Pocono Living Magazine - Aug/Sept 2023

Pocono Living

Annual Guide to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Pocono Living Magazine and Pocono Family Magazine, two regional publications filled with articles, features and photography exploring and capturing the real Pocono Mountains living experience.

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Food & Wine Editor

Jamie Marra

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

John Anzivino

Gayle C. Brooke

Ray Caswell

Pat Coyle

Randall FitzGerald

Ashley Hall

Maurice Harmon

Susan Hartman

Marlana Holsten

Ann H. LeFevre

Barbara Lewis

Marie Liu

Harry Loud

Regina Matarazzo

Janet Mishkin

John L. Moore

Michael Murphy

Justine Nearhood

Roseanna Santaniello

Tom Stone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker

Roseanne Bottone

Kathy Dubin-Uhler

Sandra Gordon

Rebecca Hasting

Amanda Kuhn

Amy Leiser

Marie Liu

Jamie Marra

Suzanne McCool

Janet Mishkin

John L. Moore

Allison Mowatt

Jim Werkheiser

Kim Williams

Marty Wilson

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

Kristen Sebring

Linda Spalluto

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The information published in this magazine is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgment. The publication’s providers do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall not be held liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, by or from the information.© 2023 Pocono Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

There’s a great Children’s Hospital near you.

Now the region has more choices than ever for children’s health care. You’ll find everything from routine primary care to a long list of pediatric specialists as well as pediatric emergency, surgical, inpatient and critical care. Kids staying in our hospital are treated with leading-edge expertise and a big dose of compassion. Our complete range of pediatric care is convenient to home, close to family and easy to access. St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Just another example of how we‘re caring more for kids, parents and the community. sluhn.org/childrenshospital

Photo by Marlana Holsten

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”

– Robert Frost

LEWIS & CLARK

By John L. Moore

Capt. Meriwether Lewis and a small crew left Pittsburgh on Aug. 31, 1803, sailing down the Ohio River aboard a keelboat that had been especially made in western Pennsylvania for the expedition. They were bound for the Pacific Ocean, more than 2,500 miles to the west,

Six weeks later and nearly 400 miles downriver, the 29-year-old Lewis stopped at the Ohio River town of Clarksville, Ind., (across from Louisville, Ky.) where William Clark, 33, awaited him.

Boyhood friends in Virginia, Clark and Lewis had served together as soldiers in General Anthony Wayne's campaign against hostile Native Americans in the Mid-West.

When President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis in 1803 to organize a U.S. military expedition to explore the interior

of the North American Continent, Lewis asked Clark to share the command. Although Clark never received the official rank of captain during the expedition, Lewis referred to him by that rank. Historians report that the two men shared the command equally.

Lewis told Clark that he wanted him to "participate with me in its fatigues, its dangers and its honors," historian Reuben Gold Thwaites reported.

Lewis emphasized, “there is no man on earth with whom I should feel equal pleasure in sharing them as with yourself."

Traveling from Pittsburgh to St. Louis, already a growing city on the Mississippi River, would present its share of difficulties. But Lewis and Clark realized that leading an expedition up the

> This Charles M. Russell painting shows the Corps of Discovery meeting members of the Chinook Nation on the Lower Columbia River in Oregon in October 1805. In boat at right Sacagawea stands to communicate with the man standing in the boat in the center.

Mississippi, then up the Missouri River, and eventually over the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean would be a bold undertaking.

President Jefferson not only wanted the explorers to discover a route from the Mississippi to the Pacific, but also emphasized “the importance of reaching out for the trade of the Indians on the Missouri River, that thus far had in large measure been absorbed by English companies,” Thwaites wrote in his 1904 eight-volume work, “Original Journals of The Lewis And Clark Expedition: 1804-1806.” This article contains excerpts from those journals, in which spelling and punctuation have been modernized.

In his 1814 book, "History of the Expedition Under The Command of Captains Lewis & Clark," Nicholas Biddle reported that the Corps of Discovery “was to embark on board of three boats.

“The first was a keel boat 55 feet long, drawing three feet water, carrying one large square sail and 22 oars, a deck of 10 feet in the bow, and stern formed a forecastle and cabin, while the middle was covered by lockers, which might be raised so as to form a breastwork in case of attack.

“This was accompanied by two pirogues or open boats, one of six and the other of seven oars.

“Two horses were at the same time to be led along the banks of the (Missouri) river for the purpose of bringing home game, or hunting in case of scarcity.”

It took Lewis and Clark more than two years to reach the Pacific. To get there, they and members of the expedition – known formally as the Corps of Discovery Expedition – had to deal with, among other things, adverse weather, difficult terrain, and occasional hostile Indian tribes. Although they took food supplies with them, the men hunted as they traveled.

In addition to Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, members of the expedition included 14 U.S. soldiers, nine men from Kentucky, and two Frenchmen, Biddle reported. Also participating was “a black servant belonging to Captain Clark.”

Biddle was a Philadelphia lawyer, financier, legislator, author and editor.

> Captain William Clark sketched the expedition’s keelboat on a page in his journal. Western Pennsylvania craftsmen built the vessel according to specifications by Captain Meriwether Lewis.

“President Jefferson not only wanted the explorers to discover a route from the Mississippi to the Pacific, but also emphasized “the importance of reaching out for the trade of the Indians on the Missouri River...”

The daily journals that Clark and Lewis kept during the months of September and October 1804 detail how these challenges arose and how the explorers met them.

For instance, Lewis devoted the morning of Sept. 17, 1804, to hunting. Four months had passed since the explorers had left their winter camp at Fort Dubois along the Mississippi across from the Missouri River. They were now hundreds of miles up the Missouri, and Lewis and “six of my best hunters” left the keelboat before sunrise. They passed a grove of plum trees that he said were “loaded with fruit and now ripe.”

Moving past the trees, he saw that “the surrounding country had been burnt about a month before, and young grass had now sprung up to height of four inches.”

Impressed by the terrain, Lewis described “deep ravines and steep irregular hills of 100 to 200 feet high. At the tops of these hills the country breaks off as usual into a fine level plain extending as far as the eye can reach. From this plain I had an extensive view of the river below.”

“This scenery already rich, pleasing, and beautiful was still

farther heightened by immense herds of buffalo, deer, elk and antelopes, which we saw in every direction, feeding on the hills and plains. I do not think I exaggerate when I estimate the number of buffalo which could be comprehended at one view to amount to 3,000.”

Back at camp, the captain decided to hunt for antelope, which proved to be wary.

“We found the antelope extremely shy and watchful insomuch that we had been unable to get a shot at them,” Lewis said. “When at rest they generally select the most elevated point in the neighborhood. … As they are watchful and extremely quick of sight and their sense of smelling very acute, it is almost impossible to approach them within gunshot.”

Experience taught him this. “I got within about 200 paces of them when they smelled me and fled,” he said. As quickly as he could, he climbed to the top of a hill “on which they stood,” but “the antelopes … had disappeared in a steep ravine.”

Two days later, on Sept. 19, the hunting party included Clark. “I killed a fat buck elk,” Clark wrote. “… My servant killed a buck.

> Capt. Meriwether Lewis was 28 when President Thomas Jefferson appointed him to lead an expedition of discovery from Pittsburgh to the Pacific in 1803. Charles Willson Peale painted his portrait.

> William Clark was 33 when Meriwether Lewis chose him to be cocaptain of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Charles Willson Peale painted his portrait.

The crew in the boat killed two buffalo in the river. The hunters on shore killed four deer with black tails.”

The expedition dodged a disaster on the night of Sep. 21. The men had camped on a sandbar in the Missouri, with the keelboat and two pirogues secured to the bank. The pirogues were large dugout canoes equipped with a mast and a sail. At around 1:30 a.m. the sergeant of the guard sounded the alarm – the river was eroding the sandbar!

Clark was asleep on the keelboat when “the motion of the boat awakened me.” He got up immediately, and “by the light of the moon observed that the sand had given away both above and below our camp and was falling in fast. I ordered all hands on deck as quick as possible and pushed off.”

Minutes later, they saw “the bank under which the boat and pirogues lay give way, which would certainly have sunk both pirogues. By the time we made the opposite shore, our camp fell in,” Clark said.

With everyone safe, the men camped on the opposite bank for the rest of the night. At daylight, they again headed upriver.

Two days later, they had visitors. “Three Sioux boys came to us,” Clark wrote. They “swam the river and informed (us) that the band of Sioux called the Tetons of 80 lodges were camped at the next creek …and 60 lodges more a short distance above. We gave those boys … tobacco to carry to their chiefs, with directions to tell them that we would speak to them tomorrow. Captain Lewis walked on shore this evening.”

On the 24th, the men “set out early,” Clark wrote. “A fair day.”

“We prepared some clothes and a few medals for the chiefs … which we expect to see today,” he said. But they also got their weapons ready – “prepared all things for action in case of necessity.”

“Impressed by the terrain, Lewis described “deep ravines and steep irregular hills of 100 to 200 feet high. At the tops of these hills the country breaks off as usual into a fine level plain extending as far as the eye can reach.”

As the Corps of Discovery Expedition ascended the Missouri River into North Dakota, the explorers occasionally encountered French Canadian fur traders, but no people of African descent.

York, an enslaved Black man, accompanied Capt. William Clark on the journey. York belonged to Clark, who referred to him in his journal as “my servant.”

Clark clearly trusted York because he allowed York to use a firearm when hunting. “My servant killed a buck,” Clark said in writing about a September 1804 hunt along the Missouri.

The color of York’s skin attracted so much attention from the Indians that Clark wrote about it in his journal.

On Oct. 9, 1804, for instance, many Native Americans visited the camp. They were “much astonished at my Black servant,” who Clark said used the opportunity to show off his strength.

