If you live in the New York City area, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is only 75 miles from Manhattan (about 1.5 hours) via Interstate 80. For most cars that would be only a half tank of gasoline for the round trip!

From the Hudson River...
   The trip starts on I-95 with the crossing of the George Washington Bridge. When one has seen that bridge so many times over the years it is easy to take it for granted. It is a beautiful structure and, if you can drive in the right lane, your passengers have a great view of the majestic Palisades which line the Jersey shore of the Hudson River. Three miles after you enter New Jersey, at I-95 exit 69, you encounter I-80. For the next 12 miles you drive past an intensely urban landscape.

...to the Delaware River
   At about exit 57 you'll pass Garret Mountain. A mile later you'll cross over the Passaic River and you'll notice the urbanness falling away to be replaced by increasing greenery. You'll also pass ridge after ridge of mountains, — like the waves in the ocean. An hour later you and I-80 are greeted by an imposing mountain gateway. This is the Delaware Water Gap. On your right is a steep 1,100 foot bluff topped by Mt Tammany and on your left — the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River — is an almost equally steep 1,00 foot bluff topped by Mt. Minsi. This is the grand Eastern Gateway to Pennsylvania and to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The Waterfalls
   You'll take exit 309 to get on US-209. This excellent two-lane highway follows the Delaware River upstream for almost 40 miles. From 209 you have access to over a dozen beautiful waterfalls starting with Buttermilk Falls and quickly followed by Twin Falls.

Twin Falls
   Just off US-209 is Twin Falls Rd. Branching off of 209 toward the west is Twin Falls on Marshall's Creek fed by a little pond. There is a little park, here, with a picnic pavilion, playground equipment and several athletic fields. In and around the pond are several dozen geese and ducks.

Bushkill Falls
   At Bushkill (about 11 miles from I-80) you'll turn left (at the blinking light) onto Bushkill Falls Rd. A little ways up this road is a bit of Paradise owned by the Peters family. For a small fee they allow visitors to enjoy eight different waterfalls all accessed by well marked trails.

Dingman's Falls and More
   About 12 miles further up US-209 is Dingman's Ferry. From there you can access Dingman's Falls and Silverthread Falls. Dingmans Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in northeastern Pennsylvania.
   Easy to traverse trails, bridges and even a boardwalk make access to Dingmans Falls, Silver Thread Falls and other neighboring waterfalls very accessible.
   To access Dingman's Falls, turn left from US-209 onto Johnny Mountain Road in Dingmans Ferry (near milepost 14). Go a half mile to the fork. Take the right fork and proceed to the parking area (a little over a half mile).

Deer Leap, Fulmer & Factory Falls
   If you find Dingman's Falls too crowded, Deer Leap Falls, Fulmer Falls and Factory Falls are just a little but further. Continue up the hill to Silver Lake/Factory Road. There should be a sign pointing to George W. Childs Recreation area. Turn left and continue 1¾ mile to the parking pullout.

Raymondskill Falls
   About 5 miles further north on 209 is Indian Point. SR-2009 splits off to the west (your left) here. There is also a sign directing you to Raymondskill Falls which is just 1.5 miles up the road. Raymondskill Creek tumbles down a small, rocky ravine creating a set of three cataracts varying in drop from three to sixty feet. Raymondskill Falls is probably the best example how each waterfall in the Pocono highlands is as different, as individual as a fingerprint.

The Hiking Trails
   It takes more than one day to see all the waterfalls named above. But before you conclude that all there is to see here are waterfalls, the Recreation Area (which includes almost 70,000 acres along the Delaware River) has many well marked trails of varying difficulty. The famous Appalachian Trail on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River is accessible from many locations and offers dozens of splendid views of the area.

The Campgrounds
   We have located eight campgrounds with convenient access from paved highways. There are many more in the area that require much more effort to access. On our map the locations of the more easily accessed campgrounds are indicated by gold diamonds.

A Fun Bit of History
   You might find that going back in time can be just as much fun. Just north of I-80 at the Gap (where you came in) is Old Mine Road. Just up that road is Millbrook Village carefully restored to how it appeared around the year 1900. Every October, 100 volunteer 'villagers' populate the place in period clothing and bring the village to life in celebration of 'Millbrook Days'.
   From Interstate 80 westbound take NJ Exit 1 and bear right to a 3-minute light which controls one-way alternating traffic. From this point Millbrook Village is 12 miles north on a scenic route with views of the river.
   From Interstate 80 eastbound take the first exit ramp (unnumbered) after the toll plaza at the Delaware River (no toll eastbound) and at the end of the ramp, turn hard right. Pass under the highway to a 3-minute light which controls one-way alternating traffic. From this point Millbrook Village is 12 miles north on a scenic route with views of the river.
   If you are returning to I-80 from Dingman's Falls, we suggest you go east on PA-739, cross over the Delaware River to New Jersey on the Dingman's Ferry Bridge and head south on Old Mine Road to historic Millbrook Village. This also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view of the picturesque bluffs on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.
   With the current exorbitant fuel prices, it's a relief to know of locations you and the family can enjoy without wrecking your budget.