PA Route 6
Route 6 offers something for everyone - scenic wonders including the PA Grand Canyon, nationally recognized museums, train rides, covered wagons, PA's largest maple farm and plenty of other authentic hidden treasures!
Named by National Geographic as "One of America's most scenic drives", US Route 6 in Pennsylvania is the heart of the American Dream. This magical and tranquil highway along Pennsylvania's northern tier is 400 plus miles of history and heritage, linking small towns, generations of people and wondrous sights often forgotten.
To plan your trip, go to http://paroute6.com
For a map and photos of waterfalls along Route 6, plus all other waterfalls in Pennsylvanis, go to: http://pawaterfalls.com
Bushkill Falls is privately owned and has an admission fee.
Raymondskill Falls is free. It was much less crowded than Dingmans Falls and George W. Child's Park, which are both part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
There is no fee to enter Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. However, Expanded Amenity Fees are charged April through October at the following developed areas in the park.
- Milford Beach (in Pennsylvania)
- Dingmans Access (in Pennsylvania)
- Bushkill Access (in Pennsylvania)
- Smithfield Beach (in Pennsylvania)
- Watergate Recreation Site (in New Jersey)
- Turtle Beach (in New Jersey)
Private vehicle (up to 7 persons): $7.00 per vehicle on a weekday
Private vehicle (up to 7 persons): $10.00 per vehicle on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday
Vehicles with 8 or more adults (age 16 or older): $1.00 per person
Pedestrian (age 16 or older): $1.00 per person
No fee is charged for those who are dropping off or picking up people from the river access ramps and those walking through Smithfield Beach on McDade Recreational Trail.
Expanded Amenity Fees are not covered by America the Beautiful Annual Pass. However, holders of the America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes, and National Park Service Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are eligible for a 50% discount on the Expanded Amenity Fees.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Seasonal Pass
Seasonal passes can be purchased at park headquarters, Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, Kittatinny Point Visitor Center, staffed collection stations, or through the mail.
Seasonal Pass Fee Schedule
Seasonal Pass: $45
2nd Seasonal Pass (registered to the same name and address): $25
3rd Seasonal Pass (registered to the same name and address): $12.50
Seasonal Walk-In Pass: $10.00
Holders of the America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes and National Park Service Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are eligible for a 50% discount on seasonal passes.
Dingmans Falls Visitor's Center
224 Dingmans Falls RoadDingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Local Phone: (570) 828-2253
Lat: 41.22926
Lon: -74.88696
Usual hours of operation:
Summer: daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Fall: weekends only (see below under Winter)
Winter: closed. The road to the visitor center and falls is gated closed for the season when icy conditions set in, which can occur as early as November.
There is no fee to enter Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The visitor center and the falls are at the end of a 1-mile approach road off Johnny Bee Road, which intersects PA Rt. 209 near milepost 14, just south of the traffic light at PA Routes 209 & 739 in Dingmans Ferry PA.
Amenities
- Maps
- Restrooms
Trails
Cliff Park Trail System
Activities: Eagle Observation and Bird Watching, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking
South of Milford, and
connecting to the Knob and Raymondskill Falls, is popular, well-worn
trail above the escarpment cliffs over the Delaware. The views are
stunning, of farmland,the river, Minisink Island (spiritual center of
the Lenape Nation), New Jersey's Kittatinny Mountains (the needle ...More Information >>
Dingmans Falls
Activities: Hiking, Waterfall Viewing
Dingmans Falls is the
second highest falls in the state, with a plunge of 130 feet. In heavy
spring runoff, there is no way to get to the end of the boardwalk
without getting drenched by spray. The boardwalk trail passes by a thin
horsetail cascade called Silverthread Falls. Whereas Dingmans ...More Information >>
Dingmans Ferry Creek Trail
Activities: Hiking
Off Route 209 (just south
of the light at 739/209 at Johnny Bee Road), this trail runs 3 miles up
Dingmans Creek, past the impressive Dingmans Falls (trailhead and
information center). Nearby is Dingmans Campground, a short way down
Route 209 from Johnny Bee Road, and Dingmans Launch at Route ...More Information >>
Five Mile Meadow Road Trail
Activities: Hiking
At the western end of the
Dingmans Ferry Area on Silver Lake Road (about 10 miles from the
intersection with Route 739) is the Edgemere Forest Headquarters. Just
beyond it is a parking area for this road trail which runs (yes, it is
about 5 miles) back up to Route 739 in the Lords Valley area, ...More Information >>
George W. Childs Park
Activities: Sightseeing, Waterfall Viewing
The George W. Childs
Recreation Site is a former state park that is the site of a number of