“This nation never saw a Black man before,” Clark said. Historians don’t know what happened to York in the years following the expedition. However, a Pennsylvanian who became a Rocky Mountain fur trader in the 1830s may have met him.

As a young man in his early 20s, Zenas Leonard spent a year in Pittsburgh employed in a mercantile house. A native of Pennsylvania’s Clearfield County, Leonard jumped at the chance in 1830 to go on “an expedition across (he Rocky Mountains, in the capacity of clerk.”

In 1839, Leonard wrote a book about his experiences along the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains.

It included an account of a Black man whom Leonard encountered living with the Indians in a Crow village along the Bighorn River. The Bighorn is a tributary of the Yellowstone River, which, in turn, is a tributary of the Missouri.

“In this village we found a Negro man, who informed us that he first came to this country with

Lewis and Clark, with whom he also returned to the state of Missouri, and in a few years returned again with a Mr. MacKinney, a trader on the Missouri river, and has remained here ever since, which is about 10 or 12 years.

“He has acquired a correct knowledge of their manner of living, and speaks their language fluently.

“He has rose to be quite a considerable character, or chief, in their village; at least he assumes all the dignities of a chief, for he has four wives with whom he lives alternately. This is the custom of many of the chiefs.”

Of course, it’s virtually impossible to corroborate Leonard’s account, which didn’t even list the man’s name.

At this point, one of the men who had been on the land “ran up … and reported that the Indians had stolen the horse” he had been tending.

Soon after this, Lewis and Clark said that they met five Sioux men and “informed them we were friends, … but were not afraid of any Indians. Some of their young men had taken the horse sent by their Great Father for their chief, and we would not speak to them until the horse was returned to us again.”

It isn’t clear if the horse was ever returned, but later that day, “I went and smoked with the chiefs who came to see us here,” Clark said. “All well. We prepare to speak with the Indians tomorrow at which time we are informed the Indians will be here.”

In the morning, Clark and Lewis prepared to meet the Sioux on a sandbar in the mouth of a large stream that flowed into the Missouri. They had their men erect a flag and an awning for shade. The captains had the keelboat’s crew position the boat about 70 yards from the sandbar.

“About 11 o’clock, the first and second chiefs came. We gave them some of our provisions to eat. They gave us great quantities of meat, some of which was spoiled,” Clark said.

They learned that Black Buffalo was the name of the man Clark described as “the Grand Chief.” He was “said to be a good man,” Clark said.

Lewis gave a medal to this chief, and attempted to read a speech he had written for the occasion. To their dismay, Lewis and Clark realized that although their interpreter knew some native languages, he couldn’t speak the Sioux dialect.

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“We feel much at a loss for the want of an interpreter,” Clark said.

The occasion had begun on a cordial note, but soon turned sour after Clark and Lewis invited the chiefs “on board to show them our boat and such curiosities as were strange to them. We gave them a glass of whiskey, which they appeared to be very fond of, sucked the bottle after it was out, and soon began to be troublesome.”

Clark contended later that the second chief pretended to be drunk “as a cloak for his rascally intentions.” The captain persuaded the chiefs and the warriors who had accompanied them to go to the shore with him in one of the pirogues. They did so, but Clark said they “left the (keel)boat with great reluctance.”

Trouble started when the pirogue reached land. One warrior hugged the vessel’s mast, and others seized its cable. The second chief “staggered up against me,” and declared “he had not received presents sufficient from us,” Clark said.

“At this point, Black Buffalo “took hold of the rope and ordered the young warriors away. ... Most of the warriors appeared to have their bows strung and took out their arrows from the quiver.”

> This sculpture commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition is located at Fort Benton, a Montana community along the Missouri River. Sculptor Bob Scriver depicted Captain Lewis holding an exact copy of the telescope used in the expedition. Clark holds a compass of the type used on the expedition. In the foreground is Sacagawea with her son, Jean Baptiste, on her back.

“I felt myself compelled to draw my sword and made a signal to the boat to prepare for action. … Capt. Lewis ordered all under arms in the boat. Those with me also showed a disposition to defend themselves and me.”

At this point, Black Buffalo “took hold of the rope and ordered the young warriors away. ... Most of the warriors appeared to have their bows strung and took out their arrows from the quiver,” Clark said.

The warriors surrounded Clark, and he “was not permitted to return. I sent all the men except two interpreters to the boat.” His comrades rescued him. “The pirogue soon returned with about 12 of our determined men ready for any event,” he said later. “This movement caused a number of the Indians to withdraw at a distance, leaving their chiefs and soldiers alone with me. Their treatment to me was very rough, and I think justified roughness on my part.”

The incident ended as Clark “went with my men” to board the pirogue. He said he hadn’t gone more than 10 paces before Black Buffalo and three other Indians “waded in after me. I took them in and went on board.”

Lewis and Clark went upriver about a mile and anchored at an island. They fastened the pirogues to the keelboat, and placed guards on the shore and on the boat.

“I call this island ‘Bad Humored Island’ as we were in a bad humor,” Clark wrote in his journal.

> Lewis, Clark and the members of their expedition spent the winter of 1803-1804 in Fort Dubois, in western Illinois. They built the post along the Mississippi across from the mouth of the Missouri River. Photo shows a reconstruction.

The night passed quietly. In the morning, the explorers were surprised to see “great numbers of (Sioux) men, women and children on the banks viewing us,” Clark said.

Historians say these incidents occurred in South Dakota near the present-day city of Pierre.

The explorers traveled another 250 miles up the Missouri before stopping for the winter in late October in what has since become North Dakota near the community of Washburn. They built a post for the winter and called it Fort Mandan.

As they settled in for the winter, Clark and Lewis had a number of visitors. One was a French Canadian fur trader named Toussaint Charbonneau. It was Nov. 4, a Sunday. “This man wished to hire as an interpreter,” Clark wrote.

Lewis and Clark hired him. When the expedition headed west again in the spring of 1805, Charbonneau brought his wife along. She was a young Native American woman named Sacagawea. In time, she proved to be a resourceful and skilled interpreter.

It was Nov. 5, 1805 before the expedition reached the Pacific, near present-day Astoria in Oregon. They stayed there for the winter.

The explorers left winter camp in late March 1806. They arrived in St. Louis in late September. The round trip had taken more than two years.

J ohn L. Moore continues to pursue his lifelong interests in Pennsylvania’s colonial history and archaeology. The Northumberland writer has published 11 non-fiction books about Pennsylvania’s 16th and 17th century.

John’s latest book, 1780: Year of Revenge, is currently available in book stores or from the online bookstore Sunbury Press Inc. This book is the 3rd volume in his Revolutionary Pennsylvania Series and tells the story of Indian raids all across the Pennsylvania Frontier — including the Poconos and Minisinks — in the year following General Sullivan’s 1779 invasion of the Iroquios homeland.

Over the years John has participated in archaeological excavations of Native American sites along the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. A professional storyteller, he recently took part in the Heritage Festival at Frances Slocum State Park near Wilkes-Barre. He told the true story of Frances Slocum, a 5-year-old girl who lived as a Native American after being kidnapped by Indians during the American Revolution. The park was named for her.

“I call this island ‘Bad Humored Island’ as we were in a bad humor.”

> Delaware River & Water Gap & Mouths of Brodhead & Cherry Creeks Delaware Water Gap bypass, right, before Route I-80 was built.

< Halves of Interborough Bridge washed to east and west shores of Brodhead Creek. Lincoln Avenue section of East Stroudsburg, upper left; lower Main & Second St. area of Stroudsburg, bottom right. (Tobyhanna Signal Depot)

> Today’s Route 390 crosses Brodhead Creek west of the traffic light in Canadensis. In August 1955, the bridge withstood flood waters but the road east of it was washed away. (Brodhead Watershed Association)

THE FLOOD OF 1955

By Suzanne McCool Retired Monroe County Commissioner

The Delaware River Flood of August 1955 was disastrous to Monroe County and surrounding areas, resulting in the loss of more than 80 lives, the destruction of 20 bridges in Monroe County, and causing millions of dollars of property loss. To prevent the recurrence of such a calamity ever happening again, the US Army Corps of Engineers was instructed to study and recommend flood control measures. Among the recommendations were twenty-five projects on Monroe County streams.

Looking back to 1949, Monroe County became the 38th Pennsylvania County to establish a Soil Conservation District. The program was a state subsidized project designed to encourage better farming and soil utilization throughout PA.

Flood control projects in Monroe County actually began back in the Depression years, as did many other public works projects. During the thirties, the WPA and PWA crews rip-rapped portions of the banks of the Brodhead and Pocono Creeks between Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg. However, not much more was done until after the disastrous Flood of 1955. At least 22

“...in 1965 the U.S. Congress passed the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Act which combined flood control with a national park to provide public recreation for the northeastern United States.”

inches of rain fell between August 5 and August 7, 1955 from Hurricanes Connie and Diane. This is when the Army Corps of Engineers ramped up their efforts to recommend more flood control measures. However, one of their recommendations was deactivated which would have been a proposed major reservoir on the Delaware River above Tocks Island, but that is a story for another day.

It should be noted, however, that in 1965 the U.S. Congress passed the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Act which combined flood control with a national park to provide public recreation for the northeastern United States. Today our Delaware River, a much loved scenic free-flowing river, is a major draw for tourists and local residents alike.

Suzanne is a native of the Poconos and a former schoolteacher and former Monroe County Commissioner. She has recently published her own book, and lives with her husband Terry in Stroudsburg. Today, Suzanne enjoys writing, traveling and visiting her grandchildren.

< The Canadensis area homes of Fred Kreckman, left, and Ray Blitz (Al Locker & Tobyhanna Signal Depot)

< Damage to DL&W Railroad was $7 million. The most time-consuming repairs, the cause of much destruction downstream, and perhaps the most spectacular sight was the washout at Devil’s Hole Creek, Paradise Township.

