Scenic Wild Delaware River

05/23/2023

Shuttle Service soon to start in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 2023.
Why worry about finding parking when you can take the shuttle.

BUSHKILL, PA- Planning a paddling trip on the Delaware River but only have one vehicle? Or perhaps you’d like to hit the McDade Trail to get some mileage in on your bike but don’t want to ride all the way back? Want to visit the busiest waterfall in the park on a weekend, or hike the most-popula...

05/23/2023

Delaware Water Gap is ready for summer. Please see info below.
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News Releases

05/15/2023

Honoring those who keep us safe outside.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor our fallen rangers, United States Park Police officers, and fellow colleagues who have passed in the line of duty. We also give thanks to the thousands of permanent and seasonal law enforcement officers who serve across the U.S. Department of the Interior and invite everyone to honor those who protect our treasured landscapes, visitors, employees, and fellow citizens - during and beyond.

Image: National Park Service ranger bows head while standing with a horse at Yosemite National Park, CA.

05/13/2023

The East and West Branches of the Delaware River come together at this hill in Hancock NY. Thus begins the River’s flow through 4 states to the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

05/13/2023

Milford Beach,Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, on a recent sunny afternoon.

05/13/2023

Caught at the Damascus, PA River Access: this bald eagle’s nest containing the other parent bird and at least one bobble head eaglet is in a high tree just off the river bank.
What a thrill to watch it fish and then sit in the “guard” branch above the nest.
Please be respectful when watching eagles near their nests. This one became agitated and we knew we should go.

05/11/2023

04/28/2023

We are high up in the Upper Delaware River region on the West Branch Delaware River. This is where NY and PA come together and also where the West and East Branches merge to form the mighty Delaware River. Beautiful rural area with a world class trout fishery. A nice place to just relax and take in the beauty of this natural area.

04/24/2023

Thankfully all the animals survived the tornado. Power of Nature.

03/30/2023

If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a bobcat in the region.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=593147726170654&id=100064262965965&mibextid=qC1gEa

03/22/2023

Wherever you are on this planet, please protect life giving water.

03/18/2023

https://www.npca.org/articles/1478-these-10-national-parks-wouldn-t-exist-without-women

From Joshua Tree to Great Sand Dunes, these 10 special places are protected today thanks to their female champions.

03/17/2023

Happy !

No matter how you slice it, here are 3.14 reasons you should support the :

1) If you fish, float, swim, or drink (water, beer, etc.), you have this law to thank.
2) It’s been making rivers and streams better since before you were born. (Or at least since 1972.)
3) Now is no time for Congress to make it harder to keep our waters healthy.
0.14) It’s basic physics: If you want clean water downstream, you'd better pay attention to what happens upstream.

Tell Congress to do the smart thing and defend the Clean Water Act here: https://bit.ly/3KVtNrU

03/17/2023

Native plants are very important to butterfly populations because many act as host plants, allowing the butterfly to lay its eggs which hatch into caterpillars and providing the right nutrients so they turn into butterflies.

Learn more about what native plants act has host plants for butterfly larval 🦋➡️ http://bit.ly/3YI0LiJ.

03/17/2023

DCNR electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas of the state help decrease range anxiety and provide help in hazardous situations.

03/10/2023

Please be awed by our bald eagles from a safe distance.

SmartNews is the most efficient way to get all your news now.

02/16/2023

Our region has just the right habitats to support salamanders. Starting soon, salamanders will be on the move. If you live or drive on roads where the salamanders cross, please watch for them. Some roads will be closed during certain evening hours to help the salamanders.

BUSHKILL, PA- Motorists can expect River Road within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to be closed on several evenings between now and mid-April to protect breeding amphibians. The trigger for the road closures will be forecasts calling for evening rain with mild temperatures. Since the a...

02/14/2023

Did you know the Appalachian Trail passes right through our Scenic Wild Delaware River Region. Here’s some opportunities to work for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Here are 4 seasonal conservation-focused jobs that will pay you to spend time on the Appalachian Trail, what could be better?

02/10/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=563023669183060&id=100064262965965&mibextid=ykz3hl

While the calendar says “February” and swimming in the Delaware River is probably not on the minds of most people right now, summer will be here before we know it. National Park Service (NPS) employees at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are busy making plans and hiring staff to get ready for the influx of visitors that will come with the warmer weather, many of whom come to the park to swim at park beaches.

The park is currently recruiting lifeguards and lead lifeguards to staff park beaches during the 2023 summer season. Lifeguards will be stationed at one or more of the park’s three beaches, including Smithfield and Milford Beaches in PA and Turtle Beach in NJ. Up to 12 lifeguards may be hired. Deadline to apply is April 14th.

