We visit the Gap

 

Since we have been here in the Poconos, we have traveled Route 209 north through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area many times. Usually we are heading to the Walmart in Milford about 20 miles away. The picture above is one of the Ranger fee collection buildings at either end of Rt. 209.

Yesterday, we decided to travel south to the area of the Delaware River that is the actual "Water Gap." That highway on the other side of the river is Interstate 80.

Two mountains about 1500 ft. high are on either side of the river at the Gap.

This trail rises about 1300 feet and was too steep for us.

We crossed over and headed west on I-80 where the Appalachian Trail goes alongside the highway until it crosses at a bridge and continues south to Springer Mountain in Georgia. The trail starts in Maine at Mount Katahdin.

This a small section of the AT Kathy and I hiked.

Yes, there are bears up here. These are bear-proof trash containers.

This area is at the Kittitinny Visitor Center, unfortunately closed due to the sequester.

The water in this part of the Delaware is quite clear.

 

 

Silverthread falls is on a trail behind the Dingman's Ferry Visitor Center. Dingman's Ferry was an early crossing of the river and could accomodate horses as well as passengers.

This beautiful waterfall is Dingman's Falls. It is about a mile down the trail and there is a well constructed walkway along the whole trail.  This was the highlight of our day at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.