(From Lackawanna Flood Story)

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Located between the Pocono Plateau and Kittatinny Ridge in close proximity to the most densely populated region of the nation, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River preserve the natural, cultural, and scenic resources and values of the Delaware River valley and provide opportunities for resource-based recreation, education, and enjoyment

PARK REGULATIONS & SAFETY

• Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

• Climbing, jumping, diving, and rappelling is prohibited at all waterfalls, waterfall pools, and bridge abutments.

• Swimming and wading is prohibited within 50 feet upstream of waterfalls.

• Entry into caves, mine shafts and unoccupied structures is prohibited.

• Privately-owned property and residences exist within park boundaries. Please respect the rights and privacy of private property owners and other residents.

• Collection of plants, animals, rocks, mineral, and cultural objects is prohibited.

• Certain types of activities require a special use permit. Some common activities that require a permit include commercial photography, weddings, baptisms, first amendment activities, and competitive events.

• A permit is required for any road-based tour operating within the park. Road-based commercial tours are considered as one or more persons traveling on an improved roadway on an itinerary that a company or individual has packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes.

• Camp fires are only allowed at designated camp sites within metal fire grates. Personally owned grills, stoves, or lanterns are permitted at designated picnic sites (excluding Kittatinny Point and Childs Park), campground or river campsite. Fires are prohibited in all other areas.

• Do not feed or approach wildlife. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.

For a complete list of park specific closures, permit requirements and other restrictions, contact park headquarters at 570 426-2452.

CONTACT US

Main Address

Park Headquarters

1978 River Road, Bushkill, Pennsylvania 18324

Email: DEWA_Interpretation@nps.gov

Park Headquarters Emergency

570-426-2452 800-543-4295

Website and Social Media

www.nps.gov/dewa www.facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS www.twitter.com/DelWaterGapNPS www.instagram.com/DelWaterGapNPS

The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

PETS

Pets must be restrained on a leash (6 feet or less). Pets may not be tied to an object and left unattended or left in a vehicle. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles. Report lost pets to the park communication center at 570426-2457.

Please follow the rules of BARK! when visiting the park with your pet.

Bag your pet’s waste

Always wear a leash

Respect wildlife

Know where you can go

Pets are permitted in most areas of the park, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved or dirt roads. Pets are NOT permitted at the following sites (excludes working service animals):

In Pennsylvania: Raymondskill Falls and Raymondskill Creek Trail Dingmans Falls and Dingmans Creek Trail Valley View Group Campsites

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: Smithfield Beach, Milford Beach, and Hialeah Picnic Area (except when accessing the McDade Trailhead)

In New Jersey: Turtle Beach Rivers Bend Group Campsites Watergate Recreation Site

CONTENT

THE RIVER, THE VALLEY & YOU

» page 4

SUGGESTED TRIP

» page 7

A DAY ON THE DELAWARE

» page 8

SWIMMING & FISHING

» page 10

CAMPING

» page 12

PICNICKING & RIDING

» page 14

BIKING

» page 15

HIKING

» page 16

PARK TRAIL MAPS

» page 18

RIVER RUNNER SHUTTLE

» page 22

TOURING OLD MINE ROAD

» page 24

OVERLOOKS IN THE GAP

» page 26

WATERFALLS

» page 27

PEOPLE OF THE DELAWARE

» page 30

Tumbling Waters

THE RIVER, THE VALLEY, AND YOU

Paddlers slip down the river between low, forested mountains; anglers wade the cool streams; and hikers explore secluded places. This valley has attracted people for 13,000 years.

Abundant plant and wildlife sustained American Indians; floodplains nourished early farmer’s crops; waterfalls drew Victorian vacationers. Today, a 70,000-acre park welcomes you to the enticing Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River.

Millions of years of uplift, erosion, and glacial activity gave us the water gap, ridges, and streams that flow through hemlockand rhododendron-laced ravines and over waterfalls that pour off the Pocono Plateau.

Steeped in rich history, the trails, roads, sites, and traces reveal reminders of times gone. The Minsi Path and Minisink Trail converged on a Delaware River island that was once the center of a large American Indian settlement. Agricultural fields still in cultivation help preserve the rural landscape predominate in the 18th century. In the 1800s resorts flourished throughout the region where city dwellers arrived by carriage or rail, often spending the entire summer away from the urban heat. The water gap became a scenic wonder for fashionable travelers.

Today the natural and cultural wonders provide abundant recreational opportunities. This rural vacationland is yours to explore.

RIVER ACTIVITIES

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area includes nearly forty miles of the free-flowing Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

River-related activities, like swimming and paddling, are some of the popular pastimes on warm summer days.

TRAILS

From ridgetop to riverside, vistas to ravines, and from easy to extreme, more than 100 miles of trail offer something for everyone.

Choose a trail for hiking, biking, or boating to enjoy the natural beauty and the historic landscape of the river valley.

AUTO TOURS

Although the park is close to major cities, tranquil drives invite exploration. More than 100 miles of road lead to wonderful places.

Explore the varied landscapes in the valley: forests and fields, ridges and ravines, historic houses and hamlets

Fulmer Falls

SUGGESTED TRIP ITINERARIES

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The following are a few suggested itineraries to consider depending on your time and interests.

IF YOU HAVE A FEW HOURS:

• Stop by a park visitor center, where park rangers and volunteers can help you plan your adventure. Visitor center parking lots fill quickly on summer weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit the area before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm on weekends or visit on a weekday.

• Walk a section of the McDade Recreational Trail, which extends most the length of the park in Pennsylvania and presents some of the best views of the Delaware River, as well as passes by charming streams, open farm fields, forests, and historic landscapes. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, use the River Runner Shuttle for your return trip along the trail.

• View Raymondskill Falls by hiking a short, but steep, trail. To avoid the crowds, visit the area before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm on weekends or visit on a weekday.

• Wander the quiet streets of Millbrook Village and explore life in the 1800s. This area is generally a good place to avoid crowds on summer weekends. Select buildings are open on summer Saturdays.

• Tour the Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse and the Foster-Armstrong House in Montague, NJ, on a summer Sunday afternoon. This area is generally a good place to avoid crowds on summer weekends.

• Tour the Rosencrans House and the Van Campen Inn in Walpack Center, NJ, on a summer Sunday afternoon. This area is generally a good place to avoid crowds on summer weekends.

• Stop at the three overlooks along PA 611 for stunning views of the Delaware Water Gap.

IF YOU HAVE HALF A DAY:

• Take a bike ride along the McDade Recreational Trail. Bring your own or rent a bike from a local outfitter. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, use the River Runner Shuttle to transport you and your bike, then ride back to your vehicle.

• Savor a picnic lunch at Hidden Lake and then take a stroll around the lake. This area is generally a good place to avoid crowds on summer weekends.

• Stroll around the Slateford Loop Trail to enjoy the quiet valley below the Kittatinny Ridge.

• Take a scenic drive along US 209.

• Choose a trail and venture on a hike.

IF YOU HAVE ALL DAY:

Consider signing up for a workshop offered by one of our partners located within the park.

• Peters Valley School of Craft offers 2-day to 5-day fine craft workshops. For more information, visit petersvalley.org.

• Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mohican Outdoor Center offers weekend getaways focusing on various outdoor activities. For more information, visit outdoors.org/lodging-camping/Lodges/Mohican.

• Pocono Environmental Education Center offers weekend getaways and workshops for youth, families and adults. For more information, visit peec.org.

View from Mt. Tammany (on the Red Dot & Blue Blaze trails)

A DAY ON THE DELAWARE RIVER

The Delaware River is the longest undammed United States river east of the Mississippi, extending 330 miles from Hancock, New York to the Atlantic Ocean. The Delaware River Water Trail extends nearly 200 miles from Hancock to Trenton, New Jersey. Like a conventional trail, a water trail is a recreational corridor, but instead of hiking, it is traveled by boat, such as canoe, kayak or small-motorized watercraft.

The river boasts outstanding natural, cultural, recreational and scenic resources. In recognition of these qualities, the portion of the Delaware River traveling through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was officially designated as the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River in 1978. Within the park, the river is a series of shallow riffles and deep pools, making this section particularly good for canoeing. Access points every eight to ten miles allow for easy day trips, and numerous primitive campsites allow for longer journeys.

Bringing your own kayak or canoe? Take the chore out of relaying vehicles between your put-in and take-out on summer weekends. Use the River Runner Shuttle to transport you, your kayak and canoe, and your gear on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The service is free.

A day on the Delaware River allows you an opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment of tranquil natural landscapes, striking river valley scenery, and a substantially undeveloped river corridor that is unmatched among large rivers in the most densely populated region of the United States. While the Delaware River is easy for boaters, do not be misled by its calm appearance. Always follow proper water safety precautions to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Authorized Canoe, Kayak, and Tube Liveries

River Miles between River Accesses

Buttermilk Falls

» Subject to change, please visit the park website or contact the park for updated information before visiting.

SWIMMING

Pack a swimsuit and a picnic and head to the beach - the river beach, that is. Unlike the sandy beaches along the ocean, the beaches here have soft grass on which to stretch out and enjoy the day.

Milford, Smithfield, and Turtle beaches are designated swim areas. Lifeguards monitor the beaches on weekends mid-June through Labor Day. Swimming in other areas of the river is not recommended. Picnic and restroom facilities are also available at the beaches. Grills are not provided, but personal grills are permitted. Alcohol and pets are not permitted.

Parking at swim beaches generally reaches capacity by 10:00 am on summer weekends. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the summer, consider parking at the Delaware Water Gap park-and-ride lot and riding the free River Runner Shuttle to Smithfield beach.

