks to longer, more advanced treks. For some of the best views, try the Tumbling Waters Trail. This moderate three-mile loop trail leads to a secluded waterfall and an overlook of the Delaware Valley.

Milford and Smithfield Beaches provide the perfect spots to swim, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. Both beaches offer access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail, a 31-mile path stretching from Hialeah Recreation Area to Milford Beach.

Milford Beach, open year-round, features a grassy area leading to the river, picnic spots, a pavilion, restrooms, and boat and canoe launches. Smithfield Beach offers a sandy shoreline, picnic areas, a pavilion, restrooms, and boat and canoe launches. A small admission fee per carload is charged at both beaches from mid-April through mid-October.

The Delaware River is the perfect spot for a water adventure. Whether you’re up for a relaxing paddle or an adrenaline-pumping ride, you’ll find plenty of options. Canoeing and kayaking let you take in the scenery at your own pace, while the river’s livelier sections are perfect for an exciting rafting trip. When the summer heat kicks in, cast a line and try your luck fishing or cool off with a swim in one of the designated spots.

Delaware Water Gap offers a variety of winter activities. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking along trails like the McDade Trail. For a unique experience, try ice climbing at Raymondskill Falls or take an Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tour at the nearby Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort.