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 This gorgeous recreational
haven has a rich history dating back to 10,000 B.C.
Early inhabitants included the Lenape Indians, the Dutch,
colonial Americans, movie stars and eventually the Boy Scouts!
Copper mining was popular in the 17th century.
With the coming of railroads and steamboats in the 19th century, the
Delaware Water Gap boomed, serving as a backdrop for the silent movie era, as well
as a resort playground for the rich and famous.
In the 1950’s the DWG was a popular hangout for
Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason and the like. Between the 1920 and 1970’s, over
4000 acres were set aside to accommodate numerous Boy Scout camps. However, in 1972,
a failed dam project reallocated the land and forced the scouts out.
Despite numerous fires and floods over the years, the
area has regenerated its beauty for generations to explore and enjoy. Today, a visitor
to DWG can hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy river views and all kinds of river
sports, go horseback riding, rock climbing, antiquing and take historic tours.
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THINGS
TO DO
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See full list of activities and businesses
From the Martz Trailways Travel Center,
walk down hill and bear left to the Ramada Inn.
Across from the Ramada Inn, you will the
find The Pack Shack. Family-owned and operated for 27 years, Pack
Shack Adventures will outfit you with kayaks, canoes, tubes, rafts and skis
(in the winter). Owner, Jane, offers special organized tour packages and rock climbing
lessons as well. If you call ahead, they will pick you up at the Martz Travel Center,
outfit you, and transport you to and from the river or recreational area of choice.
They are extremely accommodating to hikers who need a ride to run errands in Stroudsburg.
The Appalachian Trail is calling your name! At the
Ramada Inn, make a right past The Pack Shack, and turn left on to Main
St. at the traffic light. Half way up the hill you’ll come to the Church of
the Mountain, which serves as a hiker’s outpost and map center.
Just above the church is the Appalachian Trail. Spend
a day on the trails and enjoy magnificent views of the Delaware River and Mt. Tammany.
A couple of blocks down on the right from the Ramada is The Tourism Center.
They are very helpful and will provide you with maps of the area.
If shopping is your aim, there are a few places to go.
Next door to the Ramada Inn is the Christmas Factory Outlet and up
the hill on Main St. is the Market Place, an indoor flea market on the weekends.
Other attractions include the Antoine Dutot School and Museum; a preserved
one-room classroom turned art gallery.
For a scenic overview of the area, tour on horseback
at the Windrose Riding Center, (just 1/2 mi. from the Ramada).
The best way to see the area however, is by trolley(
pictured above). Owner Debbie, continues a family tradition, operating narrated
trolley tours year-round (located on Main St. at the traffic light). On the day
we visited, tour guide Evelyn, a 9-year Water Gap Trolley tour veteran, was
training Pam on her first day. By now, Tour Guide Pam should be a pro! Tours depart
several times daily year-round rain or shine, and while you wait, peruse the gift
shop, snack bar, or take in a round of mini-golf.
Serious golfers will want to tee off at the Water
Gap Country Club’s 18-hole course or practice at the Water Gap Driving
Range across from the Martz Travel Center.
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LODGING
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The Ramada Inn is only a short 10-minute walk
(downhill) from the Martz Trailways Travel Center. You will pass it on the
bus ride in. Be sure to stick close to the shoulder on the right hand side as you
walk down.
Enjoy reasonable rates, an indoor pool, free HBO movies,
free continental breakfast and an arcade (video games and Dr. Who and Police Force
pinball machines). They also have conference and meeting facilities to accommodate
your group.
Another good choice is the Shawnee Inn & Resort,
an all-inclusive resort, (they will pick you up from the station on request). Enjoy
skiing in the winter and tennis, horseback riding, golf and river sports in the
spring and summer.
Shepard House B&B is about a 15-minute walk
from the bus center and The Water Gap Country Club is about a mile from the
bus center (parts are hiking uphill). Travelling by car? Try the
Stony Brook Inn.
If you plan on using the
Pack Shack's services, call them for a lift from the bus stop. They would
be glad to accommodate.
See full list of lodgings
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DINING
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 A lot of restaurants are closed during the week. That’s
why we recommend going to the DWG on the weekends.
If you go during the week, opt for the Water Gap
Diner or Doughboy’s Pizza near the only traffic light in town. We
recommend the chocolate milkshakes at the diner.
For fine dining, try the Water Gap Country Club
– be prepared to hike! Enjoy dinner and live music on the weekends at the
Deer Head Inn on Main St. or The Skillet, on Broad St., open Wed-Sun.
Try the Trail’s End Café;
open Wed- Sun., for breakfast and lunch.
For dessert, head to The Village Farmer and Bakery,
(pictured left) a bakery-cafe-garden shop. Owner Ginger says their specialty is
apple pie. This taste-tester agrees.
See full list of dining
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NIGHTLIFE
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The Deer Head Inn for live music is your only
bet. After an intense day of hiking or kayaking, free in-room HBO movies and a dip
in the indoor pool at the Ramada might just be your speed anyway.
See full list of nightlife
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TRANSPORTATION
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BUS:
Martz Trailways from Port Authority to Stroudsburg. Ask to be let off at
the Delaware Water Gap stop (Martz Trailways Travel Center) on Rt. 611.
Confirm schedule with Martz Trailways (570-421-3040).
Travel time by BUS: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
CAR:
George Washington Bridge to I-80W. I-80 goes right through the Delaware Water Gap,
just past the Portland/Columbia Exit. Take exit 53.
Travel time by car: 1-1/2 hours.
CAR RENTAL:
Rent a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They're located
in Stroudsburg, but if you take the bus to the Martz
Travel Center in DWG "they will pick you up"
(570-424-9442).
See full list of transportation
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TRAVEL
TIPS
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Packing extras: bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses,
hiking paraphernalia, fishing gear.
If you are going fishing you’ll need a license
from NY State Department of Environmental Conservation at 518-457-8862. Purchase
on the phone or apply online (see listing). NY licenses are valid on the Delaware
River, too.
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WEATHER
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