What are the best hikes in the Delaware Water Gap?

My top hikes are Mount Tammany via the Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop, Mount Minsi on the Appalachian Trail, Raymondskill Falls, Hackers Falls, and High Point NJ. Each offers a different mix of views, waterfalls, and challenge.

Do I need a permit or pay an entry fee to hike at the Delaware Water Gap?

No permits or entrance fees are required for day hiking at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Parking is free but limited, and enforcement is strict—use official lots to avoid tickets or towing.

When is the best time to hike the Delaware Water Gap?

Spring through late fall offers the best weather and conditions. Winter can bring ice and snow, while summer can be hot and buggy. Fall foliage peaks around mid-October, when trails are busiest.

How early should I arrive to avoid crowds?

Arrive around sunrise for the quietest trails and open parking. The next best time is near sunset, but bring a headlamp in case you finish late. Weekdays are much less crowded than weekends.

Are dogs allowed on Delaware Water Gap trails?

Yes, dogs are allowed on most trails but must be leashed. Always check posted rules—some waterfall areas like Dingmans Falls restrict pets to protect wildlife and visitor safety.

What should I bring for these hikes?

Trekking poles, sturdy trail runners, and insect repellent go a long way. Bring extra water for summer hikes and download offline maps from AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or Garmin Explore since cell service can be spotty.

Are bears a problem in the Delaware Water Gap?

Black bears are common but generally avoid people. Keep food packed away, never feed wildlife, and make noise on less-traveled trails. A fed bear is a dead bear—help keep them wild.

How bad are the ticks in summer?

Ticks are active from late spring through fall and are a bigger concern than bears. Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, and check yourself after every hike.

Are the trails rocky or difficult?

Many Delaware Water Gap trails are steep and rocky, especially Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi. Trekking poles help on descents, and waterproof footwear is useful after rain when trails get muddy.

Can I see waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap?

Yes. Raymondskill Falls and Hackers Falls are two of the most popular waterfall hikes in the park, both easily accessible and great for families.

Delaware Water Gap Hikes

I’ve hiked every major trail in the Delaware Water Gap, from the AT, to Mount Tammany, to Raymondskill Falls. This guide pulls together the best of them, all tested with GPS tracks, parking info, and safety notes. Whether you’re crossing state lines for a weekend or training for bigger Appalachian sections, this page has everything you need to plan a safe and rewarding trip.

Trail Guides

You can check for trail closures and alerts here.

Hike	Dist.	Climb	Effort	Dogs	Place
Raymondskill Falls Hike	0.5 miles	120 ft	Easy	N	Dingman Township
High Point NJ Hike	2.8 miles	540 ft	Easy	Y	Wantage
Hackers Falls Hike Guide	3.3 miles	600 ft	Moderate	Y	Milford
Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail Guide	3.6 miles	1200 ft	Hard	Y	Knowlton Township
Mount Minsi Trail Guide	4.8 miles	1080 ft	Moderate	Y	Delaware Water Gap

Hiking Tips

Weather: Trails can be icy through March; summers bring heat, humidity, and ticks.
Permits & Fees: No entry fee is required for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Parking & Crowds: Arrive at sunrise for the best no-crowds experience. Second best choice is closer to sunset, but make sure you have a headlamp in case you run late. As you'd expect, weekdays are better than weekends. Park at official lots to avoid being ticketed or towed, as enforcement can be strict.
Navigation: Most trails are fairly well marked but if you're familiar with using electronic navigation, it will help.
Rocky Trails:Having trekking poles and trail runners can help on the steep and rocky sections. See the individual guides for where this makes the most sense. After rain, trails can get muddy.
Bears:Black bears are common but avoid humans. Don't leave food out and never feed a bear. As they say, a fed bear is a dead bear (parks end up euthanizing those that are used to being fed by humans).
Ticks: Ticks scare me way more than bears do. Use insect repellant, especially in the summer.
Fall Colors: The trails can get very busy at this time. Weekdays offer a better experience.