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Delaware River Water Gap - Day Hike from the PEEC

Lehman township, Pennsylvania

Details

Distance

6 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by liz f

Very accessible day hike or trail run in the Delaware River Water Gap with lots of routes. You won't hear a lot of car noise here - it's quiet and beautiful! 

With multiple, well-marked trail loops to choose from, you can make this day hike as long or as short as you'd like. I combined the yellow (Ridgeline), red (Scenic Gorge), blue (Fossil), and grey (Two Ponds) trails for a varied hike with a picnic stop in the middle. If you're coming here to trail run, you'll be challenged by the rocky, rooty footing along some sections of the Ridgeline trail. 

Start at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) where there's easy parking, restrooms, a staff member to answer questions, and maps for each trail. Remember to leave a donation for any maps you take! And to come back after your hike to browse the educational materials, identify the fossils you find, and to pet the resident rat snake.

Expect to see beautiful large rock outcrops and hemlock trees along the Ridgeline trail. You'll also have a short, steep section where a rope has been added for extra stability. The climb would be doable without it, but the rope is great for beginner hikers or anyone who will struggle on loose, crumbly ground. As you near the next section of trail, you'll hike through a lowlands area where you'll likely want bug spray. In this section, also keep a close eye on the ground for salamanders; you'll see lots of these little ones underfoot!

The Fossil Trail is a short, must-see at the PEEC. Shortly after starting, you'll come to a large outcrop. You'll have to look closely to find the small fossils, but previous hikers have also left notable examples along a nearby log for viewing. 

The Two Ponds trail is a good bet for groups; it's a wider, easier trail circling two lakes. 

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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