Lifeguard duties and responsibilities include water assists and rescues, enforcement of beach regulations, public safety, providing first aid and visitor information, maintaining equipment, participating in trainings, and other day-to-day tasks. Lifeguards follow standard operating procedures, plan and instruct lifeguard skills and EMS training, and maintain emergency equipment. They are also responsible for proper documentation of incidents and completion/submission of operational reports. At the beginning of each shift, lifeguards must perform one hour of physical training, which may include but is not limited to running, swimming, and/or review of lifeguard skills.

For more information on this opportunity and how to apply, please see the press release at https://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/news/lifeguards.htm .

Image: A lifeguard watches families enjoy their summer day swimming and relaxing at Smithfield Beach.
NPS Photo

01/25/2023

Snowy days are mystical and remind us to slow down. Enjoy this snow day and please remember those who can't slow down: our maintenance folks, plow drivers, road crews, and those who watch to make sure the rest of us are safe.

01/10/2023

So sorry for first time visitors who will miss the iconic view of the Delaware Water Gap that the Rt 611 Scenic Byway affords them. Also, so sorry for our small businesses on either side of the River who may miss out on visitors having to use the alternate routes.
Let's all make sure we find ways to get to those businesses. And let's hope this second, more detailed repair fixes this road.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/traffic/2023/01/route-611-to-be-closed-through-the-summer-at-northampton-county-border.html?fbclid=IwAR39Zf86hi7B9_kT2KIyUN2i8JVD2bRfS-dhhC-0ZYw0XqEc9bwZnumLfPw

It's not possible to keep a single lane open for general traffic, PennDOT said.

01/02/2023

Congrats to Village Farmer and Bakery on entering year 46 of bringing authentic locally produced items to visitors and residents alike. You personify what the region is all about.

Day one of the Village Farmer and Bakery 45 years ago. My husband Charlie and I built the business from scratch with our children. Our son was 8 months old on opening day. You can see the playpen in the corner of the picture. Starting our 46th year in 2023. Thank you to all the people who have made this possible. Happy new year.

12/25/2022

12/13/2022

Great coverage of our in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Just two to three hours by car from Philly, the Poconos offer outdoor adventure, stylish (and cozy!) accommodations, endless antiquing, bustling breweries and more.

12/08/2022

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area contains many species of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Please let your congressional members know that you support long term funding to sustain this and all national parks.

You can find signs of the North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) all over the Delaware Water Gap NRA. Beavers are a keystone species, which means that they support an entire biological community!
So, how do beavers do this?
Beavers are herbivores that consume the inner bark of trees as well as a variety of aquatic plants. They have specialized teeth that allow them to cut down vegetation to eat and to build their dams and lodges.
Beavers use dams to block or slow the flow of a stream, resulting in a pond or wetland behind the dam. The lodge will then be built on the newly made pond, where a family of beavers will live. The dams created by beavers can cause drastic changes to the habitat in which they are located. They can change the habitat landscape by turning a small stream into new wetlands and ponds. When a wetland forms, it will provide a habitat for many other species, such as otters, birds, and fish!

Image: A beaver sits in a marsh next to a large beaver lodge while chewing on a twig.
NPS Photo

11/25/2022

Very excited to share National Parks Conservation Association’s newly released Economic Impact Report, showing the $$ spent by visitors to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the 5 counties adjacent to the Park. Included in the report are our recommendations including adoption of appropriate zoning to address industrial development along the River corridor.
What the report clearly shows is conservation of our resources is a major economic driver for local businesses and communities.

https://www.nj.com/warren/2022/11/delaware-water-gap-tourism-gave-235m-boost-to-pa-and-nj-communities-in-2021-study-finds.html&subscribed=google-oauth2%7C113231889077525960951?fbclid=IwAR0qWHer1W9W6RJwQXsiCOK1Xd8Q27fu9FS5pVdZWL-QVg6HfIGrd1vccts

Communities should zone against warehouses to protect Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the National Parks Conservation Association says.

11/10/2022

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495044442647650&id=100064262965965&set=a.220715516747212

Why did the Jalapeno put on the life jacket?
It was a little chili! 🌶️🦺🥶

Mandatory cold weather personal floatation device (PFD) wear began November 1st and will be in effect until April 30th.

Wearing a life jacket during the colder season while on the water is important for many reasons. Coast Guard approved PFDs add extra insulation to keep people warm while recreating on a boat, allowing them to enjoy the outdoor fun longer. If someone does fall into the water, wearing a PFD will improve their chances of survival and rescue by preserving their energy and keeping their head above water.