FISHING

Pack a swimsuit and a picnic and head to the beach - the river beach, that is. Unlike the sandy beaches along the ocean, the beaches here have soft grass on which to stretch out and enjoy the day.

Milford, Smithfield, and Turtle beaches are designated swim areas. Lifeguards monitor the beaches on weekends mid-June through Labor Day. Swimming in other areas of the river is not recommended. Picnic and restroom facilities are also available at the beaches. Grills are not provided, but personal grills are permitted. Alcohol and pets are not permitted.

Parking at swim beaches generally reaches capacity by 10:00 am on summer weekends. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the summer, consider parking at the Delaware Water Gap park-and-ride lot and riding the free River Runner Shuttle to Smithfield beach.

This table lists common game fish that can be caught from places that are relatively easy to access.

accesses

Mountain Lake – access by short trail from parking

access from NJ Route 602

*Fishing is prohibited within 200 feet of designated boat launches and swim areas.

¹ X = non-native wild S = stocked N = native

2 The only time to catch adult American shad is from April to June, when the adults are migrating from the Atlantic Ocean.

3 “Sunfish” includes bluegill, black crappie, rock bass. pumpkinseed (native), and redbreast sunfish (native)

Shawnee Inn provides authorized guided fishing trips 100 Shawnee Inn Drive, Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356

570-424-4000 ext. 1462 shawneeinn.com/explore/river-trips

REGULATIONS

• A state fishing license is required for those 16 and older; regulations are enforced.

• Holders of either a New Jersey or Pennsylvania license may fish on the Delaware River and from either of its banks. This does not apply to the river’s tributaries.

• Special fishing regulations apply within the park. Refer to the appropriate state regulations for waters within the park.

Fishing is not permitted at:

• Dingmans Creek within George W. Childs Park area, including foot bridges and observation platforms. (Site closed in 2019)

• Dingmans Creek from the top of the Dingmans Falls to the east end of the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center parking lot from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

• Silverthread Falls in the pool at the base of the falls.

WATER SAFETY

Planning a safe day at the river begins well before you get near the water and does not end until you return home. Even though the Delaware River appears calm in some areas, DO NOT be misled! Moving water must be respected. The information below will help you better understand how to safely and comfortably enjoy the river.

In General:

• Always wear your life jacket.

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, Kittatinny Point, and Hialeah Picnic Area in Pennsylvania, and Turtle Beach, Caddoo Worthington State Forest, and Tocks and Labar Islands in New Jersey. Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited between Depew Island on the north and Depue Island on the south.

• Do not drink during river activities.

• Wear shoes to protect your feet from sharp stones, glass, and other objects.

• Protect yourself from the sun; wear sunscreen, a hat, light clothing, and sunglasses.

• Stay hydrated. Bring and drink plenty of water. Do not drink river water unless it is boiled at least 10 minutes.

• Plan to be off the river before dark.

When Swimming:

• Wear your life jacket even when swimming; don’t overestimate your swimming ability.

• Do not attempt to swim or wade across the river. The Delaware River has strong currents and steep drop-offs. Swimming becomes more difficult with increased current and water depth. Even the strongest of swimmers should be extremely cautious.

• Swim at designated beaches. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends at Milford, Smithfield and Turtle beaches mid-June through Labor Day.

• Do not jump or dive from cliffs, rocks, or bridges into the river; the water may be shallow and objects can be submerged. Rivers are constantly changing, especially with high water. Rocks can show up in places they never were before.

• Do not swim alone - always stay with your group.

When Boating:

• Always wear your life jacket.

• Children 12 years of age and younger MUST WEAR a life jacket on board a vessel.

• Life jackets must be worn in vessels less than 16 feet between November 1 and April 30.

• Never stand in a canoe. For better balance, kneel in a canoe when going through rapids.

• If you capsize, don’t panic. Stay with your boat; even an overturned boat can support you. Keep upstream of your boat to avoid being pinned against a rock or obstacle. Float on your back with your feet pointed downstream. Use your paddle to push away from rocks and other obstacles. Retrieve boats and equipment only if it can be done safely.

• Be ready for changing weather and cold water. Bring rain gear. To protect against hypothermia, bring clothing made of wool, polypropylene, high-performance eece, or a wetsuit.

• Never try to stand in rapids. Your foot could become trapped between submerged rocks. With a foot trapped, the current can be strong enough to push you over and hold you under, even if you are wearing a life jacket.

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Arrange drop off and pick up points before you leave. Leave emergency phone numbers, vehicle description, and tag numbers with someone who can report that you are overdue.

• Bring a spare paddle, a throw line, whistle, and a first aid kit.

CAMPING

What better way to immerse yourself in an environment of solitude, tranquil natural landscapes, striking river valley scenery, and a substantially undeveloped river corridor than to go camping! Whether you enjoy the services available at a campground or prefer hiking or paddling to pitch a tent away from people, the park offers a campsite for you. The place you park your RV or set up your tent becomes your home away from home – make it a safe one.

In general:

• Make sure there are no dead limbs or trees in the vicinity of your campsite that might come down during a strong wind.

• Avoid drinking untreated water. Even clear, spring water can contain harmful bacteria.

• If in a campground, lock food in your vehicle. Bears and other wildlife have a great sense of smell.

• Keep your pet on a leash and never leave a pet unattended.

• Ground fires are prohibited, except in a provided fire grate.

• Do not bring wood from outside the park; firewood is available for purchase at Dingmans Campground.

• Collecting wood in the park for fires is prohibited, except downed wood within designated campsites.

DINGMANS CAMPGROUND

Located near Dingmans Ferry, PA

• Sites for tent and RV (some with hook-ups)

• Individual and group campsites

• Camp store

• Weekly activities

• River Runner Shuttle flag stop

• More information: 877 828-1551 or

• dingmanscampground.com

MOHICAN OUTDOOR CENTER

Located along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Blairstown, NJ

• Individual and group tent sites

• Water available

• Camp store & food service

• Self-service, bunk-style cabins

• More information: 908 362-5670 or outdoors.org/lodging/ lodges/mohican

GROUP CAMPSITES

Valley View Located near Bushkill, PA

Rivers Bend Located near Millbrook Village, NJ

• Reservations required

• Available for groups of 20-40

• Primitive tent sites along the river

• Water available at Rivers Bend only

• River access for canoes and kayaks

• Valley View Campground is a River Runner Shuttle flag stop (1/3-mile walk)

• More information: 570 426-2452 or nps.gov/dewa

RIVER CAMPING

For extended boat trips (14 miles or more), free primitive campsites along the river are available firstcome, first-serve. Additionally, six sites at the Alosa Campsite are available by reservation only. For Alosa Campsite reservations call 877.444.6777 or go online to recreation.gov and search for Alosa. Service charges will apply when making reservations either by phone or at recreation.gov.

River camping is limited to boaters on trips of at least 14 miles total for one night, 26 miles total for two nights and 34 miles total for three nights.

One Night Trips:

Milford Beach to Eshback Access and points south Dingmans Access to Smithfield Beach and points south Eshback Access to Smithfield Beach and points south Bushkill Access to Kittatinny Point and points south

Two Night Trips:

Milford Beach to Smithfield Beach and points south Dingmans Access to Kittatinny Point and points south

KEY REGULATIONS

• Camping along the river is permitted in designated sites only; sites are identified by signs and the presence of a steel fire grate.

• Camping is limited to one night at each location. Campsites are limited to five tents per campsite.

• Tents must be erected within 50 feet of the campsite fire grate.

• Fires permitted in existing fire grates only. Self-contained stoves are permitted.

• Collecting wood in the park for fires is prohibited, except downed wood within the designated campsite. Do not bring wood from outside the park; firewood is available for purchase at Dingmans Campground.

• Pack out what you pack in, including food scraps.

• Use soaps sparingly; even biodegradable soap is a pollutant.

• Do not urinate or defecate within 100 feet of any river or stream. Bury fecal material, including pet waste, at least six inches deep and at least 100 feet away from water

• Leave what you find; digging, collecting, or removing objects is prohibited.

Numerous idyllic spots in the park await you and a red-checkered blanket. Grills are not provided anywhere in the park, but you are welcome to bring your own, except to Kittatinny Point. Ground fires are prohibited throughout the park. Do not bring wood from outside the park for any purpose; it may contain invasive insects and other organisms that threaten the survival of local plant and animal life. Collecting wood in the park for fires is also expressly prohibited, since even the smallest twig may serve as a critical habitat or food source for protected plant and animal life.

RIDING

Normally, horse riding is permitted on the Conashaugh View Trail in Pennsylvania and the Upper Ridge Trail in New Jersey for those who have their own horses. However, the Conashaugh View Trail sustained significant damage during a March 2018 winter storm and is closed to all recreational use until trail repairs are complete. Contact park headquarters at 570.426.2452 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/dewa for the current status.

The Upper Ridge Trail near Layton, New Jersey, winds approximately five miles (in and back) through quiet woods, open fields and past isolated ponds. This trail is not heavily used and can become overgrown in the summer. Parking for trailers is along Jager Road. The trail is also open to hiking. Hikers should be alert to riders and must yield to horses by stepping off the trail and standing quietly until they pass. Please protect the environment by riding only on the marked trails, and crossing streams only on bridges. There are no horse rental liveries in the park.

Picnic Areas in Pennsylvania

Bushkill Village Alcohol not permitted

Hialeah Picnic Area Pets not permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends

Hidden Lake Grills not permitted

Loch Lomond Grills not permitted

Milford Beach Fee area; alcohol not permitted; pets not permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends; group picnic area available - call 570-426-2440 to reserve

Smithfield Beach Fee area; alcohol not permitted; pets not permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends

Toms Creek Alcohol not permitted

Picnic Areas in New Jersey

Crater Lake Alcohol not permitted

Kittatinny Point Grills and alcohol are not permitted

Millbrook Village Grills and alcohol are not permitted

Namanock Alcohol not permitted

Turtle Beach Fee area; alcohol and pets not permitted

» Subject to change, please visit the park website or contact the park for updated information before visiting.

