Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Address:	1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA
Phone:	+1 570-426-2452
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 4

Jeffrey Gulla

Before I begin, I feel a little background information is needed for the bases of this story. Growing up, I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. Every year the troop would go away to summer camp and while we had our favorites, it was generally held at various locations. This year, in particular, we went to Treasure Island which is located between Frenchtown and Lambertville along the Delaware River. As an added adventure we were given the option to stay for an additional week and go on an 80 mile canoe trip that put in at Dingmans ferry. Only 6 of us were up to the weeklong excursion. As we arrived at summer camp, we were told we could not go on the trip without a lifeguard. Being the man that I am, I stepped up to the challenge and spent the entire week leading up to the trip in the pool getting certified in CPR, lifeguarding, boating safety, snorkeling and first aid, thus completing the necessary training. The day came; we all hopped in 2 vehicles and began our ride up river. When we arrived, we loaded our gear, including freeze dried food, water and the rest of the supplies we needed for the week. The boats were put in the water and off we went. No more than two hours into the trip, I came down with strep throat. After we set up camp on our first night, I slept for hours, only to wake up to some of the worst food I ever had. I would rather eat tree branches than the freeze dried food that we were given. This is where the fishing starts to come into play. It was from that point forward that my father and I started fishing and trolling all day, while we paddled our way down the river. At least we caught enough food for everyone to have a nice dinner. By the third night, I could barely talk and was in a lot of pain because of my illness and a limited supply of clean water. We arrived on this beautiful island, setting up camp once again and since we had a slow fishing day we needed to catch dinner in the worst way. The rear of the island had several little streams going across it, where we were able to catch crayfish. Once we had a good supply of crayfish, we all went fishing. The right side of the island had roughly a Class 2 Rapid with a very big still area we fished along. It was almost like fire. We caught a ton of fish in a short time. The last fish I caught was unlike any fish Ive ever seen before. I hooked into this gorgeous four pound Smallmouth, which is substantially big for the river and the light tackle we were using. So here I am fighting this huge fish, when all of a sudden, the line breaks. If I wouldve had the ability to speak, there would have been some four letter words. My dad and I exchanged a glance when he through his rod to shore and dives in. What felt like two to three minutes went by while his head started to appear like he was walking on the ground, underwater coming to shore. Once he got about waste high, I shrugged my shoulders, wondering what was going on. He responded by lifting his arm with the fishing string grasped tightly in his hand. He got about two feet from shore, when the line snapped again. My dad and I went for the fish, getting finned in the process. However, my dad was able to finally catch the fish. That fish gave us all an incredible meal and will stand as one great memory that I hope Ill always have and be able to share. We finished our trip early, showered and went home, I have to say that if I wasnt there myself, I would not even begin to believe my own story. There were six of us, no film to take pictures, but at least I have my memories and the award I received for going. We also did about 40 miles on the Appalachian Trail as part of the award requirements.

nura sharma

How to go there from New York & New Jersey??? FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS !!! If you are coming from New York or New Jersey (Through i-80) ,follow these easy steps to reach at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:- ( *****Warning *** Do not take the Exit 309 which can put you on the slowest and heavy traffic Rt.209 , avoid that. Take Exit 310 only.) . Follow this :- 1. Take the first exit of Pennsylvania (Exit 310) as soon as you cross the Toll bridge on i-80. 2. Turn first right which puts you at theTraffic Light on Broad st. 3. Turn right at trafgic light & Keep going on Broad Street until you see Water Gap Convenience Store/W Gas station ( Fuel & Food Plaza) on the right side ( 88 Broad St Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327). Dont get confuse with the Gulf gas station on the other side !! 3. You can take a U turn through- inside that Gas station ( They have very big Parking Lot & Big bathrooms ) or stop there for Redbull,Gatorade, Monster, Snacks or even Sun block lotion and lot of other stuff ! 4. Take left turn from that Gas Station to get into the Broad st. 5. Turn Right at the Traffic Light (Welcome center) which puts you into River Road 6. Keep going until you reach Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for 4-5 mile on the River Road. 7. While returning back, come through the same way to that Gas Station ( water Gap Convenience Store / W Gas Station (Fuel On) 8. Next to that Gas Station, you will see i-80 EAST entrance road on your Left side. 9. Enter to that i-80 East entrance road and go to New York & New Jersey.

Ric Ravier

I never really appreciated the Delaware Water Gap until I got out of my car and started exploring. It has so many amazing (and hidden) waterfalls. I think they rival some of the ones I visit in the Columbia River Gorge (granted, not as high). The hiking trails are fantastic as well. The NJ side of the River has some real gem hiking trails with mountain views and old ruins. I have also counted more black bears in one day on the NJ side than anywhere except Vancouver Island. And dont worry, I have hiked right up to them and they either run or just keep at whatever they are doing. If one does approach you or, in the unlikely event of an attack, just make sure you can run faster than someone you are with and you will be fine. Also, if you are in the Gap area check out fantastic places like the Walpack Inn in NJ, or the Gem and The Keystone on the PA side.

Craig McKay

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, is one of those under the radar destinations for an amazing variety of activities. Approximately 80 miles west of New York City, the DWGNRA, encompasses both sides of the Delaware River from the river spanning bridge on I-80 at the NJ-PA boarder, to just a few miles south of Port Jervis, NY. The area is accessible from multiple points on both the NJ and PA sides. US-209 on the PA side is closed to commercial traffic from just south of Milford, PA to just north of Stroudsburg, PA. The list of activities is endless and includes canoeing, hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing, hunting. cross-country skiing and more. Numerous roads thread the area and there are many scenic car rides that provide easy access to the numerous waterfalls and historic sites that are located throughout the area.