Cold water shock is a significant factor in many winter boating fatalities. Cold water shock happens when a person is immersed in - you guessed it - cold water! This type of shock causes an involuntary gasp, which can lead to the person taking water into their lungs. Wearing a PFD will keep the person's head above water, increasing their chances of survival.

Make sure to include your PFD when packing for that chilly boating trip! It could just save your life.

For more information, visithttps://www.nps.gov/dewa/learn/management/upload/DEWA-Compendium_11-10-22.pdf

11/08/2022

A recent weekend hike in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by Latino Outdoors and Outdoor Afro families.

10/31/2022

Congrats to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on completion of the Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project. This will help sustain this area against future climate impact

Project Manager Kristy Boscheinen examines native vegetation growing in an area of restored wetland that used to be the largest pond at Watergate. Boscheinen received the 2021 National Park Service Director's Award for Natural Resource Management for her work on the project.

10/20/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160149155601665&id=819831664

10/10/2022

09/29/2022

Impressive old-growth wetland and rare natural glacially carved lake on State Game Lands #318; the surrounding conifer forests are particularly impressive. This nearly 1000 acre parcel was protected in partnership with the Nature Conservancy.

SGL #318 is a mosaic of ecosystems in Tobyhanna Township. It's not alone. The Pocono Plateau (Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh and beyond) contain rare ecosystem conglomerates. In such ecosystems, both the wetlands and all the land surrounding them together produce the high water quality and wildlife value.

09/19/2022

Nature’s toxic waste cleaners. Please don’t harm them.

You may have found them under a brick or a damp object. These insects, also known as slaters , butchie boys , Rollie Pollies, etc are a subgroup of isopod their function is to remove harmful heavy metals to the earth such as mercury, cadmium and lead. They contribute to the cleansing of the soil and groundwater and reaffirm the wisdom of nature.
Do not damage them or spray pesticides. Embrace them and allow them to heal the soil!

Join the edible gardening community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ediblegardeningenthusiasts

Join the ornamental gardening community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/indoorhouseplants

Join the livestock farming community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livestockenthusiasts

08/13/2022

Please wear a life jacket whether floating, paddling or swimming in our wild Delaware River. # staysafe

This past week, tragedy struck on the Delaware River, a young man drowned while attempting to swim across the river in Sparrowbush, NY. We can not stress enough that even if you’re a good swimmer, an excellent swimmer, or even a lifeguard, please wear a life jacket any time you enter the river. So many areas of the Delaware appear calm and placid as you enter the water, but sudden steep drop offs and swift currents can fatigue even the best swimmers. If you don’t want to for yourself, wear one for your family and friends because they sure would love to have you come home at the end of the day.



Photo Caption: The Delaware River at the Hawks Nest with boats in the distance appears calm and placid even though a strong current lurks below.

08/08/2022

The Headquarters tract of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is alive with plenty of monarch and swallowtail butterflies to be found among the sea of greens, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Come see for yourself while so many of the flowers are in bloom (Photo: pollinator field along the Front Nine Trail at the Cherry Valley NWR Headquarters tract/Photo credit: USFWS).

08/06/2022

https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/columns/2022/08/06/delaware-water-gap-poconos-history-monroe-county-antoine-dutot-castle-inn-pa/65389536007/

The 'Water Gap' was often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', known for its fresh air and scenic beauty.

07/31/2022

Oh what you see at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! Dingmans Access with the historic bridge right behind it. And a woodsy scene on McDade Trail near Bushkill Access.

07/20/2022

Great new Trail map on the New Jersey side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area .

07/11/2022

https://www.newsbreakapp.com/n/0gaxlatV?pd=06eBOMej&lang=en_US&s=i16

Interstate 80 East will be down to a single lane during the day this week as a team from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) prepares for an upcoming repairs to a cracked and crumbling retaining wall in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The right lane...

06/18/2022

Please watch for all the turtles active now on the region.

You can find snapping turtles throughout the Musconetcong Watershed, so it's important to keep an eye out for them. While they have intimidating and dangerous bites, people are one of their largest threats. Many snapping turtles are hit by cars when trying to cross the road to look for their nesting spots.

Like most wild animals, they're only aggressive when they feel threatened. If you see a snapping turtle, give them some space, and they will leave you alone.

Learn more here: http://ow.ly/cX1w50Jwmes
📷: Charlie Fineran, Chair, Musconetcong River Management Council, and Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township