Mount Tammany; Poxono Boat Launch in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE EBERT

THE BOROUGH OF DELAWARE WATER

 
Gap might be called a triple threat for its recreational appeal, its natural and cultural attributes, and the fact it is easily accessed from several major cities. Within a couple hours’ drive, millions of residents in the New York-Philadelphia area can find themselves in one of the most picturesque locations in the eastern United States, surrounded by a multitude of leisure options. Residents of the borough, the 800 people who live here, know they have a good thing going. Located on the Pennsylvania side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the small historic town benefits from recreation seekers and those who travel along the Lackawanna Corridor and Interstate 80. Last year, nearly 3.5 million people visited the national recreation area — thousands of whom hike the area’s 28-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail. Recognizing the A.T.’s importance and the need to build stewardship along the Trail, the hikerfriendly borough of Delaware Water Gap was designated as an official A.T. Community four years ago. Located in a valley below the ridges of the Appalachians, the town is surrounded by spectacular views of steep mountainsides covered with oaks, maples, hickories, and a variety of pines. A distinctive notch — known as “the Gap” — carves deep into the nearby Kittatinny Ridge as Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi, both named after Native American chiefs, rise stately above the river valley.


Dingmans Falls photos by Jacob Bryant; Hikers downtown; Rafting with Edge of the Woods Outfitters photo by Brian Fowler

● First – before you do anything else — make your way to Edge of the Woods Outfitters to plan your day. Sign up for full or half-day adventures. Then work out the rest of your schedule.

● Factor in the Pocono Pony — free bus shuttle service for hikers, bikers, and paddlers to get to and from trailheads and launch points. Provided by the Monroe County Transit Authority.

● Bike along the McDade Trail — a 30-mile, well-maintained, and mostly flat gravel path that parallels and crosses the scenic Delaware River.

● Canoe or kayak for a cool couple of hours on the Delaware River, beginning at Kittatinny Point.

● Or indulge in a full-day raft trip on the Middle Delaware, a recognized National Recreation River Trail. One stretch of the

● First – before you do anything else — make your way to Edge of the Woods Outfitters to plan your day. Sign up for full or half-day adventures. Then work out the rest of your schedule.

● Factor in the Pocono Pony — free bus shuttle service for hikers, bikers, and paddlers to get to and from trailheads and launch points. Provided by the Monroe County Transit Authority.

● Bike along the McDade Trail — a 30-mile, well-maintained, and mostly flat gravel path that parallels and crosses the scenic Delaware River.

● Canoe or kayak for a cool couple of hours on the Delaware River, beginning at Kittatinny Point.

Middle Delaware wends through a big lazy “S” turn called Wallpack Bend where sightings of nesting bald eagles and other wildlife — raccoons, red fox, coyotes, and white-tailed deer — are common.

● Make certain you stop at the Village Farmer and Bakery — a do-not-miss eatery with a variety of homemade pies and doughnuts, freshly baked breads, and hot-from-the-oven pot pies. Daily specials are outlined on the restaurant’s big chalkboard.

● Stroll through the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery to check out new exhibitions.

● Immerse yourself in learning blacksmithing, printmaking, basketry, weaving, and ceramics at the Peters Valley School of Craft. The much-admired school offers two – to five-day adult workshops.

● Or indulge in a full-day raft trip on the Middle Delaware, a recognized National Recreation River Trail. One stretch of the Middle Delaware wends through a big lazy “S” turn called Wallpack Bend where sightings of nesting bald eagles and other wildlife — raccoons, red fox, coyotes, and white-tailed deer — are common.

● Make certain you stop at the Village Farmer and Bakery — a do-not-miss eatery with a variety of homemade pies and doughnuts, freshly baked breads, and hot-from-the-oven pot pies. Daily specials are outlined on the restaurant’s big chalkboard.

● Stroll through the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery to check out new exhibitions.

● Immerse yourself in learning blacksmithing, printmaking, basketry, weaving, and ceramics at the Peters Valley School of Craft. The much-admired school offers two – to five-day adult workshops.

● Throw out a fishing line. Fly-fishing, trolling, bait-casting, and spin-casting are all part of the area’s fishing scene.

● Grab your ropes to test your climbing skills on quartzite cliffs that attract climbers from all over the world.

● Chill at the Deer Head Inn, the oldest jazz club in the Poconos made famous with the popular COTA jazz festival each September. Thursday night jam sessions at the inn are free.

● Take a drive to the northern end of the national recreation area to cascading Dingmans Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

● And, get your heartrate up on the southbound part of the A.T. as you summit Mt. Minsi. Views of the river valley are well worth the climb.

Share: