The Poconos
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap may be the most famous part of the Poconos, going by name recognition. It's a national recreation area, comprised of 67,000 acres and 40 miles of Deware River. The Recreation Area covers land in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. The region has unique and diverse geological phenomena, and one would do good to learn about the area at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center, where Ranger programs are held in summer and you can learn all about what makes the area special. Call first, because the Visitor Center was closed after the Spring 2005 floods here in the park.
What exactly is the Delaware Water Gap? Well, it's a break in the mountains. A water gap is a break in the mountains through which a river flows. In this case it's the Delaware River, so it's called the Delaware Water Gap. There are lots of gaps in the United States, but they aren't always called gaps. Here are other terms you'll find for the same geological feature:
The Poconos' Delaware Water Gap is a mile wide and 1200 feet from top of bookend mountains to surface of the river. The river at its deepest point in the Water Gap region is 55 feet.
There is no white water rafting in the Delaware Water Gap area, so you should go to Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River for that if you're in the area. The National Park Service doesn't rent canoes or kayaks but there are several private companies in the Gap area that do. They also might rent tubes, so ask if you want to go tubing.
The Park Service will mail you a River Guide, which is handy if you spend time on the water here, or are just passing through on a boat.
Hikers should check out Mt. Tammany, Mt. Minsi. Your reward is a fabulous view of the Delaware Water Gap at the summit of each. There are 60 miles of trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Be sure to check out Silverthread Falls. An 80-foot waterfall awaits you here, and it's beautiful. There is also Dingmans Falls, which plunge 130 feet. There's a boardwalk to Falls and in spite of heavy flooding in Spring of 2005, the boardwalks are intact.
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