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If you live in the New York
City area, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is only
75 miles from Manhattan (about 1.5 hours) via Interstate 80. For
most cars that would be only a half tank of gasoline for the round
trip!
From the Hudson River...
The trip starts on I-95 with the crossing of the George Washington
Bridge. When one has seen that bridge so many times over the years
it is easy to take it for granted. It is a beautiful structure and,
if you can drive in the right lane, your passengers have a great
view of the majestic Palisades which line the Jersey shore of the
Hudson River. Three miles after you enter New Jersey, at I-95 exit
69, you encounter I-80. For the next 12 miles you drive past an
intensely urban landscape.
...to the
Delaware River
At about exit 57 you'll pass Garret Mountain. A mile later you'll
cross over the Passaic River and you'll notice the urbanness falling
away to be replaced by increasing greenery. You'll also pass ridge
after ridge of mountains, — like the waves in the ocean. An hour
later you and I-80 are greeted by an imposing mountain gateway. This
is the Delaware Water Gap. On your right is a steep 1,100 foot bluff
topped by Mt Tammany and on your left — the Pennsylvania side of the
Delaware River — is an almost equally steep 1,00 foot bluff topped
by Mt. Minsi. This is the grand Eastern Gateway to Pennsylvania and
to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The Waterfalls
You'll take exit 309 to get on US-209. This excellent two-lane
highway follows the Delaware River upstream for almost 40 miles.
From 209 you have access to over a dozen beautiful waterfalls
starting with Buttermilk Falls and quickly followed by Twin Falls.
Twin Falls
Just off US-209 is Twin Falls Rd. Branching off of 209 toward the
west is Twin Falls on Marshall's Creek fed by a little pond. There
is a little park, here, with a picnic pavilion, playground equipment
and several athletic fields. In and around the pond are several
dozen geese and ducks.
Bushkill Falls
At Bushkill (about 11 miles from I-80) you'll turn left (at the
blinking light) onto Bushkill Falls Rd. A little ways up this road
is a bit of Paradise owned by the Peters family. For a small fee
they allow visitors to enjoy eight different waterfalls all accessed
by well marked trails.
Dingman's Falls and More
About 12 miles further up US-209 is Dingman's Ferry. From there you
can access Dingman's Falls and Silverthread Falls. Dingmans Falls is
one of the most popular waterfalls in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Easy to traverse trails, bridges and even a boardwalk make access
to Dingmans Falls, Silver Thread Falls and other neighboring
waterfalls very accessible.
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To access
Dingman's Falls, turn left from US-209 onto Johnny Mountain Road in
Dingmans Ferry (near milepost 14). Go a half mile to the fork. Take
the right fork and proceed to the parking area (a little over a half
mile).
Deer Leap, Fulmer &
Factory Falls
If you find Dingman's Falls too crowded, Deer Leap Falls, Fulmer
Falls and Factory Falls are just a little but further. Continue up
the hill to Silver Lake/Factory Road. There should be a sign
pointing to George W. Childs Recreation area. Turn left and continue
1¾ mile to the parking pullout.
Raymondskill Falls
About 5 miles further north on 209 is Indian Point. SR-2009 splits
off to the west (your left) here. There is also a sign directing you
to Raymondskill Falls which is just 1.5 miles up the road.
Raymondskill Creek tumbles down a small, rocky ravine creating a set
of three cataracts varying in drop from three to sixty feet.
Raymondskill Falls is probably the best example how each waterfall
in the Pocono highlands is as different, as individual as a
fingerprint.
The Hiking Trails
It takes more than one day to see all the waterfalls named above.
But before you conclude that all there is to see here are
waterfalls, the Recreation Area (which includes almost 70,000 acres
along the Delaware River) has many well marked trails of varying
difficulty. The famous Appalachian Trail on the New Jersey side of
the Delaware River is accessible from many locations and offers
dozens of splendid views of the area.
A Fun Bit of History
You might find that going back in time can be just as much fun.
Just north of I-80 at the Gap (where you came in) is Old Mine Road.
Just up that road is Millbrook Village carefully restored to how it
appeared around the year 1900. Every October, 100 volunteer
'villagers' populate the place in period clothing and bring the
village to life in celebration of 'Millbrook Days'.
From Interstate 80 westbound take NJ Exit 1 and bear right to a
3-minute light which controls one-way alternating traffic. From this
point Millbrook Village is 12 miles north on a scenic route with
views of the river.
From Interstate 80 eastbound take the first exit ramp (unnumbered)
after the toll plaza at the Delaware River (no toll eastbound) and
at the end of the ramp, turn hard right. Pass under the highway to a
3-minute light which controls one-way alternating traffic. From this
point Millbrook Village is 12 miles north on a scenic route with
views of the river.
If you are returning to I-80 from Dingman's Falls, we suggest you
go east on PA-739, cross over the Delaware River to New Jersey on
the Dingman's Ferry Bridge and head south on Old Mine Road to
historic Millbrook Village. This also gives you the opportunity to
enjoy the view of the picturesque bluffs on the Pennsylvania side of
the Delaware River.
With the current exorbitant fuel prices, it's a relief to know of
locations you and the family can enjoy without wrecking your budget.
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