Delaware Water Gap
A gap where the Delaware cuts through the Kittatinny Ridge, with some seventy thousand acres of valley protected around it.
Updated 21 October 2026
The river cuts through the ridge here in a gap about three hundred metres deep, and the geology is the point: the ridge is hard quartzite and the river is older than the mountains, having maintained its course as the land rose around it. The recreation area grew out of land acquired for the Tocks Island Dam, authorised in 1962 and deauthorised in 1978, and the park now covers about seventy thousand acres with the Appalachian Trail crossing at the gap.
What you'll find
- A gap about three hundred metres deep - the river older than the ridge.
- The protected valley - some seventy thousand acres along the river.
- The Appalachian Trail - crossing the river at the gap.
- Waterfalls in the side valleys - including Dingmans and Raymondskill.
When to go
April to October. A full day.
What to expect
Popular trailheads fill early. Flooding closes river roads. It is close enough to New York that summer weekends are busy.
Nearby
The Poconos are west; High Point is north-east in New Jersey.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q3021487, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Delaware Water Gap
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
