HomePennsylvaniaBushkill › Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 6,795 Google reviews · Running trail in Bushkill, Pennsylvania · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

BoardwalkOpen 24hScenicStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Vast forested preserve featuring hiking trails, campsites & water sports on the Delaware River.

What runners say about Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (6,795 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 16 mentions

“The scenic views, waterfalls, peaceful trails, and overall natural beauty made the trip very memorable for both kids and adults.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“Whether you seek a challenging hike, a relaxing day on the water, or a quiet moment of reflection by a waterfall, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area delivers.”

This park is large and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Because this place is so large, I was only able to do a couple of the trails, which were very easy. The areas I visited were free, but on the map I picked up at the Bushkill Meeting Center, there are several locations where you have to pay.

★★★★★ — Lisa , Jul 2025

Dingman Falls was absolutely amazing. There is an accessible trail that's 0.30 miles long from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Accessibility options included the trail itself which was mostly a boardwalk. The width of the boardwalk was plenty wide and would allow both walkers and wheelchair users.

★★★★★ — Don , Aug 2024

A good day long hiking spot not too far from NYC. We hiked Mt Tammany. It’s green and beautiful. At the base of the mountain there is a cute little town. If hiking in this area, I would highly recommend kayaking in the river.

★★★★★ — Apoorva , Sep 2024

This region of the eastern Pennsylvania is Beautiful during the fall and any time of year. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a true gem, offering an escape into nature that revitalizes the spirit.

★★★★★ — Brian , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6,795 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 35 mentions

“The scenic views, waterfalls, peaceful trails, and overall natural beauty made the trip very memorable for both kids and adults.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“Restrooms are available but they're extremely basic so you may want to take measures to ensure you won't need them while visiting.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“30 miles long from the parking lot to the base of the falls.”

More trails like this →

Stroller / ADA accessible 4 mentions

“It's a pristine, accessible, and awe-inspiring destination that deserves a visit from anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“Whether you seek a challenging hike, a relaxing day on the water, or a quiet moment of reflection by a waterfall, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area delivers.”

More trails like this →

🪵 Boardwalk 2 mentions

“Accessibility options included the trail itself which was mostly a boardwalk.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitenps.gov
  • Phone+1 570-426-2452
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324

Get directions

Running trails near Bushkill

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

McDade Trail (Bushkill Access Trailhead)

4.6 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

Lehman Township, PA

ScenicDog-friendly

2.1 miles away

McDade Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Bushkill, PA

Crushed gravel

3.1 miles away

Bushkill Falls

4.6 ★★★★★ 10,260 reviews

Bushkill, PA

LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Park with a 100-ft. waterfall plus trails, fishing, boating & other family-friendly activities.

3.2 miles away

Hornbecks Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 130 reviews

Dingmans Ferry, PA

2 miCrushed gravelScenic

6.5 miles away

Upper Hornbecks Creek Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 11 reviews

Dingmans Ferry, PA

Scenic

6.5 miles away

Smithfield Beach

4.4 ★★★★☆ 922 reviews

East Stroudsburg, PA

Scenic

Grassy beach, park and recreation area, featuring picnic spots, a boat launch, lifeguards on duty and biking trails.

7.7 miles away

All running trails in Bushkill, PA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.