Delaware Water Gap
Hiking, kayaking, and rafting adventures, a vibrant jazz scene, historic inns, and family-friendly camping await at the Gateway to the Poconos.
Many visitors pass through the village of Delaware Water Gap on their way into the Pocono Mountains, but those in the know stop and stay awhile to enjoy the many things to do and places to stay in the Gap. This small town community has been making visitors feel at home for generations.
About the Town
About the Town:
Seekers of natural beauty and outdoor adventure have flocked to Delaware Water Gap for over 200 years: Antoine Dutot founded the town and built the first inn in 1793. Famous figures including Teddy Roosevelt and Fred Astaire joined summer guests who arrived by train and stayed for the season, soaking in the idyllic and inspiring scenery.
Discover Delaware Water Gap
A vibrant community of musicians grew, which today lives on at the Deer Head Inn, the oldest continually running jazz club in the country and host to the annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival. Modern tourists can journey into the heart of Delaware Water Gap's past with a trip aboard The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour, with departures from the storied Castle Inn. The Castle Inn has hosted greats like Enrico Caruso and John Philip Sousa as well as "America's Singing Master" Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians. Pocono Television Network shares an inside look at the band's reunion at The Castle Inn.
Deer Head Inn, the oldest continuously running jazz club in the country
Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians Return to The Castle Inn
Deer Head Inn
The Deer Head Inn, home of jazz in the Pocono Mountains for more than 60 years, is the oldest…
The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour
The Pocono Historic Trolley is an elegantly restored trolley the harkens back to a bygone era with…
Tour the Castle
Step back in time and tour the last of the great resorts built in Delaware Water Gap. Tour the…
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The valley has known human hand and voice for 10,000 years. Floodplains nourished the Native farmer…
From musical to natural harmony, the Appalachian Mountains rising dramatically over the Delaware River still invite visitors to savor and explore. Sample some of the views you'll discover in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area through our Pocono Photo Tour. After a day of exploring Delaware Water Gap hiking and biking trails or canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the river, the borough’s restaurants, inns, and campsites are the perfect spots to recharge. Read our blog for road trip ideas and a guide to camping and hiking in the area as you explore the town of Delaware Water Gap in the Poconos.
Accommodations
Accommodations:
Delaware Water Gap camping is a great way to immerse yourself in the outdoors: pitch your own tent or claim a cozy cabin. Bed and breakfasts offer charming getaways while historic hotels allow visitors to step into the past, with the added luxuries of the present!
Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Adventure:
Delaware Water Gap Hiking
The south gate of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the borough of Delaware Water Gap is flanked by Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi and offers many miles of trails to trek. The community has a long tradition of welcoming Appalachian Trail hikers, who find potluck dinners every Thursday night and a spot to rest any day of the week at the Church of the Mountain hostel.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Delaware Water Gap Canoe & Kayaking
While in Water Gap, it’s impossible to resist the call of the river! Paddlers can find rentals and book a trip with Adventure Sports, Chamberlain Canoes or Shawnee River Trips. Discover the surrounding natural wonders by either boat or bike with rentals from Edge of the Woods Outfitters. Learn more about outdoor adventure throughout the Poconos.
Edge of the Woods Outfitters
Adventure Sports
Adventure Sports specializes in canoe, kayak and rafting trips on the Delaware River through the…
Chamberlain Canoes
Enjoy a float on the Delaware. Chamberlain Canoes offers canoe, kayak, raft and tube rental trips…
Shawnee River Trips
Paddle down the serene Delaware River on an excursion with Shawnee River Trips. With the 70,000-acre…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters
Canoe, kayak, or raft down the river and find out that drifting is the ultimate way to relax…
Family Fun
Family Fun:
With year-round outdoor activities galore, Delaware Water Gap is an ideal spot for a family getaway. Families can learn about the rich history of the area through tours of the Historic Castle Inn and exhibits at the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery. Find out who will take home the putt-putt crown at the 36-hole Frontier Falls Mini Golf at Club Wyndham Shawnee Village or take in a live theatre performance at the Shawnee Playhouse.
From the youngest to the oldest, the whole family will enjoy exciting events and festivals hosted by Shawnee Mountain every fall including the Shawnee Celtic Festival and the Pocono Food Truck & Art Festival. Learn more about family fun throughout the Poconos.
Antoine Dutot Museum
Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery
Take a journey through time and relive the history of Delaware Water Gap at the Antoine Dutot Museum…
Frontier Falls Mini Golf - Shawnee Village
Spend a sunny day together in the Pocono Mountains! This challenging, 36-hole miniature golf course…
Shawnee Playhouse
Presenting live, year-round theatre in the Pocono Mountains, Shawnee Playhouse has something for…
Shawnee Mountain Festivals & Events
Enjoy a variety of themed festivals and events throughout the summer and fall seasons. Every May…
Shawnee Playhouse
Shopping
Shopping:
The Shoppes at Castle Inn house an eclectic collection of creative businesses, including an art gallery, toyworks, candy cavalcade, and skincare and spa. Outdoor adventurers can stock up on gear at Edge of the Woods Outfitters. Learn more about shopping throughout the Poconos.
