The green fullness of the rolling hills, quick glimpses of granite cliff faces, and bald eagles perched on trees overlooking the water form a vibrant backdrop as the Delaware River snakes gracefully through the rural countryside on the start of its 331-mile journey to the Atlantic Ocean. But the story of the Upper Delaware is much more than just a collection of beautiful pictures. Joseph Brandt, John Roebling, and Zane Grey lend a texture to the landscape that helps tell the tale of frontier life and the rapid growth of America during the 1800’s.
The Delaware’s pristine waters offer outstanding recreation, an exceptional habitat for a great variety of fish, and drinking water for over 17 million people.
As part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the first 73.4 miles are protected as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. While most of the land along the river’s bank is privately owned, the Upper Delaware River offers natural beauty, rich history, and a variety of splendid recreational opportunities. This section of the river has Class I and Class II rapids, riffles and placid pools.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
This park preserves 40 miles of the Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through the Appalachian Mountains at the scenic Delaware Water Gap. A visit to the park can include numerous waterfalls, outstanding rural scenery and extensive hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also canoe, hike, camp, swim, picnic, bicycle, cross-country ski, and horseback ride. Fishing and hunting are permitted in season with state licenses. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is also a place for exploring and learning. Find out about becoming a junior ranger or naturalist through programs available at the park visitors centers.
Kittatinny Point Visitor Center
Just off Route 80 in New Jersery
Open weekends in winter: 9:00-5:00
Dingmans Falls Visitors Center
on Route 209 in Dingmans Falls, just south of Milford
Park Headquarters
Open weekdays except federal holidays year round 8:00-4:30