Delaware River Region

The curves of the Delaware River carve out the eastern border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) encompasses 40 of those river miles, stretching north from the borough of Delaware Water Gap and East Stroudsburg, past Bushkill and up to Milford. With 67,000 acres of renowned natural beauty, 100 miles of hiking trails, and 200 miles of scenic drives, you won't run out of things to do at any time of year. Get off the grid while camping by the shore or in the forest, search for wildlife, float with the current, and experience the warm hospitality of historic local communities.

Can't get enough of the river? Be sure to take time to explore the Upper Delaware River Region as well.

Things to Do for the Outdoor Adventurer
Things to Do for the History Lover
Things to Do near the Delaware River for Families
Things to Do near the Delaware River for Adults & Couples

A view of Delaware Water Gap from the Appalachian Trail

Things to Do 8 months ago

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…

Things to Do for the Outdoor Adventurer

Visit the headquarters of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area along River Road in Bushkill to get your National Parks Passport stamped and plan out your time in the fresh air.
Hike to the two tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania, Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls.
Climb to the Cliff Trail to see beautiful views of the winding river and distant hills.
Discover eight beautiful waterfalls at Bushkill Falls, the "Niagara of Pennsylvania."
Rent bikes from Edge of the Woods Outfitters and cycle along the McDade Recreational Trail.
Book a canoeing or kayaking excursion with outfitters like Adventure Sports and drift down the river.
Go Delaware water rafting with outfitters like Chamberlain Canoes, Rafts, Kayaks and Tubing and Shawnee River Trips.
Try fishing on the Delaware River for pike, bass, perch, walleye, shad, bluegill, catfish and trout.
Hit the slopes in the winter at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Things to Do for the History Lover

Learn about the history of the American Conservation Movement at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, the beautiful former home of Gifford Pinchot, first Chief Forester of the U.S.
Enjoy the picturesque architecture and many things to do in historic Milford.
Plan to attend one of Milford's annual festivals like the Milford Music Festival in June, the Milford Readers & Writers Festival in September, or the Black Bear Film Festival in October.
Visit the Pocono Indian Museum in East Stroudsburg to learn about the history of Native American life in the area which stretches back over 10,000 years.
Journey back in time in Delaware Water Gap with a ride on The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour.
Discover the legacy of lavish Victorian vacation resorts in Delaware Water Gap at the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery

Things to Do near the Delaware River for Families

Sign up for educational classes and activities at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC).
Spend a day at beaches along the river like Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach. Don't forget to practice water safety and wear a life jacket!
Sit down together for a family meal at Apple Valley Restaurant in Milford.
Choose your favorite flavor for a scoop or two from Llama ice Cream in East Stroudsburg.
Glide down the hill at any time of year: try Blue Lightning tubing in the summer or White Lightning Snowtubing in the winter.
Camp near the shores of the Delaware at Driftstone Campground.

Things to Do near the Delaware River for Adults and Couples

Enjoy the scenery during a golfing outing at amazing courses like Country Club of the Poconos Municipal Golf Course, Pocono Hills Golf Course, and the The Shawnee Inn and Golf Club.
Head to the Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap for an evening of fine dining and legendary jazz.
Sign up for the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport and earn points as you sip handcrafted beer, wine, and spirits at locations like ShawneeCraft Brewery and Log Tavern Brewing Company.
Attend a festival or big-name concert at Poconos Park.