Best Trails in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Did the 7.5mile loop starting from the educational center going clockwise. Quite a few up and downs which made this trail a good workout but nothing I would consider in the difficult level. Nothing much to see other than a viewpoint and the waterfalls which are located on a short spur. The view is nothing spectacular but the waterfalls were very nice, especially with all the rain we've been getting. I imagine the falls get pretty busy given the shorter 3.5mi loop available. I did this hike during a rain storm and had the trails and falls mostly to myself on a mid morning Saturday.

I loved this trail! It’s perfect how it ends with sunfish pond before turning around and heading back. I set up camp closer to the MOC since backcountry camping is not permitted in Worthington State Forest but the hike down to the pond and back wasn’t too easy and not too difficult either. The elevations didn’t change too drastically and the views were truly amazing throughout the trail. The employee at the MOC Was extremely helpful and they allow you to park your car in there lot and have you fill out a form so they know to look if you don’t return when you said you would. This helped me feel a bit at ease since I went by myself. Overall a great experience and I will definitely be returning.

Great hike with tons of amazing views! I did come across a bear with her two little cubs but they just walked on through. It’s a rocky trail but the elevation changes aren’t too drastic. I look forward to going back!

Still Closed

It wasn’t to hard but it let me know that Mother Nature can do wonders. Loved it.

Nice hike. Not very steep but surely gets your heartrate up at times. Both Red dot and Blue dot are very well marked. The blue dot trail is gradual and longer but worth the effort while coming down with the jumpin pool and waterfall. Red dot trail means business right at the outset till the top. The views from the top are lovely with the Water gap below and Mount Minsy on the opposite side in PA. If lucky can spot some Bald eagles soaring above.

About a 6 mile hike with a moderate hike up the white blaze trail from the parking lot in the town of Water Gap to the top and back down the less strenuous fire road. Took me 4 hrs with my 10 year old son who loved it. Highlights include: several stunning views of the Delaware Water Gap as well as views of Mt. Tammany; a cool and refreshing stream to cross; and, a very cool rhododendron tunnel. Would definitely do it again.

Quite a few waterfalls along this trail which are all very nice but this trail does get CROWDED. I went on a late Sunday afternoon and there were about 30 people having a bbq/party at one of the falls with no respect to other hikers, they were sitting right on the trail and laying their food everywhere. Plus all this was going on while there were 2 rangers nearby on the road, but they said nothing to these people. Will probably do it again in the winter when hopefully it will be quieter

Similar to the other posts, this trail has everything. It gets crowded on the red dot trail and at Sunfish Pond, but other than that the trail is serene. I hiked the trail with both my dogs and took a long break at Sunfish Pond to recover. Camping is not allowed on Sunfish Pond, but there are two designated camping spots near it. If it's full, you can camp near the Appalachian Trail. I saw a few people camping there in the morning. Also keep your eyes out for rattlesnakes. I saw a very large one on the way back to the trailhead curled up in the middle of the trail!

This trail was enjoyable. If you follow the path to the left from the parking lot, the best lookout was a short way up the trail. However, at times the markings were not clear. Several times I went down a path that lead to a dead end and had to turn back and check for the white trail markings again. If you follow the All Trails map, you will be fine. Overall I enjoyed this trail!

Would have loved to try this trail but it is still closed.

Hackers falls and the views from cliff park trail makes this a must do hike in the area. Not too difficult with not much elevation gain, so this is usually my go to hike when a friend or family member who doesnt hike much wants to join me. While the Raymond falls can get quite crowded, hackers trail and cliff park trail are usually quiet.

Great great hike. We took the red dot trail there and back because I had my one year old on my back. The incline was really steep at some points but a really beautiful trail, very well marked. The views at the top make it so worth it. Absolutely breath taking.

Great hike. Red trail climb is a slog and challenging, especially on a hot 80 degree day. 2 gorgeous views of the surrounding Move Taina and rivers. Blue trail back down was gentle and easy. Near the exit is a small creek and swimming hole where we dove in along side 4 other families. Cool water was perfect after a long, sweaty climb.