cascade waterfalls along Dingmans Creek. This picturesque park is a part
of the Delaware Water gap National Recreational area and includes
expansive hemlock groves and cascading waterfalls along with a ...More Information >>
Hackers Falls
Activities: Hiking, Waterfall Viewing
A short way above the
back entrance to Cliff Park Inn on the same side of Milford Road is the
sign for Hackers Falls Trail. A perpendicular road takes you to a small
parking lot. Follow the trail up through the woods to an old road;
continue on to a clearing where the trail drops down on the ...More Information >>
Raymondskill Falls
Activities: Hiking, Waterfall Viewing
Raymondskill Falls is the
tallest waterfall in the state, and only 4 feet shorter than Niagara,
Raymondskill Falls has always been a tourist attraction. The
100-footlong rectangular mound surrounded with weeds near the turn off
from US 209 is all that remains of the former Hotel Schanno. To get ...More Information >>
Dingmans Ferry Boat Access
Activities: Boat Launches, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting, Fishing, Picnicking
Dingmans Ferry Boat Access with Restrooms and Public Phone (Fee Area)More Information >>
Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
Millbrook Village, Dingmans Falls Visitor Center and Kittatinny
Point Visitor Center are open seasonally. Park Headquarters is open
year-round. Visitor center hours of operation
Most park roads and areas are open year-round. Seasonal Closures:
Most park roads and areas are open year-round. Seasonal Closures:
- Blue Mountain Lakes Road (in New Jersey) above the Blue Mountain Lakes trailhead parking area – closed January 1 until snow has melted in the spring
- Skyline Drive (in New Jersey) – closed January 1 until snow has melted in the spring
- Access road to Dingmans Falls (in Pennsylvania) parking area – closed at first significant snowfall until snow has melted in the spring
- Hialeah Picnic Area – closed at first significant snowfall until snow has melted in the spring
- George W. Childs Park – closed at first significant snowfall until snow has melted in the spring
- McDade Recreational Trail – the section between Pittman Orchard trailhead and Conashaugh trailhead is closed due to eagle nesting from December 15 through July 15.
2015 marks 50 years of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
Area! Created by Congress on September 1, 1965, Delaware Water Gap was
established to preserve the natural, culture, and scenic resources and
values of the Delaware River valley and provide opportunities for
recreation, education, and enjoyment in close proximity to the most
densely populated region of the nation. This haven for natural and
cultural stories is your place, your park, and we invite you to
celebrate with us.
- Discover the rich history of the Delaware Valley
- Hike over 100 miles of trail
- Swim in the river at three lifeguarded beaches
- Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the river
- Launch your boat on the river
- Bike 30 miles of trail or along a historic road
- Fish and hunt native and stocked game
- Enjoy a scenic drive
- Delight in a family picnic
- Check the calendar for various ranger- or volunteer-led tours and activities and events
- All visitor centers offer park information and brochures. Some have exhibits, offer programs, passport cancelation stamps and other services.
- No trip would be complete without a stop the spectacular Delaware Water Gap, a vacationers' icon for over a century.
- Millbrook Village is a collection of historic and other buildings that let you explore life in the valley during the late 1800s.
- The Middle Delaware River is the essence of the valley. Enjoy a dip at one of three lifeguarded swim beaches or launch your boat or just enjoy the view at one of the numerous river accesses.
- Numerous waterfalls plunge from the higher elevations, providing cool oases during the summer and spectacular ice walls in the winter.
- Enjoy the view from a scenic vista, hike to Sunfish Pond, or hike one of the numerous park trails.
- Enjoy a leisurely drive or bike ride along the scenic and historic Old Mine Road.
- Enjoy a lunch or a snack at one of the park picnic areas.
- Purchase water bottles, walking sticks, t-shirts, light snacks, books, magnets, pins, maps, and other items that will help you enjoy and remember your trip at one of the park bookstores.
Constructed in the mid-1700s, Old Mine Road connected the Hudson River and Philadelphia to the Pahaquarry Mines and provided an important conduit for New Jersey farmers taking crops to area markets, making it one of the oldest commercial roads in the country. Today, Old Mine Road stitches together sections of several roads into the park's main passage in New Jersey and still retains much of the flavor of 100 years ago, making it a popular driving and biking route.
directions for Old Mine Road | map of Old Mine Road route
- Pahaquarry The Coopermine Trail passes by the foundation of the Pahaquarry Cooper Mine processing mill and mineshafts. NOTE: Mineshafts are closed to protect critical bat habitat. Later, this area became a Boy Scout Camp. It was just one of numerous scout and church camps that once existed within the park boundaries.