BIKING

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 is perfect for mountain and hybrid bikes. This is the only trail where biking is permitted. A section between White Pines and Pittman Orchard trailheads is closed to biking. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the McDade Recreational Trail.

Old Mine Road parallels the Delaware River on the New Jersey side for 34 miles in the park and passes through historic landscapes.

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.

HIKING

More than 100 miles of trails meander through the park, including nearly 27 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Hikers can enjoy the trails year-round, with each season offering its own 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 wild flowers and flowering trees. In summer, hikers can seek out cool retreats among the hemlock forests, and follow burbling streams to powerful falls and cascades. In autumn, hikers have crisp air to sharpen their senses and a wondrous palette of fall colors to enjoy.

Choosing a trail can be a daunting task. What to see? Waterfalls? Historic landscapes? Inspiring views? The following pages offer a simple guide to the many routes available.

BE PREPARED FOR YOUR VISIT

• Cell phone service is limited within the park.

• Carry (and drink) plenty of water; a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration.

• Protect yourself from the sun; wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Wear sturdy shoes.

• Protect yourself from ticks and insects; use insect repellent, check and remove ticks when you return, and wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.

• Stay alert for snakes; do not put your hands and feet into places you cannot see.

• Be bear-aware; do not run if a bear approaches; make noise, wave your arms, and look large.

• Be able to recognize poison ivy and avoid contact with the plant.

• Trails are not regularly maintained or patrolled; travel carefully and at your own risk.

• Wear bright orange (shirt, vest, or hat) during hunting season.

KEY REGULATIONS

• Stay on trails; taking shortcuts causes trail erosion, damages native plants, and can be dangerous.

• Do not feed or approach wildlife.

• Be Bear Aware; stay at least 100 yard from bears, hike in groups of three or more, make noise, and properly store trash and any products with an odor.

• Pets must be leashed at all time

• Pack out what you pack in; do not leave trash behind.

HIKER SHUTTLE

The parking lots at Kittatinny Point and Dunnfield are generally full by 10 am on summer weekends. Monroe County Transit Authority offers a hiker shuttle between the Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride, Lake Lenape Trailhead, and the Kittatinny Point and Dunnfield parking lots. Service is offered every half hour between 10 am and 5:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Childs Park Trail

Park Trails

Trails at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), PA

Fossils of ancient marine life; collection of fossils and other objects prohibited

Hilly terrain, featuring wetlands and forest

Shaded trail through the forest, passing a small stream; can be muddy after a rain Sensory

To increase sensory awareness, a rope guides blindfolded users around a short loop trail (blindfolds available at main PEEC office)

Several benches provide observation points for wildlife and field, forest, and pond ecosystems

Trail winds along a ridge, past a pond and wetland and into a ravine with a cascading waterfall

Mostly shaded trail that passes two ponds and a wetland, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing

The McDade Recreational Trail extends most the length of the park in Pennsylvania and presents some of the best views of the Delaware River, as well as views of charming streams, open farm fields, forests, and historic landscapes. The trail is a wide, packed gravel path without blazes and offers hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers areas of varied difficulty, from easy to moderately strenuous. With trailheads located one half to five miles apart, this trail offers a section for just about any visitor. Most trailheads are along the park’s free bus route that operates on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

From the southern most trailhead at Hialeah to Owens trailhead, the trail is mostly flat as it traverses former settlements and farms. North from the Owens trailhead on Freeman Tract Road, the trail switchbacks sharply up the side of the ridge to the park’s headquarters. Observation decks on the side of the headquarters facility provide wildlife viewing areas.

Between park headquarters and Bushkill Access, the terrain becomes rolling hills. Numerous structures, foundations, and other traces remain from the once thriving community of Bushkill.

North of Bushkill Access, the trail follows a narrow ribbon of land between US 209 and the river and then continues through nearly level agricultural fields and forests to the Schneider Farm trailhead.

Continuing north, the next several miles are dominated by the river to the east and the cliffs to the west, with the trail and US 209 squeezed between in places. From Raymondskill Creek to Milford Beach, the Raymondskill Cliff parallels the nearly flat trail. Note: A section of the trail between White Pines and Conashaugh and another section of trail between Conashaugh and Pittman Orchard are hiking only and closed to bike riding due to stairs and steep grade.

The northern terminus of the McDade Trail is Milford Beach, a popular recreation site for local residents since 1945. Whether you start from Milford Beach, Hialeah, or a point in between, you are sure to find something to enjoy.

Extend your one-way trip on the McDade Recreational Trail by using the River Runner Shuttle (page 5).

Things to Know

• Speed limit is 15 mph.

• Bikers must yield to hikers.

• No motorized vehicles.

• Leashed pets are permitted along the trail except at Milford and Smithfield beaches and between Smithfield Beach and Hialeah late spring to early fall.

Biking Safely

• Go with the traffic flow; ride on right.

• Pass on left and give audible sound to alert others of intent.

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Yield to traffic and pedestrians.

• Be predictable; ride in a straight line and signal moves.

• Stay alert at all times.

• Look before turning.

• Walk bicycles on steep hills and stairs.

• Wear a bicycle helmet. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a bicycle helmet.

• Secure loose clothing to ensure it will not become entangled in bicycle gears.

• Adjust the bicycle to fit. The seat should be level front to back, and the height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. Handlebar height should be level with seat.

• Check your equipment before riding and ensure tires are properly inflated and that the brakes work.

• Make yourself visible to others.

• Control the bicycle by riding with two hands on the handlebars, except when signaling a turn.

• Watch for and avoid hazards.

** this section is closed January through mid-July to protect nesting bald eagles

Mileage between McDade Trailheads

Bike Rentals and 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

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, NJ and PA

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) traverses the wild Appalachian Mountain chain from central Maine to northern Georgia, for a distance of approximately 2,180 miles. Nearly 27 miles of the trail straddle the Kittattiny Ridge through New Jersey and Pennsylvania within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Numerous other trails connect with the AT and are described on page 15 and 17.

The AT is marked with white blazes. Side trails to water, scenic viewpoints, or shelters are marked with blue blazes. Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mohican Outdoor Center at NJ mile 10.3 offers several self-service cabins, individual and group campsites, and simple dining options. Numerous weekend hiking activities are offered throughout the year. For more information, contact Mohican Outdoor Center at 908 362-5670 or visit their website at outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/mohican.

Things to know

• Carry sufficient water for the entire hike. Water along the trail may not be suitable for consumption. All water should be chemically treated or boiled for ten minutes.

• All human waste must be buried at least six inches deep and 100 feet or more from any stream, trail, unpaved road, or park facility.

• Carry out all trash.

• Self-contained stoves are permitted; ground fires, charcoal stoves and grills are prohibited.

• Cutting, defacing, or removing any natural feature is prohibited.

• Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

• Horseback riding, biking, and all types of motorized vehicles (except authorized vehicles) are prohibited on the trail within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Camping Regulations

• Camping is restricted to through-hikers who are hiking for two or more consecutive days; starting at one location along the trail and ending at another.

• Camping is limited to one night and ten persons per campsite.

• Self-contained stoves are permitted; ground fires, charcoal stoves and grills are prohibited.

• Hikers may not camp:

• Within 100 feet of any stream or water source;

• Within 0.5 mile of an established roadway;

• Within 200 feet of another camping party; or

• From 0.5 mile south of Blue Mountain Lakes Road to a point one mile north of Crater Lake.

No trail shelters exist within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The nearest are Kirkridge Shelter in Pennsylvania, 6.4 miles south of the Interstate 80 bridge, and Brink Road Shelter in New Jersey, 4 miles north of the Buttermilk Trail spur. Mohican Outdoor Center offers lodging and camping at NJ mile 10.3 and the Worthington State Forest campground can be reached via the 1.6-mile Douglas Trail at NJ mile 4.6.

The parking lots at Kittatinny Point and Dunnfield are generally full by 10 am on summer weekends. Monroe County Transit Authority offers a hiker shuttle from the Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride lot to Lake Lenape Trailhead and the Kittatinny Point and Dunnfield parking lots. The hiker shuttle service is offered every half hour between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

View from Raccoon Ridge along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

RIVER RUNNER SHUTTLE

The National Park Service has partnered with Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) to provide free public bus service along the Pennsylvania side of the river. MTCA provides the River Runner Shuttle service on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends between Stroudsburg, PA and Milford Beach, PA. Additionally, bus service is provided on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

The River Runner Shuttle is a free service and is ADA accessible. Pick your boarding location and destination using the schedule below. Be at the stop five minutes prior to the scheduled arrival with your gear ready to load. In addition to passengers, MCTA can also transport bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and leashed dogs. Passengers are required to load and secure their own belongings and MCTA operators will check the equipment to ensure it is properly stowed.

Loading and securing equipment takes some time, so please be aware that there may be times when the bus is late. For groups of ten or more people, please contact MCTA in advance to ensure they are properly prepared for your large group.

The system is designed to enable riders to board the bus just about anywhere along the route where it is safe for the driver to stop. Simply wave to the shuttle driver from a safe and observable location. Remember to be at the stop five minutes before the scheduled time.

Programs like the River Runner Shuttle are just one way the park is working to lessen the footprint we all leave on the planet. For more information about the shuttle visit MCTA’s website at gomcta.com/trip or call 570 243-3400.

» Subject to change, please visit the park website or contact the park for updated information before visiting.

SHUTTLE RIDING TIPS

For Boaters:

• Riders are strongly encouraged to park at the Parkand-Ride in Delaware Water Gap for river trips that end at Kittatinny Point due to traffic congestion on summer weekends.

