The Gap

One of the classroom readings for my English class involved the Delaware Water Gap. In the Delaware Diaries, there was a chapter about the battle for Tock’s Island. The chapter mentioned the park that was to be placed there. That area is now known as the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area.

The Delaware Water Gap is a local mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. From fishing to hiking to camping, there is an activity for everyone. On the Delaware River, fishermen can try their luck at pulling a shad from the river during the annual shad run. Bass and panfish abound in the river. Local streams are either stocked with trout or are registered wild trout streams. Hiking and camping is also big due to the fact that the Appalachian Trail crosses the Delaware River at Route-80, which goes right through the park. One region of the area is known as Worthington State Forest, in New Jersey. The Appalachian Trail crosses into the forest after it leaves Pennsylvania. The forest contains 7.8 miles of the historic trail. One icon in the forest is Sunfish Pond, located 3.75 miles along the Appalachian Trail from the entrance to the forest. The pond was carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age and is on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. For hikers and photographers, I would recommend the Dunnfield Creek Trail. Dunnfield Creek is a recognized wild trout hatchery. The creek also contains many small, picturesque waterfalls.

Waterfalls along the Dunnfield Creek Trail

For the more experience hikers, Mount Tammany poses a challenge. The trail up to the summit is only 1.3 miles long, but hikers gain about 1000 feet of elevation while approaching the summit at 1527 feet. The trail itself is quite a trial. The trail is full of glacier rocks, steep ascents up boulder stairs, narrow passes, and even a small climb up a near vertical rock face. However, the view from the summit is spectacular. The mountain is higher than Mount Minsi in Pennsylvania, directly across from Mount Tammany. The Delaware Water Gap is definitely an area worth exploring.

Winter view from the summit of Mount Tammany