- Calno School If you traveled through this area in the late 1800s, you would notice that schools were located in places that would allow students to walk no more than four or five miles to attend. When this school was in operation, there was also a school in Millbrook Village, only 5 miles north.
- Millbrook Village In 1832, Abram Garis built a grist mill along Van Campen brook. The mill soon attracted other businesses and by the 1870s, Millbrook was a thriving farm village. However, by 1910, the mill, store and hotel closed their doors. Today, only a handful of original Millbrook buildings remain. Other buildings have been moved from other sites or are newly built to help depict village life in the valley during the late 19th and early 20th century. Several buildings are open on summer weekends.
- Delaware View House In the early 20th century, many old area farmsteads were used as country homes. Samuel Garris purchased this property in 1904, enlarged the house, and operated it as a hunting lodge. Later he leased it to a family that operated it as a boarding house and later as the Flatbrookville Hotel.
- Walpack Center This authentic country village began when Isaac and Jasper Rundle opened the first general store in 1850, and the village followed the same pattern of growth and decline as the other villages. Today, the Walpack Historical Society operates a museum in the First Rosenkrans House on summer weekends.
- Van Campen Inn This fine colonial home was never intended as an inn in the commercial sense. By law, certain houses along a major roadway were required to house travelers. During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the stout stone walls sheltered 150 people against the threat of Indian attack. The Walpack Historical Society offers tours of the house on Sundays during the summer.
- Peters Valley Peter Van Ness settled in this area during the late 18th century, and today the hamlet bears his name. In the later 20th century, the village became Peters Valley School of Craft. Self-guided tours of the village are available on summer weekends. Stop in the Craft Store and Gallery for more information.
- Bevans-Hellwig Kitchen In the late 19th century, this little stone building was the rear kitchen attached to a large farmhouse. Local tradition holds that the original structure was used as a French and Indian War fortification, known as Fort Cramer.
- Alonzo Depue House As with other historic homes along Old Mine Road, the landscape would have been quite different one hundred years ago –open fields, a clear view to the river, and several farm outbuildings.
- Namanock While nothing remains today, this was the site of Fort Namanock during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Forts in this time and era were little more than a sturdy stone house with a wooden defensive fence surrounding it.
- Westbrook Bell House Built by Johannis Westbrook, this is the oldest structure in the recreation area, circa 1701.
- Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse The origins of this small house are obscure, although its construction is attributed to George Nelden, who acquired the property in 1816. The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (M.A.R.C.H.) house operates a museum in the house on summer weekends.
- Minisink Dutch Reformed Church Dating back to 1737, this is the oldest congregation in the county. The present structure was built in 1899, and tombstones in the cemetery date to 1805.
- Foster-Armstrong House Foster and Armstrong operated a ferry, and the house was used as a tavern and inn for river travelers. The house reflects the standard of living of a prosperous family in the early 19th century. The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (M.A.R.C.H.) opens the house for tours on summer weekends and for other event.
- Montague Grange The National Grange, founded in 1867, is an organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture. The local Montague Grange was founded in 1904 and this Hall was built in 1906. The local group remains active and continues to use the building.
The park provides three lifeguarded beaches where visitors can
safely enjoy a swim in the Delaware River. Lifeguards are on duty
weekends from mid-June through August. Picnic and restroom facilities
are also available at the beaches. Grills are not provided;personal
grills are permitted. Alcohol and pets are not permitted. Fees are charged at the beaches April through October.
Milford Beach, Pennsylvania
Milford Beach is located at the north end of the park just south of Milford, PA. This area offers a grassy beach complete with picnic areas, a pavilion, restrooms, a boat launch, a canoe launch, and access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail.
directions to Milford Beach
Smithfield Beach, Pennsylvania
Smithfield Beach is located on River Road about seven miles north of the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA, and offers a grassy beach complete with picnic areas, restrooms, a boat launch, a canoe launch, and access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail.
directions to Smithfield Beach
Turtle Beach, New Jersey
Turtle Beach is located six miles north of i-80 on Old Mine Road. This area offers a grassy beach complete with picnic tables and restrooms.
