Open for Business

Open for Business

The Town of Delaware Water Gap, PA is accessible from Interstate 80 via Exit 310. There are signs up for road closure past the town on Route 611. You can still access all the businesses in downtown Delaware Water Gap, PA. See below for more information on the town. You can also visit the Borough website.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

  

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.

Picture Yourself in Delaware Water Gap

Tag #PoconoMtns or @PoconoTourism on Instagram to have your adventures featured on our page.

Top