Capturing Nature’s Beauty at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Although there are 63 U.S. National Parks, the National Park Service manages well over 400 units or parks. This includes National Historical Parks, National Recreation Areas, National Scenic Rivers, National Monuments, and several other designations.
The units designated as National Parks tend to get the most attention, and that results in some amazing locations being relatively overlooked. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of those beautiful park units that doesn’t get a lot of attention outside of its local area.
Photographers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of natural beauty here, including many waterfalls, picturesque creeks, trails through the forest, and scenic vistas. I live about two hours from the Delaware Water Gap, and it’s one of my favorite places for hiking and photography. I also appreciate the fact that it’s relatively easy to avoid crowds. This guide covers the basics so you can get more familiar with the park and what it offers.
What Is the Delaware Water Gap?
The Delaware Water Gap is a natural, scenic area where the Delaware River cuts through a large ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a “gap” in the topography. This 40-mile stretch of protected land straddles the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania and includes roughly 70,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
The name “Water Gap” originated from the visual impression of the river cutting a passageway through Kittatinny Mountain, which appears as a significant notch or “gap” in the mountain’s otherwise continuous ridge. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was established to protect this unique geological feature and its surrounding natural landscapes.
Although the park unit includes parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, most of the spots covered in this article are in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania side is more developed, with easier road access.
Scenic Landscapes
Here are some of the mountains and scenic views that you’ll find in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Mount Tammany
Mount Tammany offers one of the most iconic views in the park. Located on the New Jersey side, it’s a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with sweeping vistas of the Water Gap. The summit is particularly stunning during the fall when the foliage turns vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
The trail is just over a mile each way and rated as difficult because of the steep elevation change, but it provides one of the best views in the park.
Mount Minsi
On the Pennsylvania side, Mount Minsi provides equally spectacular views. The trail is a bit easier compared to Mount Tammany but also longer (4.8 mile loop). Early morning hikes offer the best light, capturing the sun rising over the Delaware River.
Views from the Delaware River
There are many places along the river that offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains. On the Pennsylvania side, there are several places along Route 209 where you can park to access the river.
On the New Jersey side, Old Mine Road (closed in the winter) provides access to Turtle Beach and a few other viewpoints.
Waterfalls
The Delaware Water Gap is a waterfall paradise. It’s home to the highest waterfall in New Jersey, as well as the two highest waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Several of the most noteworthy waterfalls are covered below, but there are many others as well, especially on the Pennsylvania side.
Raymondskill Falls
Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, cascading down three tiers. The NPS provides a viewpoint that gives an excellent view of the upper half of the falls and the small pool above the lower half of the falls.
A short but steep trail leads from a parking area to the viewpoint. Although this is one of the more well-known and popular spots in the park, you may have the place to yourself if you avoid summer days or weekends. I’ve been there many times on weekdays in the spring or fall and only seen a few other people at this spot.
Dingmans Falls
Dingmans Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania and only about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Raymondskill Falls. There’s a flat trail that’s roughly one mile out and back to reach Dingmans Falls. This is a boardwalk trail that is wheelchair accessible. The wooden boardwalk leads you through a beautiful forest to the base of the falls, which is a perfect spot for photographing it. Optionally, you can take stairs to another viewpoint near the top of the falls.
Silverthread Falls
Silverthread Falls is visible from the Dingmans Falls Trail. It’s right near the beginning of the trail, so there’s almost no hike at all. This one is a tall, beautiful waterfall tucked back in a gorge. I personally find Silverthread Falls to be more beautiful than Raymondskill or Dingmans Falls, but I think it usually looks better in person than it does in photos.
Hackers Falls
A hidden gem, Hackers Falls requires a bit of a hike but is well worth the effort. The secluded location means fewer crowds, and the opportunity to see a part of the park that most people do not. It’s a nice 1.4-mile out-and-back trail. This is a nice, relatively easy hike through the forest, and it ends at a small waterfall.
Hornbecks Creek Falls
Hornbecks Creek is home to multiple small waterfalls, and two different trails. The trail used to be connected, but it’s now washed out and no longer connects, so there are two separate sections. The lower section of the trail is accessible from Route 209 and an easy one-mile hike leads to a nice waterfall.
The upper section of the trail is slightly more challenging and leads to a few waterfalls, including Upper Indian Ladders Falls.
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is the tallest waterfall in New Jersey. There’s a parking area at the base of the falls, so no hike is required, but the unpaved road is very rough in places. I recommend a high-clearance vehicle for this road. There’s also a trail that leads to the waterfall.
Depending on the time of year and the weather, the flow at Buttermilk Falls can be relatively low. Visiting in the spring or after heavy rain is best if you want to see and photograph a decent flow of water.
Also in the area: Although it is not within the National Park Service’s land, Bushkill Falls is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. The land is privately owned, and an entrance fee is required, but it’s well worth the cost, in my opinion. A series of trails leads to 8 waterfalls and a few scenic vistas.
Wildlife
The Delaware Water Gap is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife.
The park is home to over 200 bird species, including bald eagles, hawks, and songbirds. Bring a telephoto lens to capture these magnificent creatures.
Deer, foxes, and black bears are commonly spotted in the park. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to catch them in action.
Noteworthy Hiking Trails
To truly experience the Delaware Water Gap, you need to explore its hiking trails. Each trail offers unique photo opportunities and varying levels of difficulty. In addition to the trails already mentioned, here are a few others worth considering.
Appalachian Trail
A section of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through the park, offering expansive views and diverse landscapes. It’s a must-do for any hiking photographer.
McDade Recreational Trail
This 31-mile trail parallels the Delaware River and offers numerous access points. It’s perfect for those looking to capture the river’s beauty from different angles.
Tumbling Waters Trail
This moderate trail features a scenic overlook and a picturesque waterfall, making it a rewarding hike for photographers.
George W. Childs Park
The George W. Childs Park loop trail is a scenic route that takes hikers past three beautiful waterfalls: Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. Unfortunately, this trail has been closed for the past few years due to snow damage, but I wanted to mention it because, hopefully, it will re-open in the future. It’s one of my favorite places in the park, so I recommend checking the NPS website to see if there are any updates before visiting.
Seasonal Considerations
The Delaware Water Gap offers unique photographic opportunities throughout the year. Understanding the seasonal changes can help you plan your visit for optimal conditions.
Spring
Spring brings blooming wildflowers and budding trees, creating a vibrant and fresh backdrop for your photos. Thanks to the melting snow, waterfalls are also at their most powerful.
Summer
Summer offers lush greenery and long days, giving you plenty of daylight to explore and photograph. It’s also the best time for capturing wildlife. The crowds may be bigger during the summer, but it’s still much less crowded than more popular National Parks.
Fall
Fall is arguably the most picturesque season in the park. The changing foliage provides a stunning array of colors, making every corner of the park photogenic.
Winter
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland. Ice formations on waterfalls and snow-covered landscapes offer unique and serene photo opportunities. However, certain sections of the park (like Old Mine Road in New Jersey) may be closed, and other sections may be more challenging to access.
Final Thoughts
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a haven for nature photographers. Its diverse landscapes, incredible waterfalls, rich wildlife, and variable seasons offer endless opportunities for creating stunning photographs. Whether you’re hiking to a scenic vista, capturing a cascading waterfall, or waiting patiently for wildlife, the park promises to enrich your portfolio and expand your skills.