directions to Turtle Beach
Swimming is not permitted within 50 feet of a boat launch, a canoe launch, or the top of any waterfall. Additionally, swimming is not permitted at the following areas:
Milford Beach, Pennsylvania
Milford Beach is located at the north end of the park just south of Milford, PA. This area offers a grassy beach complete with picnic areas, a pavilion, restrooms, a boat launch, a canoe launch, and access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail.
directions to Milford Beach
Smithfield Beach, Pennsylvania
Smithfield Beach is located on River Road about seven miles north of the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA, and offers a grassy beach complete with picnic areas, restrooms, a boat launch, a canoe launch, and access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail.
directions to Smithfield Beach
Turtle Beach, New Jersey
Turtle Beach is located six miles north of i-80 on Old Mine Road. This area offers a grassy beach complete with picnic tables and restrooms.
directions to Turtle Beach
Swim Safely
- Swimming in areas of the river outside the life guarded beaches is permitted, but not recommended. Strong currents, sharp drop-offs, and constantly changing river conditions make many areas unsafe for swimming.
- Wearing a properly fitting life jacket is strongly recommended when swimming.
- Never swim alone.
- Never try to swim across the river. Currents are deceiving;many people have drowned attempting to swim from one side of the river to the other.
- Apply sunscreen often to avoid sunburns.
Swimming Restrictions
Swimming is not permitted within 50 feet of a boat launch, a canoe launch, or the top of any waterfall. Additionally, swimming is not permitted at the following areas:
- Kittatinny Point, NJ
- Van Campens Glen, NJ
- Dingmans Falls, PA
- George W. Childs Recreation Site, PA
Cycling
Cycling is a popular form of recreation in the park. The McDade Recreational Trail, a packed gravel path, parallels the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania side of the park for 32 miles and most is perfect for mountain and hybrid bikes (closed to biking between White Pines and Pittman Orchard trailheads). Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the McDade Recreational Trail. Visit the McDade Recreational Trail page for detailed trail information.
For those who enjoy road biking, Old Mine Road parallels the Delaware River on the New Jersey side for 34 miles in the park. Visit the Scenic Drive page for detailed information about this route.
Road biking on US 209 in Pennsylvania is not recommended due to heavy traffic. Road biking on River Road in Pennsylvania is strongly discouraged due to sharp, steep turns, blind curves, and the lack of shoulders.
Bike Rentals/Tours
Edge of the Woods Outdoor Outfitters
110 Main Street
Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327
570-421-6681
Shawnee River Trips
at the Shawnee Inn
100 Shawnee Inn Drive
Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356
800-742-9633 or 570-424-4000
Hiking
Hikers enjoy the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area during all months of the year; every season offers a special reward. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees. In summer, hikers can seek out cool retreats among the hemlock forests follow rolling streams to beautify falls and cascades. Autumn hikers have crisp air to sharpen the senses and a varied palette of fall colors to enjoy.
Hikers enjoy the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area during all months of the year; every season offers a special reward. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees. In summer, hikers can seek out cool retreats among the hemlock forests follow rolling streams to beautify falls and cascades. Autumn hikers have crisp air to sharpen the senses and a varied palette of fall colors to enjoy.
| Trails: Northern Section of the Park | |||
| Trail Name | Miles | Rating | Highlights |
| Buchanan | 1.1 | easy-moderate | forest |
| Childs Park | 1.4 | easy-moderate | waterfalls, history |
| Cliff | 2.8 | moderate | forest, scenic vista |
| Conashaugh View | 8.7 | moderate-difficult | forest |
| Dingmans Creek | 0.4 | easy | waterfalls, forest |
| Hackers | 1.4 | moderate | waterfall, forest |
| Hornbecks Creek | 1.9 | easy-difficult | waterfalls, forest |
| McDade Recreation | 31.0 | easy-difficult | forest, field, river |
| Milford Knob | 1.3 | moderate-difficult | forest, scenic vista |
| Pond Loop | 0.7 | easy | forest, pond |
| Quarry Path | 0.5 | moderate-difficult | forest |
| Raymondskill Creek | 0.3 | moderate-difficult | waterfall, forest |
| Upper Ridge Road | 2.5 | easy-moderate | forest |
| Trails: Middle Section of the Park | |||
| Trail Name | Miles | Rating | Highlights |
| Appalachian | 28.0 | easy-difficult | forest, scenic vista |