• Peak demand for canoe and kayak shuttle is northbound in the morning before 10 am. Consider using the northbound shuttle to transport to your starting location later in the day, or use the northbound shuttle to transport back to your parked vehicle at the end of your trip.

• Have your gear at the shuttle stop and ready to load at least ten minutes before departure to ensure on-time service.

• River Runner shuttle service is not available at Kittatinny Point after 8:50 am.

• The last northbound shuttle leaves Smithfield Beach at 3:20 pm. The last southbound shuttle leaves Milford Beach at 4:50 pm

For Bikers:

• Bike a longer one-way trip on the McDade Recreational Trail by using the shuttle.

• Northbound shuttle service can be crowded with boaters, particularly in the morning. Consider riding your bike north on the McDade Recreational Trail and using the southbound shuttle to return to your vehicle.

For Hikers:

• Hike a longer one-way trip on the McDade Recreational Trail by using the shuttle.

• Northbound shuttle service can be crowded with boaters, particularly in the morning. Consider hiking north on the McDade Recreational Trail and using the southbound shuttle to return to your vehicle.

For Swimmers:

• When spending the day at Smithfield Beach, use the shuttle to go to the McDade Trailhead at Hialeah for a 1.9-mile walk back to Smithfield Beach.

• When spending the day at Milford Beach, use the shuttle to go to the McDade Trailhead at Pittman Orchard for a 2.2-mile walk back to Milford Beach.

Deer Leap Falls

» Subject to change, please visit the park website or contact the park for updated information before visiting.

TOURING OLD MINE ROAD

Constructed in the mid-1600s, 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.

1. MONTAGUE GRANGE #140

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 for meetings and community activities.

2. FOSTER-ARMSTRONG HOUSE

Owners of this home operated a ferry, sawmill, and gristmill. The house was used as a tavern and inn for river travelers and reflects the standard of living of a prosperous family in the early 19th century. The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (MARCH) operates this historic house museum for tours weekends and during special events.

3. MINISINK DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH

The Minisink Church was the heart, both spiritually and geographically, of the four original Dutch Reformed congregations established in the Upper Delaware Valley in 1737. The present structure was built in 1899, and tombstones in the cemetery date to 1805. Though it remains small, the vibrant congregation is one of the oldest in the country.

4. NELDEN-ROBERTS STONEHOUSE

Built around 1820, this house’s construction is attributed to George Nelden, who acquired the property in 1816. The Roberts Family was the last owners of the house, along with the farmstead located across US 206.

5. WESTBROOK-BELL HOUSE

Built by Johannis Westbrook, this is the oldest house located in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, possibly predating 1730, and was lived in by nine generations of the family until the acquisition of the property by the federal government.

6. 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 sturdy houses with a wooden defensive fence surrounding them.

7. 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. For 48 consecutive years, Alonzo Depue recorded temperature and precipitation readings for the U.S. Weather Service from a weather station near the road without missing a day.

8. 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 Carmer.

9. PETERS VALLEY

Peter Van Nest, a land surveyor, laid out the roads in the area and had them intersect outside of his home in 1867. Over the years, the hamlet’s name changed several times, including Hen’s Foot Corner and Bevans, before its current name of Peters Valley. Through a partnership with the National Park Service, Peters Valley School of Craft operates an active school of fine craft. Stop by the Craft Store and Gallery to browse artisan’s wares, learn about 209 workshop offerings, and find out more about the weekend self-guided tours of the village.

10. WALPACK CENTER

Like other villages along the Old Mine Road, the Kittatinny Ridge to the east and the highlands of New Jersey to the north isolated the hamlet of Walpack Center. Area farmers found what they needed at the village’s general store, post office, blacksmith shop, church, and school. By the early 20th century, however, automobiles and larger farms proved to be too much competition and the village began its decline. Today, the Walpack Historical Society operates a museum in the First Rosenkrans House on summer weekends.

11. VAN CAMPEN INN

While it is called an “inn,” it is more accurately a “yaugh house”—a rural residence in a remote area that was licensed under colonial law to provide food and shelter to travelers. During the French & Indian War (1754-1763), the Van Campen Inn “provided a safe haven

when settlers ed for protection from Indian attack” and in November 1763, 150 settlers sought shelter in the “stout walls” of the house. The Walpack Historical Society offers tours of the house on most Sundays during the summer.

12. DELAWARE VIEW HOUSE

Constructed in the early 1800s, numerous changes over the years enlarged this once small house. As the house expanded, it also changed uses, including serving as the Flatbrook Hotel hunting lodge, the Losey Boarding House, and Salamovka – a summer retreat for Russian emigrants.

13. MILLBROOK VILLAGE

In 1832, Abram Garis built a grist mill along the Van Campen Brook. The mill soon attracted other businesses and by 1875, Millbrook was a thriving farm village. By 1910, most businesses had 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. On summer weekends and during special events, several buildings are open, with park staff and Millbrook Village Society volunteers demonstrating folk ways of the 1800s.

14. CALNO SCHOOL

In the 19th century, schools were located in places that would allow students to walk no more than four or five miles to attend. In 1881, the Calno School District counted 48 school-age youth, but only 30 were on the school’s register and the average daily attendance was only 15. The poorly paid teachers boarded with local families and seldom stayed more than a year or two. When this school was in operation, there was also a school in Millbrook Village, only five miles north.

15. PAHAQUARRY

The Coppermine Trail passes by the foundation of the Pahaquarry Copper Mine processing mill and mine shafts. Brief periods of mining attempted during the past three centuries were never successful, despite improved technology and mineral extraction methods. In 1925, this area became the Pahaquarry Boy Scout Camp and operated until 1971. It was just one of numerous scout and church camps that once existed within the park boundaries.

NOTE: Mine shafts are closed to protect critical bat habitat.

Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse

OVERLOOKS IN THE GAP

Tourist attractions of all sorts once lined River Drive through the Delaware Water Gap. This route, now known as PA 611, passes by many former attractions—but other than the stone guardrail lining the road, little remains of that historic past. Still, the stunning beauty of the water gap makes this short 2-mile drive a must-do during your visit.

RESORT POINT OVERLOOK

The best known part of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the distinct notch in the Kittatinny Ridge known as the “water gap.” In order to enjoy the area’s beauty, visitors in the early 1820s rented rooms with local families. By 1832, a 25-guest hotel overlooking the Delaware River opened in Delaware Water Gap, and in 1860, the Kittatinny Hotel expanded to accommodate 250 guests.

The popularity of the area surrounding the water gap continued to grow, and additional hotels opened to meet the lodging needs of vacationers. Typically, vacationing families consisted of mothers and their children spending the entire summer in one of the hotels

By the early 1900s, many people had private automobiles. Magazines and newspapers extensively advertised various appealing destinations for city dwellers. At the same time, improved roads gave people a greater choice of holiday retreats. Weekend excursions began replacing summer- long holidays, and the traditional resort business of the Delaware Water Gap began to decline. The economic depression of the 1930s changed the nation’s way of life, and grand hotels could no longer compete with the new and popularly priced year-round weekend resorts in the nearby Pocono Mountains. A reclaimed the Kittatinny Hotel in 1931, and today, all that remains is the view from the location of this once grand hotel.

POINT OF GAP OVERLOOK

This overlook is in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap, between Mt. Minsi in Pennsylvania and Mt. Tammany in New Jersey. Just as it is a popular place for viewing today, this was also a popular stop for the Victorian vacationer. The Indian Head Lunch, a tourist attraction named for its view of the cliff with the same name across the river, offered meals and souvenirs, while the Myrtle William’s Gap Inn provided a place for picnicking and camping.

ARROW ISLAND OVERLOOK

while the fathers joined them on the weekends. Visitors occupied themselves by hiking, swimming, fishing, dancing, playing tennis and golf, visiting amusement parks, shopping for souvenirs, and delighting in carriage, steamboat, and rowboat rides. According to the manager of the Kittatinny Hotel, “[p]erhaps the featuring asset of the Gap, aside from its beautiful gorge, through which shows the placid Delaware, is its health giving atmosphere, which permeates everywhere and which in itself has given the region much of its charm and popularity.”

Today, this overlook provides a wonderful view of the water gap and the trailhead for the Arrow Island Trail. In the early 1900s, however, this was a bustling tourist stop. Minsi Mountain Park encompassed about 200 acres, and a hotel with a few outlying cottages was located on the hill overlooking the river. Inventive owners marketed a nearby slate quarry as a romantic enticement called “the Grotto” and boasted of the clear waters found in the “Minsi Health Spring.” In the location of today’s parking area, the Bear Stop roadside attraction featured caged bears and deer for the tourists’ amusement.

Kittatinny House Hotel

RAYMONDSKILL FALLS

Raymondskill Creek Trail, Pennsylvania GPS 41.290231

-74.840853

The loop trail that leads to the waterfall is only 0.3 mile, but is steep. The three tiers of Raymondskill Falls have a combined height of approximately 150 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. If the drops from each tier are added together, the waterfall is only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. The upper viewing area overlooks the upper pool and the narrow chute of the first drop. The lower viewing area provides an outstanding view and photo opportunity of the falls. A spur trail leads to the creek, but not to the bottom of the waterfall.

Things to Know:

• Pets are not permitted on the trail.

• Swimming and wading is not permitted in the creek and waterfalls.

• Stay on the designated trail.

• Restrooms are located at the parking lot.

• The parking lot at the trailhead fills quickly on summer weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit the area before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm on weekends or visit on a weekday.

Raymondskill Falls Courtesy of PMVB

BUTTERMILK FALLS

Buttermilk Falls Trail, New Jersey GPS 41.137164 -74.888793

The waterfall is located at the trailhead for the Buttermilk Falls Trail, and, therefore, requires no hiking to view. The cascading Buttermilk Falls is considered the highest waterfall in New Jersey at approximately 200 feet. A set of stairs climbs to a viewing platform at the top. The trail continues a nearly 1.5-mile steep climb to join the Appalachian National Scenic Trail at the top of the ridge.

