The spectacular Delaware Water Gap has inspired and fascinated people for centuries. From the mid-19^th through the early 20^th century, Delaware Water Gap was one of the most popular summer resorts in the eastern United States, dozens of hotels served thousands of summer visitors. A distinct notch cut into the Kittatinny Ridge by the Delaware River, the site was once touted as a scenic Wonder of the World, giving impressive views when motoring through on Interstate 80 or viewed from the overlooks along PA 611.

While my Photo of the Week photos are showcasing Kittatinny Point, they also give diverse views of the Water Gap from different points in the Gap. To be familiar with the entire water gap, greatly increases one’s appreciation of Kittatinny Point, the main “hub”, if you will, of most activities in the Gap!

FIRST THINGS FIRST:

A quick and fun introduction and description of the Delaware Water Gap gleaned from various resources – The Delaware Water Gap is about 300 metres (980 ft) across at river level and 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) wide at the top.  The Delaware River through the gap is 290 feet above sea level.  The ridge of the Appalachians that the Delaware crosses is called the Blue Mountains in Pennsylvania and the Kittatinny Ridge in New Jersey.  The Water Gap is traversed by I 80 in NJ, PA 611 in PA and the Delaware – Lackawanna RR in PA. 

I am thinking, I should also add the many various boaters, kayakers, canoeists and rafters who use the river as a scenic recreational water trail. I have even seen helicopter tours! SO, by land, water or air, the Delaware Water Gap is a great place to visit! 

MAIN GEOLOGICAL FEATURES:

MOUNT TAMMANY – is the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains, in Knowlton Township, Warren County. Named after the Lenni Lenape Chief Tamanend it rises to a height of 1,526 feet and forms the east side of the Delaware Water Gap.  Mt. Tammany lies along the famous Appalachian Trail in Worthington State Forest.  The summit may be reached by multiple trails ascending the western slopes.  The Tammany Trail (red dot) trailhead is located just off I 80 in the Dunnfield Creek parking area.  **NOTE:  Hike to summit via Tammany Trail offers many spectacular views of the Water Gap!!**

MOUNT MINSI – is the eastern extent of the Blue Mountain, in the Borough of Delaware Water Gap, Monroe County, PA.  It rises to an elevation of 1,461 feet and forms the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap. Mt. Minsi lies along the famous Appalachian Trail and the easiest rout to its summit is via the Appalachian Trail, from the Lake Lenape trailhead near the Borough of Delaware Water Gap.  **NOTE:  Hike to summit via Appalachian Trail offers many spectacular views of the Water Gap!!**

DELAWARE RIVER – is named in honor of Thomas West, 3^rd Baron De La Warr (1577-1618), an English nobleman and the Virginia Colony’s first royal governor, who defended the colony during the First Anglo-Powhatan War. It is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.  From the meeting of its branches in Hancock, New York, the river flows for 282 miles along the borders of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, before emptying into Delaware Bay.  It is the longest free-flowing river in the eastern United States.  The river has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as one of the country’s Great Waters. It is also designated by the U.S. Congress as a Wild & Scenic River in its Upper, Middle and Lower watershed.  The river’s watershed drains an area of 13,539 square miles and provides drinking water for 17 million people.

Please visit my Flickr site for more photos of the Delaware Water Gap!

Enjoy Your Open Space  

Charlie Fineran   

Director Open Space 

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman   

Allamuchy Historical Society –  President