| Blue Mtn Lake | 5.9 | easy-moderate | forest, lake |
| Buttermilk Falls | 1.4 | difficult | waterfall, forest |
| Coppermine | 2.0 | moderate-difficult | forest, history |
| Coventry Pond | 0.9 | easy-moderate | forest, lake |
| Crater Lake | 1.6 | easy-moderate | forest, lake |
| Donkeys Corner | 1.8 | moderate-difficult | forest, stream |
| Fossil | 1.3 | moderate | forest, fossils |
| Hamilton Ridge | 2.8 | easy-moderate | forest |
| Hemlock Pond | 1.0 | easy | forest, pond |
| 1.9 | easy | forest, lake | |
| Kaiser | 2.0 | moderate-difficult | forest |
| McDade Recreation | 31.0 | easy-difficult | forest, field, river |
| Military Road | 1.1 | moderate | forest, history |
| Orchard | 0.5 | moderate | forest |
| Pioneer | 2.5 | easy-moderate | forest |
| Railway Avenue | 0.4 | easy | forest, history |
| Rattlesnake Swamp | 2.6 | easy-moderate | forest, wetland |
| Ridgeline | 4.5 | moderate | forest |
| Scenic Gorge | 2.0 | moderate | forest |
| Toms Creek | 0.8 | easy | forest, stream |
| Tumbling Waters | 2.8 | moderate-difficult | waterfall, forest |
| Two Ponds | 1.5 | easy | forest, lake |
| Van Campen Glen | 1.5 | moderate | waterfall, forest |
| Walpack Ridge | 3.0 | moderate | forest |
| Trails: Southern Section of the Park | |||
| Trail Name | Miles | Rating | Highlights |
| Appalachian | 28.0 | easy-difficult | forest, scenic vista |
| Arrow Island | 0.9 | moderate | forest |
| Beulahland | 1.3 | moderate | forest |
| Blue Blaze | 1.7 | difficult | forest, scenic vista |
| Douglas | 1.6 | difficult | forest |
| Dunnfield Creek | 3.5 | moderate | forest, stream |
| Garvey Springs | 1.2 | difficult | forest |
| Holly Springs | 0.4 | moderate | forest |
| McDade Recreation | 31.0 | easy-difficult | forest, field, river |
| Red Dot | 1.2 | difficult | forest, scenic vista |
| Rockcores | 2.7 | moderate | forest |
| Slateford Loop | 2.5 | easy-moderate | forest, history |
| Turquoise | 1.1 | easy-moderate | forest |
| Long Distance Hiking Trails |
| Appalachian National Scenic Trail (28 miles in the park) |
| McDade Recreational Trail (31 miles) |
Paddling
The Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River offers some of the best and most accessible water recreation opportunities in the northeast United States. This part of the Delaware River is relatively unspoiled as it travels through the rural landscape. Lots of quite pools and a few short riffles make this section ideal for beginning paddlers and those seeking a relaxing trip.
Free shuttle service is provided on summer weekends by the Monroe County Transit Authority for those who bring their own canoe or kayak.
Several authorized liveries rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Rental includes transportation, basic river orientation, paddles and life jackets.
More Information
- Water safety
- List of authorized liveries
- Directions to river accesses
- River camping
- Maps
- Free shuttle service
- Current river conditions
Always Wear Your Lifejacket
| River Mileage | ||||||||
| MB Milford Beach, PA | 0 | |||||||
| NA Namanock Access, NJ | 4 | 0 | ||||||
| DF Dingmans Ferry, PA | 8 | 4 | 0 | |||||
| EA Eshback Access, PA | 14 | 10 | 6 | 0 | ||||
| BA Bushkill Access, PA | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 | |||
| PA Poxono Access, NJ | 26 | 22 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 0 | ||
| SB Smithfield Beach, PA | 28 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 | |
| WSF Worthington SF, NJ | 30 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| KP Kittatinny Point, NJ | 34 | 30 | 26 | 20 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| River Access | MB | NA | DF | EA | BS | PA | SB | WSF |
Pike County is a great place to hike and bike. The McDade Trail starts at the Milford Beach and ends near Shawnee. There is also great hiking and biking at Promise Land State Park in the Western half of the county. The Cliff Trail along the Delaware River takes you to the Knob which overlooks Milford or Raymondskill Falls.
Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania Trails and Maps
Looking for the best trails around Delaware
Water Gap, Pennsylvania? Find the top rated trails in Delaware Water
Gap, whether you're looking an easy walking path or a long bike trail,
you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find
trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Stroudsburg Pennsylvania Hikes
Trail Statistics & Information
| Activity Type: | Hiking |
| Nearby City: | Stroudsburg |
| Length: | 4.3 total miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 920 feet |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Season: | Best spring through fall |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 500 feet |
| Local Contacts: | Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |
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