An eye-catching notch in the stunning Appalachian Mountains may be seen from great distances on a scenic road trip. For generations, visitors have delighted in the varied activities available in Delaware Water Gap, which include idyllic camping areas, an abundance of hiking and biking paths, as well as several opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. Delaware Water Gap, also known as the Eastern Gateway to the Poconos, gave the area its name; the word “Pocono” is a Native American term that means stream between two mountains.
The Delaware Water Gap region is a paradise and one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Most visitors come here to hike the scenic trails, climb the lofty mountains, or travel for kilometers along ridgelines while admiring the scenery. Since the Delaware River is the reason this particular leisure area exists, going on a scenic drive, kayaking, and boating on the river are also very popular activities there! On hot days when visitors really need to just cool off, Delaware Water Gap offers great opportunities with its mesmerizing beaches. Here is a guide to its three best summertime beaches.
A stunning view of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Bushkill, Pennsylvania.
Swim At Turtle Beach, New Jersey
Turtle Beach is one location off the picturesque Old Mine Road and is worth a visit. To get to Turtle Beach, the most tranquil swimming hole in New Jersey and a wonderful summer day trip location, visitors should trade up their hiking boots for water shoes. Even on the hottest summer days, this swimming spot, which is only a short distance from the bustling I-80 highway, is nevertheless peaceful. The distance from the highway is roughly six miles (9.6 km), and there is a tiny parking area. The parking lot occasionally becomes full, but if visitors must, they may park a bit farther down in the Coppermines Lot and walk.
Turtle Beach is not nearly as rustic as some of those swimming holes in the south of New Jersey pinelands! At Turtle Beach, one of the best three beaches in Delaware Water Gap, visitors may learn more about the region, how it evolved, and how nature is transforming it over time by reading a few interpretive signs. Although there are many great locations across the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Turtle Beach is an overlooked gem that is likely to become a favorite spot to visit time and time again.
- Amenities: There are facilities like picnic tables and bathrooms at this unassuming and hidden swimming spot.
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View of the Delaware Water Gap from the top of Mt. Tammany
Enjoy The Sun Of Smithfield Beach, Pennsylvania
Smithfield Beach is a breathtaking grassy beach. It has picnic sites, bathrooms, and access to the wonderful Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail. It is situated on River Road around seven miles (11.2 km) north of Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. Three lifeguarded beaches are available in the park where guests can swim and have a great time in the Delaware River without risk. From mid-June until the end of August, lifeguards are on duty on the weekends. Personal barbecues are allowed, but grills are not provided. However, pets and alcohol are not allowed. The beaches impose fees from April through October.
- Entrance fee: $7 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays
- Activities: Canoeing, hiking, boating, picnicking, etc.
View of the Delaware Water Gap and Delaware River
Tips For Swimming Safely In Smithfield Beach
Swimming while wearing a life jacket that fits properly is highly advised. Outside of the lifeguarded beaches, swimming in the river is allowed but not advised. Furthermore, many locations are dangerous for swimming due to strong currents, abrupt drop-offs, and continuously shifting river conditions. Visitors are also advised to never try to cross a river by swimming. Many individuals have perished while trying to swim across the river because currents may be misleading. Therefore, it is better to never dive in alone.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania
Spend A Day On Milford Beach, Pennsylvania
Visitors can head over to Pennsylvania and swim at Milford Beach, one of the best beached in Delaware Water Gap, which has lifeguards. The town’s riverbank may best be explored from Milford Beach, which is located at the park’s northernmost point. Even though it is a grassy beach, visitors may enjoy wandering about and seeing the waterside from the pavilion, swimming in the river, fishing, boating, canoeing, and having a picnic in the gardens.
Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer months. Additionally, water sports are legal at this time of year on Milford Beach. Due to strong currents during the off-season, visitors would need to be constantly aware of the shifting conditions of the water. Otherwise, the grasslands around Milford Beach are a wonderful spot to spend some quiet, pleasurable time with their loved ones.
- Lifeguards availability: Mid-June to late August, Thursday through Monday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Milford Beach gives visitors access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail
There is no access to drinkable water.
Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area viewed at sunset
How To Get To Delaware Water Gap
Visitors should exit 310 off of I-80 provides easy access to Delaware Water Gap and the neighborhood around Main Street. Local establishments on Main Street are open for business and are conveniently accessible by automobile. Route 611 will be closed for the summer for road work, but vehicles will not notice it until they have passed the commercial district. Drivers should pay attention to the signs that are posted just south of the town.
