Waterfalls of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area protects 40 miles of the wild and scenic Delaware River and serves as the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In all, 67,000 acres of valley are preserved with 100 miles of trails, as well as 27 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hemlock and rhododendron ravines abound, and for the history-minded, 200 structures from the valley's colonial past and later remain. And waterfalls -- the Pennsylvania side has numerous waterfalls within easy access for visitors. We didn't get to see them all, but here are six of them.

At the north end, the Dingmans Falls area is operated by the NPS and offers two falls -- first Silver Thread Falls...



...and a bit farther down the half-mile boardwalk trail is Dingmans Falls, accessible to wheelchair-users. From the base of the falls, a steep climb of 240 steps takes the hearty to the top of the falls. This photo is taken from along that climb...



Farther south, the Bushkill Falls area is privately owned and operated, and for $10 (2009 price) you can walk their magnificent and expansive acreage. A 2 1/2 mile hike up and down their mountain side trails will give you views of their eight waterfalls. The largest, Bushkill Falls (at 100 feet, dubbed "The Niagara of Pennsylvania") is seen here...



The red trail leads you to the two Bridesmaids Falls...





...as well as Bridal Veil Falls...



Directions to the waterfalls can be found here.