The Shoppes at Castle Inn
The Shoppes and businesses at the Historic Castle Inn are a unique collection of businesses for you…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Hiking
Providing guests of all ability levels with outdoor adventures they will remember forever…
Dining
Dining:
Homemade pies beckon from the Village Farmer and Bakery on Broad Street, while prime meats are the star at nearby Joe Bosco Smokehouse BBQ. Around the corner, Deer Head Inn is perfect for an evening of fine dining and music. Pull up a seat at the Sycamore Grille to enjoy daily pub specials. Choose from a trio of delicious dining options at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Club, including the River Room, the Gem and Keystone Tavern, and the ShawneeCraft Brewing Company, with 14 handmade beers and hard seltzers on tap. Learn more about dining throughout the Poconos.
Things to Do in Delaware Water Gap
Village Farmer and Bakery
The Village Farmer and Bakery is a family owned and operated market and bakery right in the heart of…
Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ
Joe Bosco takes great pride in hand-selecting their prime meats. Recognized by Trip Advisor as a…
Deer Head Inn
Dine in a Delaware Water Gap landmark! The Deer Head Inn is the oldest continuously operating jazz…
Sycamore Grille
Serving everything from wings and burgers to steaks and fresh seafood, the Sycamore Grille & Pub…
The River Room
With a philosophy to utilize locally sourced products at the peak of freshness whenever possible…
The Gem and Keystone Tavern
The Gem and Keystone™ Tavern is home of ShawneeCraft® artisanal beers; handcrafted and brewed on the…
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
“True to nature, true to the craft™” is the brewery’s motto and everything they do holds fast to…
Winter Fun
Winter Fun:
When snow covers the summits around Delaware Water Gap, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area becomes a winter playground. Both beginner and advanced skiers and riders will find terrain to suit with 23 trails, 125 skiable acres, and lessons for all ages. Learn more about ski and snow activities throughout the Poconos.
Live Camera:
Catch an in-the-moment glimpse of Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. View all live cameras throughout the Poconos.
- 401 Hollow Road
- (570) 421-7231
Shawnee Mountain is your ticket to winter fun! The destination features 125 skiable acres, 23 trails, the Tomahawk Express…
Golf
Golf:
Offering panoramic views of the stunning surrounding landscape, the championship golf course at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is located on an island in the middle of the Delaware River and is the first course ever designed by renowned golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. Learn more about golf throughout the Poconos.
Live Camera:
Catch an in-the-moment glimpse of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. View all live cameras throughout the Poconos.
- 100 Shawnee Inn Drive
- (570) 213-5060
Completed in 1911, the golf course at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is famous architect A.W. Tillinghast's first ever design…
FAQ
FAQ:
-
Delaware Water Gap is known as the "Gateway to the Poconos" and has been a popular vacation destination for centuries. The geographical feature, a distinctive notch in the Appalachian Mountains where the Delaware River cuts between Mount Minsi and Mount Tammany, was once tauted as a "Wonder of the World."
-
Delaware Water Gap is the name of the geographical feature, the point where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the name of a historic small town in Monore County located along the Gap, and the name of the National Recreation Area, which starts just outside the town and encompasses 70,000 acres along the Delaware River.
There are several overlooks within the National Recreation Area that offer great views of the Delaware Water Gap topography.
-
There is no cost to enter the borough of Delaware Water Gap or to enter the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, although some popular areas within the Recreation Area charge an expanded amenity fee.
-
There are several beaches located within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which are open to the public for swimming. Remember to wear a life jacket and practice river safety. While visitors may kayak or boat through the Water Gap, swimming is not permitted in that area.
Things to Do in Delaware Water Gap: An Insider’s Guide
- 7 minute read
From miles away, a distinctive notch in the Appalachian Mountains draws the eye. Visitors have enjoyed the many things to do in Delaware Water Gap for centuries, including picture-perfect spots for camping, a plethora of hiking and biking…
Plan the Perfect Delaware Water Gap Camping and Hiking Trip
- 5 minute read
Stretching along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) is a great place to get off the grid and surround yourself in 70,000 acres of scenic beauty during a Delaware Water Gap camping or…
Discover parks, activities, places to stay & more over the 2,400 square miles that make up the Poconos!
Picture Yourself in Delaware Water Gap
Tag #PoconoMtns or @PoconoTourism on Instagram to have your adventures featured on our page.
Top