With 67,000 acres of forested mountains, riverine valleys, and fertile floodplains, it’s no wonder the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the most visited places in the Poconos. This rural vacationland provides a nearly endless amount of things to do and see that everyone in the family will enjoy. Whether you are a history buff, avid adventurer or keen fisherman, your options for a full day of fun are bountiful.
What are your plans after visiting the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? Discover the lifestyle center of Hawley Silk Mill for even more family fun opportunities!
4 Things to Do in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap is a wonderland for those who seek the outdoors. It is also a prime location to learn more about the region’s 10,000-year-old history. Here are just some of the most popular visitor activities that we’re sure you’ll love!
Delaware Water Gap Hiking
All year-round, the Delaware Water Gap trails offer their travelers visual rewards you won’t get anywhere else. The area is home to more than 100 miles of hiking trails providing numerous opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the region. Discover towering stone walls, beautiful wildflower fields, hemlock forests, and a palette of crisp colors in the fall. You may also find remnants of the region’s ancient residents along the way.
Kayaking/Canoeing
The Delaware Water Gap offers some of the best water recreation in the Northeast! The river’s calm waters make it ideal for families and beginning paddlers. As you follow the gentle current, get ready to see nearly 40 miles of stunning rural landscape. There are several authorized liveries in the recreation area that will rent kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddles, and life jackets. During the summer, free shuttle service is available for those who bring canoes or kayaks.
Fishing
The park is a utopia for anglers with its abundance of lakes, streams, and rivers. Cast a line to catch native fish including the brook trout and largemouth bass as you enjoy the lovely woodland scenery. You can fish in most areas during appropriate seasons and with mandatory licenses. Be sure to brush up on your Pennsylvania fishing regulations and purchase your license before dropping a line!
Historic Sites
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to five historical sites, some dating back to the 1700s! Find out what fascinating stories await at the following destinations that have withstood the tests of time.
Millbrook Village: In 1832, a quaint grist mill was built by a farmer along Columbia-Walpack Turnpike. Although today’s Millbrook Village is not the original, the renovated hamlets evoke a sense of what life was like for farmers during the 19th-century. The buildings are open on summer weekends where you’ll see volunteers who demonstrate the folkways of that area.
Foster-Armstrong House and Neldon Roberts Stonehouse: This 18th-century home is complete with a beehive oven and fireplace in each room. If you travel down the road a few miles, you will find the old schoolhouse also known as the Neldon Roberts Stonehouse. The schoolhouse still boasts its original wide wood plank flooring, a fireplace, and deep windows.
Van Campen Inn and Rosenkrans House: During colonial times, the Van Campen Inn was designated as a “Yaugh” house during a time when it was common to offer homes to weary travelers. The Rosenkrans House is the oldest remaining building of the once bustling community that is now the Walpack Historical Society.
Village of Bevans: The village used to be a charming farm community until its conversion into the Peters Valley School of Craft. Self-guided tours are available during the summer.
Old Mine Road: This is one of the oldest commercial roads in the country! During the mid-1700s it connected the Hudson River and Philadelphia to the Pahaquarry Mines. It was also an important conduit for New Jersey farmers to take their crops to market.
Experience More of the Poconos at Hawley Silk Mill
With a history stretching back to the 1800s, our silk mill-turned lifestyle center is a true Hawley community treasure. The repurposed factory is a place for visitors and locals alike to come together to eat, shop, learn, and more! Find the perfect souvenir or addition to your home at one of the mill’s unique shops. Grab your favorite cup of Joe and relax with a good book in the Cocoon Coffee House and Bakery. No matter what you decide to do, the fun will never end from the moment you walk through our doors. We can’t wait to see you soon!