Things to Know:

• Swimming and wading are not permitted in the waterfall and the pools.

• Stay on the designated trail.

• The drive to the waterfall is via a rural gravel road. Driving Mountain Road from Walpack Center is the recommended route, since Mountain Road south of Buttermilk Falls is very rough.

DINGMANS AND SILVERTHREAD FALLS

Dingmans Creek Trail, Pennsylvania GPS 41.229294 -74.887212

An accessible boardwalk trail meanders 0.3 mile through a pristine hemlock ravine. Shortly after starting the trail, Silverthread Falls gracefully drops 80 feet in a thin ribbon of water through a narrow geometric chute. The boardwalk continues through dense rhododendron shrubs and ends at the base of Dingmans Falls, the second highest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 130 feet. A wide rock ledge provides the backdrop for this cascading waterfall. The final tenth of a mile is a staircase that leads to a birds-eye view from the top.

Things to Know:

• Pets are not permitted on the trail.

• Swimming and wading is not permitted in the creek and waterfalls.

• Fishing is not permitted between Dingmans Falls and the trailhead parking area between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

• Restrooms and the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center are located at the trailhead.

• The parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit the area before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm on weekends or visit on a weekday.

» Subject to change, please visit the park website or contact the park for updated information before visiting.

Buttermilk Falls

Dingmans Falls

> Silverthread Falls, Dingmans Falls Boardwalk Trail

People of the Delaware River Valley

Human occupation in the Delaware River valley dates back over 12,000 years when small family bands moved across the landscape, hunting game, fishing the rivers and streams and gathering food from the forests and grasslands. About 8,000 years ago, groups began to travel less and relied on a variety of foods found locally, such as acorns, nuts, sh, deer and turkey. Families began farming about 2,000 years ago, leading to a more settled lifestyle.

The Lenape (len-AH-pay) or Delaware lived in an area they called “Lenapehoking,” which means “Land of the Lenape.” Lenapehoking included eastern Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey, southeastern New York, northern Delaware, and a small section of southeastern Connecticut. While some Lenape lived in large villages of about 200 people, most lived in groups of 50 to 75.

The arrival of Europeans in the mid-1500s meant drastic changes for the Lenape. European explorers traded iron axes, cloth, and copper kettles with the Lenape for valuable animal furs. In addition to the rich natural resources, Europeans also wanted land. Conflicts arose between the Lenape and European colonists over land ownership. Additionally, the introduction of diseases devastated the native population, who had no immunities. By the mid-1700s, warfare and diseases contributed to an estimated loss of 90% of the Lenape people. During the 1700s, most Lenape people either voluntarily moved or were forcibly moved west, eventually settling in Canada, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Today, most Lenape decedents still live in Canada, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. Their arts and oral traditions reflect their culture, and they continue to stay connected to their ancestral homeland. The Lenape legacy remains, and their impact is honored through various place names in the park today.

Left: Painting depicting William Penn entering into 1683 peace treaty Right: Tish-Co-Han, Lenape Chief in the 1700s

Woolen Mill

8 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PET FEEL LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY

It’s said that pets can be people’s best friends, but the relationships between people and their four-legged friends often run even deeper. In fact, many consider pets to be an integral part of their families.

From eating and playing together to matching outfits and more, consider these practical ways to make dogs and cats feel like they’re important members of your household so you can become two peas in a pod.

PLAY OFTEN

Playtime is an easy (and fun) way to bond with pets, whether your furry friends prefer fetch, tug-of-war or any other game that keeps you both active. On top of the emotional benefits, it can help keep them in better physical shape – you might even be able to get a little exercise, too.

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FEED HUMAN-GRADE FOOD

Sharing a meal with people is a common way to connect, and that same connection can be made with pets. Feeding them at the same time you sit down for a meal can create a special bond. Though it’s tempting to feed them off your plate, consider a human grade food option like Freshly Crafted from Full Moon Pet. Created for pet parents who seek homemade quality ingredients free from additives or preservatives, this fresh frozen food includes 100% human-grade ingredients like real USDA chicken breast and blueberries, meaning it looks, smells and tastes just like food you would cook in your own kitchen while providing complete nutritional benefits pets need to thrive.

With flavors including Homestead Turkey, Ranch-Raised Beef and Free-Range Chicken, these curated meals promote skin and coat health, support immune health and encourage muscle growth.

SET UP A SPECIAL SPACE

Just like humans, pets need a little quiet time now and then. Creating an area they can retreat to with a bed, blankets and favorite toys offers a “safe space” where they can be comfortable. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for them to nap when you’re away and the house is empty.

SCHEDULE REGULAR WELLNESS VISITS

The veterinarian’s office may not be your furry friend’s favorite hangout, but scheduling regular checkups is an important part of owning pets. A balanced, quality diet can reduce trips to the vet to just essential visits – often annually or bi-annually – and help your pets live happy and healthy lives.

SHOW AFFECTION

Belly rubs, freshly brushed coats and simply spending time together are all effective ways to show pets your affection. Another way to share your love is to reward dogs with their favorite treats like Full Moon Chicken Jerky, which is a high-protein, meaty treat made with few ingredients, including USDA chicken breast, so you can feel good about providing your pets with a treat that tastes good and is good for them.

TAKE PETS ON VACATION

Skip the anxiety of leaving pets behind during your next trip by letting them join in on the fun. Exploring the world together is an exciting way to bond as you can visit new places, find dog parks and discover pet-friendly restaurants. If it’s your pet’s first road trip, consider a shorter excursion to ensure he or she is comfortable in the car, and make sure to bring all the essentials like food, water, bowls, bedding, toys and medications.

WEAR MATCHING CLOTHES

When you’re dressed to feel your best, you’re likely to feel more confident in yourself. Provide that same feeling of satisfaction to pets by dressing them in the same clothes you plan to wear for a walk around the block or a trip to the dog park. Next time there’s a family photo session, plan to include furry friends in matching outfits so everyone can be dressed to impress.

CELEBRATE SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Birthdays, “gotcha days” or holidays are perfect moments for celebrating your bond with your pets. Make the day extra special by indulging in favorites like going for a walk, heading to the dog park, gifting a new toy, enjoying specialty treats and more.

To find more ways to bond with your pets, visit FullMoonPet.com.

Photo courtesy of BPT

RAILROADS AND THE ICE INDUSTRY IN THE POCONOS (PART I)

By Kim Williams

Near the top of the list of seasonal occupations in the Poconos during the first part of the 1900s was “ice harvester”. This was before refrigerators and freezers were invented. There were small (residential) ice houses and huge (commercial) ice houses. Much has been written about the tools of the trade, but this and a later article are a bit different in that they mention ice houses in the Poconos from which shipment by rail occurred – perhaps as many as 100 miles away. In the days before artificially produced ice, “natural” ice was stored in ice houses for ultimate placement in iceboxes in family kitchens. Natural ice was “harvested” –which is to say cut into “cakes” – from frozen neighborhood ponds and lakes. The process, of course, was weather-dependent and produced early-season harvests or late-season harvests or multiple harvests or sometimes no harvest at all, although the latter happened rarely. Especially grueling and dangerous was the job of commercial ice-harvester, requiring extensive manual labor, all day (or all night) long, day-in and day-out for little pay (30¢ to 35¢ per hour), outside in the elements cutting and cake-steering, or placing cakes for storage in ice houses, or loading cakes into rail cars. Sometimes commercial ice houses were active year ‘round if storage had been plentiful during the previous winter. Effective but crude insulating methods prevented melting for months. With electrification and

motorization came improvements in the routine of ice-workers. But by the mid-1900s (even 20 years earlier in most cases) Edison’s discovery had caused the end of this rigorous occupation.

In the Poconos – from Saylorsburg to Gouldsboro – at least 19 lakes provided ice for loading into railcars. In a later article, 10 lakes will be identified that Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad hauled ice from. The Wilkes-Barre & Eastern Railroad (1893-1939), received ice from seven lakes in Monroe County. Even Lehigh & New England Railroad along its 5½-mile branch to Saylorsburg, and the less-than-12mile Delaware Valley Railway between East Stroudsburg and Bushkill each shipped this cold commodity from a lake. Along DVR’s route next to Lake Marshall, Smithfield Township, there was no ice house, but cakes could be direct-loaded into

> The ice houses at Mountain Springs Lake, Jackson Township, consisted of seven and eight rooms back to back.

“Especially grueling and dangerous was the job of commercial ice-harvester, requiring extensive manual labor, all day (or all night) long, day-in and day-out for little pay.”

as many as 8 cars at a time on a siding there. And ice from Lake Poponoming (now known as Saylor’s Lake) was hauled by L&NE starting in 1891, which pre-dates all other railroadvisited ice houses in the Poconos. The Lake Poponoming facility was enlarged from a capacity of 4,000-tons to 32,000 tons in the early 1900s with a predominance of customers in the Bethlehem area. Commercial ice houses consisted of big “rooms” in which dozens of chunks weighing approximately 300-pounds each were stored. Common dimensions of a chunk were 32” X 22” by 14”, the latter corresponding with the ideal thickness of ice on a lake and one of the standard dimensions of an icebox. Of course, the other dimensions of a chunk were made smaller before placement into iceboxes.

From east to west, following is a list of the seven lakes along WB&E’s route where huge ice houses were located. Trout Lake and Mountain Springs Lake were both in the Reeders area of Jackson Township. Commercial ice houses were either long and narrow (rooms side-by-side), or more squarish because they had

> A structure more unique than the ice house next to Brady’s Lake was “The Helps’ Quarters.” To eliminate workers’ commutes, boarding houses were common at ice lakes but not as distinctive as “The Castle,” designed as a tribute to the Irish heritage of the Brady family.

