Best trails in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Seasonal access to the trailhead is available on Mountain Road, which when closed adds some mileage to the hike. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/conditions.htm This loop trail has a little of everything and showcases what the Delaware Water Gap national recreation area has to offer: waterfalls, ravines, valley walking, steep climbs, ridge walking, views and even a bushwhack. Buttermilk Falls trail is short and sweet and leads to one of the easier waterfalls in New Jersey to see as it lies so close to the road. At the junction with Woods Road look for the Appalachian Trail which branches to the left and is blue blazed. You will follow the AT to Crater Lake Trail, and after walking a loop around Crater Lake you will skirt Hemlock Pond before rejoining Woods Road back to the parking lot.Show more

When arriving at the parking lot for the Pond Loop Trail, there will be two paths onto the trail. Take the one on the left. It will lead you down to the side of the pond that has a small dock, a bench, a nice little picnic area.Show more

One of the hidden treasures of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is undoubtedly Hornbecks Creek Trail, known to some locals as Indian Ladders. Visitors will be delighted to discover an old road-bed trail that meanders along Hornbecks Creek. Once you've arrived at the first waterfall, which by itself is worth the trip, the trail becomes a bit more narrow and rugged. The "ladder" sequence of waterfalls following the first will keep your enthusiasm high. The trail ends at Emery Road. Show more

The Delaware Water Gap is the spot on the PA/NJ border were the mighty Delaware river turns sharply East in its course and cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. There are a couple of nice spots just below the summit of Mt. Minsi that provide lovely views of this feature as well as of Mount Tammany. The old fire tower on Minsi's summit is long gone, only the base of the concrete pillars remains. There is however a massive, fenced-in radio tower further west along the trail. The turn-around point of this Hike, Tott's Gap is little more than a dip in the ridgeline where the AT passes across the corner of an old stone building foundation.Show more

To find the trailhead, from the parking area walk a bit up the road until the guard rail ends. This trail can be quite a scramble but the waterfalls are beautiful.Show more