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By: Emily Whalen
From miles away, a distinctive notch in the Appalachian Mountains draws the eye. Visitors have enjoyed the many things to do in Delaware Water Gap for centuries, including picture-perfect spots for camping, a plethora of hiking and biking trails plus kayaking, canoeing and water recreation galore. Known as the Eastern Gateway to the Poconos, Delaware Water Gap is also the source of the name of the whole region: “Pocono” is a Native American word meaning “stream between two mountains.”
Delaware Water Gap and its Main Street area are conveniently accessible via Exit 310 off of I-80. Local businesses along Main Street are open for business and can be easily reached by car. The closure of Route 611 due to road maintenance does not begin until drivers are past the business area; signs are up just south of the borough.
Read on to start planning your trip to the borough of Delaware Water Gap and the eponymous Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area !
- Discover the History of Delaware Water Gap
The beginnings of the borough of Delaware Water Gap can be traced back to 1793 when Antoine Dutot founded the town and later built the area’s first inn. The arrival of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railway in 1856 heralded the first big boom in the Gap’s popularity, with passengers from New York City and Philadelphia taking the train to the mountains for a summer retreat.
The region was touted as a “Wonder of the World,” and lavish resort hotels sprung up to host the crowds of tourists. “Water Gap” became household words known all over the country, and a New York Times correspondent covered happenings in Delaware Water Gap every summer. Musicians showed their skill at local venues including Deer Head Inn , then Central House, and Shawnee Inn , with John Philip Sousa performing at the Castle Inn . Theodore Roosevelt, Fred Astaire and Bette Davis were a few of the famous guests of the era.
As the twentieth century dawned and the advent of the automobile tempted vacationers further afield, two of the most popular resorts, Water Gap House and The Kittatinny, were claimed by fires and never rebuilt. The pace of life in Delaware Water Gap began to slow, but the lure of the area’s natural beauty remained. In 1965, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was created, encompassing 70,000 protected acres. Today, modern outdoor enthusiasts find the same peace and tranquility tourists savored in the past, and the tradition of welcome in the local community is as strong as ever.
While in Delaware Water Gap, why not step back in time at local museums? Dive into the area’s rich history at the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery , housed in a nineteenth century brick schoolhouse on Main Street. The echos of the rush of Victorian vacation life can still be felt as you Tour the Castle Inn , a beautiful venue built in 1906. Tours are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In 1907, the “Mountain View Line” trolley picked up passengers in front of The Historic Castle Inn as it pursued its route between Delaware Water Gap and nearby Stroudsburg. These days, it’s The Pocono Historic Trolley Tours that picks up in front of the Castle, taking guests on a narrated journey through the Minisink Hills and Shawnee, the perfect way to learn about the past.
- Enjoy the Borough’s Restaurants and Shops
The charming small town businesses in Delaware Water Gap are well worth a visit! Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the fresh air, take your pick of delicious restaurants. Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ specializes in prime beef and artisanal pork, and don’t forget to try the hush puppies! The Sycamore Grille offers hearty meals, weekly specials, and a full bar.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The Village Farmer and Bakery makes their mouthwatering pies from scratch. In the mood for ice cream? The classic, turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor at The Shoppes at Castle Inn is the place to go.
- Explore the Area’s Natural Wonders
Following the Delaware River as it winds its way between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to a treasure trove of wilderness wonders. The borough of Delaware Water Gap is located at the southern end of the recreation area, and both the town and the park take their name from the geographical feature, the point where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. Delaware Water Gap hiking takes trekkers along the mountain ridges to discover panoramic views. Watch for birds and wildlife in the quiet forests or descend to the river valley to bike the McDade Recreational Trail and spend a day at the beach . Breathtaking foliage covers the area every autumn, and when the snow arrives, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area becomes a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers.
Both the tallest and second tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania can be found towards the northern end of the Delaware Water Gap Natural Recreation Area near Milford. Coming in at PA’s #1, the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls is just a few feet shorter than Niagara when the drops from the three tiers area added together. Dingmans Falls is also majestic, with a boardwalk trail leading to the base plus stairs nearby for those looking to ascend for a view of the upper falls.
- Follow the Appalachian Trail
Hikers traversing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail will spend 28 miles of their 2,174-mile journey within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The trail follows the Kittatinny Ridge, topping Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi and crossing right through the middle of the borough of Delaware Water Gap. AT trekkers find a warm welcome at the Church of the Mountain Hostel, which offers lodging, hot showers and towel service, as well as a potluck dinner every Thursday night.
Delaware Water Gap is a great base for those looking to get just a taste of the white blaze trail. Out-and-back day hikes in the area pass through landscapes dotted with lakes and wildflowers and open onto overlooks with inspiring vistas.
