Delaware Water Gap

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What’s blue and green and fun all over? The nearly 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, of course.

Located in the northwest corner of New Jersey, the park runs along 40 miles of the Delaware River, including where it cuts through a ridge in the Appalachian Mountains to form the celebrated “gap.”

This lush national park contains waterfalls, top-notch rock climbing, 200 historic sites and 100 miles of hiking trails including more than 27 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail.

The park is a magnet for kayak, rafting and tubing enthusiasts. Delaware River Family Campground (100 Rt. 46) runs canoe, kayak and rafting trips right at the Water Gap. They also rent canoes and rowboats and have cabins and campsites.

For anglers, there’s fishing for shad, smallmouth bass and catfish, among others. Try your hand at trout fishing at two hot spots – Flat Brook and Van Campens Brook.

In winter, cross-country skiing is available near Blue Mountain Lakes. Bird watching is a popular pastime in the park, regardless of the season; winter brings bald eagles, a stunning sight.

Don’t Miss:

• A stop at Millbrook Village to explore a re-created rural village from the early 1900s

• Camping in Worthington State Forest

Insider Tip: For an unforgettable trip on the Delaware, consider joining the Delaware River Sojourn, held every June. A week-long paddling expedition down the Delaware, it’s organized to be accessible to paddlers of all levels and focuses on seeing nature up close.

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