> Many commercial ice houses were huge, made of wood, at a time & place of crude firefighting methods. A lightning strike was the cause of destruction by fire of the ice house at Lake Naomi. It was close enough to WB&E’s tracks that direct-loading continued each winter for nearly a decade even though the facility was never rebuilt.

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been built with rooms back-to back, such as at Mountain Springs Lake. At one point, increasing storage capacity had occurred such that the Trout Lake complex reported the potential of 62,000-tons of ice on hand and Mountain Springs Lake: 75,000 tons. The Trout Lake ice house was simply disassembled in the 1930s and the Mountain Springs ice house was destroyed by fire in 1925. Two other ice houses along WB&E’s line were never rebuilt, either, after total destruction by fire: in 1919 the 23,000ton, 7-room in-line facility on the southern shore of Stillwater Lake, Pocono Summit; and in 1908, the 65,000-ton, 15-room, back-to-back complex at Lake Naomi, Pocono Pines.

If you want to verify any of this information – good luck!!! Sources often vary greatly concerning such basic ice house statistics as capacity, dimensions, number of workers and railcars filled, etc. This article relies on consensus, common sense, and aerial photographs (from 1939) which helped conclude that – at the 526-acre Pocono Lake - two, in-line houses each contained 6 rooms and could hold a total of about 75,000 tons of ice.

“WOW, LookAtAllThatCandy!!”

> A 1939 aerial photograph shows the footprints of two ice harvesting complexes at Stillwater Lake: one visited by WB&E, lower left; the other hauled from by DL&W

Much smaller – but also along WB&E’s route – was the 41-acre Anglewood Lake, site of a 4-room, 8,000-ton ice house which accommodated customers mostly in the Easton area.

Spurs to some ice houses were almost a mile (or more) in length, such as to the ice house at the 229-acre Brady’s Lake, now a part of State Game Lands #127. Prior to 1915 when bought by the Brady brothers from Bayonne, NJ, the tract belonged to William Dorney, of Lehigh County, who had visions of developing the area into a park resembling his Dorney Park in Allentown. The Brady’s ice house was a 10-room, back-to-back affair, with a capacity calculated at 50,000 tons.

DL&W’s involvement in the Pocono ice industry will be the subject of a later article.

Kim Williams is a lifelong resident of Monroe County, an amateur photographer and president of a local historical group. “The Flood” and the County’s railroad history are of particular interest to him. Kim’s two daughters — a doctor and teacher — are sources of pride.

> From the air, the sprawling Pocono Lake is seen in the 1930s with WB&E’s spur curving off from the railroad’s mainline to the two ice houses there.

REMEMBERING TOCKS ISLAND

By Suzanne McCool

For those of us who grew up in our beautiful Pocono Mountains and have spent many happy hours swimming in or boating on the Delaware River, we will never forget how we nearly lost this beautiful natural resource from a mis-guided takeover by our Federal Government and several state governments to build a dam at Tocks Island in the early 1960s.

This was an emotional and contentious time for our area. We almost lost our beautiful longest free – flowing river of the northeastern United States. The proposed Tocks Island Dam was a project which was not well thought out and would have had many negative unintended consequences for our area had it not been stopped by a small but robust group of citizens.

I will forever by grateful to Nancy Michael Shukitis for her leadership in starting a movement to save this river. Her family’s 1840 farmhouse, which was a much loved destination for tourists from the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas, overlooked the beautiful Delaware River. This beautiful property was taken through eminent domain by the Federal Government via the Army Corps of Engineers, along with hundreds of other properties along the Delaware River.

The Michael Family owned 120 acres with their farm two miles north of Tocks Island. Their farm house expanded over the years from the 1840s, and they received visitors from the metropolitan areas during the hot summer months especially. Breathing the fresh mountain air and enjoying the cool Pocono evenings after a day of swimming, fishing or boating on the Delaware was like heaven to them. This was “eco-tourism” at its best, although I don’t think that word was coined yet. Because of the efforts of a

“I encourage every Pocono resident to read this book by David Pierce. It’s important. It will bring back memories of where we were at that time of our lives when the controversy raged around us and how this important environmental movement gained momentum and the respect of so many who loved and cared about the Delaware River.

dedicated group of citizens back then, we are still enjoying the benefits of this important resource today. However it was a close call. It could have gone the other way, and we would still be dealing with negative consequences to this day.

David C. Pierce, a Pocono native, and an award-winning journalist, has written extensively on this topic. His recently published book, “Tocks Island: Dammed If You Do, The Homegrown Movement that Defeated the Delaware River Dam,” is a must read for everyone who loves this river and has reaped its benefits their entire lives. Pierce’s chronicle outlines in orderly fashion how the anti-dam movement was born and grew, picking up momentum and becoming a force to be reckoned with. This issue spanned many years and many hours of meetings, education, and sheer determination on the part of citizens, environmentalists, eco-tourists, and of course the land owners who had their beautiful properties and homes taken from them through “eminent domain.” Many felt that this was out and out thievery by the Federal Government, since the property owners were never adequately recompensed for their losses, not to mention the emotional toll they suffered.

I encourage every Pocono resident to read this book by David Pierce. It’s important. It will bring back memories of where we were at that time of our lives when the controversy raged around us and how this important environmental movement gained momentum and the respect of so many who loved and cared about the Delaware River.

I am forever thankful to Nancy Michael Shukitis and the dedicated group of volunteers and activists, who made all the difference in resisting “Big Government” and saving this beautiful natural resource – our free-flowing Delaware River!

Thank you, David Pierce, for writing this book. As a retired educator, I would like to see it become required reading in all our schools in all the states which would have been negatively impacted had the dam been built.

Suzanne is a native of the Poconos and a former schoolteacher and former Monroe County Commissioner. She has recently published her own book, and lives with her husband Terry in Stroudsburg. Today, Suzanne enjoys writing, traveling and visiting her grandchildren.

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DELAWARE WATER GAP BORN FROM TOURISM

By Amy Leiser, Executive Director, Monroe County Historical Association

It’s not just a day of shopping here in the Pocono Mountains—it’s an experience. Wander our historic streets. Explore our art galleries. Find unique local goods. And stop for a bite at one of our top-rated neighborhood restaurants along the way. Discover all of our shopping and sights now at PoconoMountains.com.

The area that would become the Borough of Delaware Water Gap was founded by Antoine Dutot, a French-born settler who emigrated from Santo Domingo in 1793. Dutot first arrived in Philadelphia where he was encouraged to settle northward along the Delaware River. It was here that he bought large tracts of land and named his settlement, Dutotsburg, after himself. Dutot died in 1841 and did not live to see Delaware Water Gap become the bustling city he had hoped.

Delaware Water Gap became a borough on May 31, 1889 when it broke off of Smithfield Township. John F. Barteau was chosen the Chief Burgess at a special election held at the Kittatinny House the following month on June 18. Interestingly, the borough’s fist official name was “Borough of Water Gap;” as it was incorporated in 1889, the names left out the word “Delaware.” The mistake was realized, and Barteau appeared before the courts on August 12, 1889 to rectify the error and amend the title to the “Borough of Delaware Water Gap.” In addition to Dutotsburg, Delaware Water Gap has also been known as “Monroe Square” and “Wolf Hollow.”

Because of the stunning landscape and majestic views, the area became an important destination for tourists starting in the 1800s. In fact, Delaware Water Gap was such a famous destination that it became the second largest inland resort in the United States (behind Saratoga Springs) and held the title of the most desirable vacation location in Pennsylvania.

The two most famous resorts were the Kittatinny Hotel and the Water Gap House. The Kittatinny Hotel was the earliest hotel in the borough and was built in 1829 by Antoine Dutot. Originally a 25-room structure, the building expanded over the years into a 500-room hotel. The Water Gap House was built in 1872 by Luke W. Brodhead and could accommodate 275 guests. The Glenwood House was built by Rev. Heratio Howell and welcomed 200 guests, and the Riverview House was built by John Blair and was originally known as the Lenape House. The central House, today known as the Deerhead Inn, was built in 1885 by Samuel Overfield. In 1900, B.F. Skiurm built the Delaware House which featured a bowling alley and was located closest to the train station. Of course, there were many small boarding houses and cottages for rent.

In 1903, the Delaware Water Gap train station was built and featured high ceilings, granite flooring, and chandeliers. This elegant structure welcomed thousands of tourists, and town and rail officials felt it was important to impress the clientele, especially since the Borough of Delaware Water Gap was the “Gateway to the Poconos.” The transportation industry goes hand-in-hand with the tourism industry.

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain was dedicated in 1854, and the first minister was Horatio Howell. The first newspaper in Delaware Water Gap was known as the Mountain Echo, and it was first published in 1879. The first post office was opened in 1806 with Dutot serving as the first postmaster. There is only one cemetery located within the boundaries of Delaware Water Gap. The oldest headstone dates to 1840, and the cemetery is still in use today.

During the summer months, Delaware Water Gap’s population swelled with visitors. In the August 21, 1890 edition of the Stroudsburg Times, it was reported that 467 people permanently resided in the Borough. By 2010, that number increased to 746 individuals. Today, the Borough of Delaware Water Gap has the smallest population of residents of any municipality in Monroe County.

Amy Leiser is a local resident and historian who has been working with the Monroe County Historical Association for 19 years. In addition to the live tours, research assistance, and museum that the organization keeps available, Leiser offers her knowledge and assistance with family charting and genealogy. Visit www.monroehistorical.org

“Delaware Water Gap was such a famous destination that it became the second largest inland resort in the United States (behind Saratoga Springs) and held the title of the most desirable vacation location in Pennsylvania.”

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