I went on this hike yesterday and I highly recommend it. It starts off with a moderate incline but doesn't get too intense as you keep going up. The views of the lake are really nice and there are a ton of blueberry and a few raspberry bushes by the middle of the trail that are currently in season which taste delicious! As a heads up there is a hornets nest close to the trail a little before you get to the lake so be aware of that.

This hike is truly a workout! The hike consisted primarily of rocky terrain. To an inexperienced hiker, I would categorize this as a hard trail due to the steep inclines and roughness of the path. Trekking poles or a wooden staff is highly recommended when completing this hike. Despite the difficult climb, the summit was absolutely breathtaking. Instant tranquility resided over me once I reached the summit. It was such a peaceful and calm place to be. However, my favorite part of the hike was the waterfalls on the blue trail. It was a refreshing delight! Tip: Start with the red trail and end with the blue trail.

Nice trail. More peaceful at the lakes furthest from the trailhead. My traveling companions liked swimming in the lake, as did my golden retriever. Not very challenging, a few more gentle rises and descents. Would definitely do this one again.

Great moderate trail with some steep inclines throughout. View of the falls and mountains are great. Very well marked. I’d recommend stopping by the PEEC (visitors center) as well.

Awesome hike, took kids 13 and 3, both tired out by the end but both made it the whole way. Yes there is some noise from the road as you walk but not so bad as some make it out to be. The one thing i would have liked is more opened up areas for pictures. We had a great time!!
Next time i will bring the dog, very doable.

Amazing place!! We really enjoyed it! We will be going back! Make sure to get there early, parking lot fills up really quick !!

We did the AT side up and the fire road down. The AT side is much steeper but also much prettier. Wasn't anything too tough but there are a couple of scrambles. So we broke a decent sweat on the climb. The road is more of a gradual walk through a rhododendron forest. Particularly on the AT side, you will hear some vehicle traffic and probably encounter some thru hikers along the way. The hike is a good test for your boots; the terrain is quite rocky.

Small part of the trail is still closed. I ran the open parts (from Raymondskill Falls to Milford Beach) in July, and enjoyed it a lot. We hiked parts of the cliff trail yesterday and combined it with Pond Loop and Buchanan Trail. Great for running, good for hiking, really nice views from the lookout points. Enjoyed the elevation changes a lot, too.

This is not a well marked trail and is dangerous. I did slip and fall approx 4 feet to the creek bed, so you need to be very careful with your footing.

Absolutely beautiful!

Went up the blue dot trail and came down the red dot trail. It was a very pleasant trail with many great scenic overlooks on the red dot trail and beautiful views on the blue dot trail by the creek. This was not a sunny day in July (7/25/2018). We had scattered showers now and then on the way up, but it was not a problem at all. We did stop under trees a few times when it rained hard, but with the yellow plastic bags covering heads and thick foliage above, we were pretty much dry, body and shoes. Rain also brought the benefits of the low traffic on this popular and usually crowded trail according to All Trails. The rocky path was well maintained and marked. Especially for the red dot path, it was precisely marked maybe due to the difficulties. We had a wonderful hike.

Not bad. it's nice but with car sounds it does tend to ruin the whole out in nature away from everything vibe. Other than that, it's cool.

Not bad, easy trail To a nice pond for a pic nic

Yes, the river bridge south of Watergate Park was washed away some years ago in a storm, so be aware of that. The trail just south of there is very overgrown, it's not impassable but wear gallons of tick juice if you go.
Just south of Millbrook Village is one of the best parts of this hike IMO,, alongside the stream is a charming old schoolhouse, I'm sure hikers here have seen that, [this following posting won't make your day] but hidden away on a hill just behind there is an appallingly neglected cemetery.
The small headstones seem to be mostly children's and the carvings are almost unreadable now. One said, "born 1834, died 1834". The whole Millbrook Village area is understaffed aiui and needs work, but I'd like to join some effort to clean it up a little.

3 parking spots, but come early as this hike tends to get very busy. Crowded, especially at the summit, a lot of dogs. Views are amazing, well worth the trip. Not a long hike, start with the red dot part to get the ascend over with. Coming down might be challenging as well in a different way, I had to get a wooden stick to take some pressure of my knees. Nice river and a little bridge at the bottom of the mountain on the crossing with the green trail. There is a porta potty and a ranger with maps in one of the parking spots