By: Shelby Coulton, CDRW Communications Intern
Exploring local parks and outdoor recreation areas are often our first experiences in nature when we’re young, and as we grow older these places continue to offer space to relax, enjoy our favorite hobbies, get our bodies moving, connect with the community, and to gather with friends and family.
In celebration of Parks and Recreation Month, we’ve put together a short list of parks and trails that can be visited within the Delaware River Watershed. So, fill up your water bottle (reusable, of course!), lace up your hiking boots or sneakers, grab your bike, fishing pole or binoculars, and get outside!
Bouchoux Trail or Jensen’s Ledges overlooking the Upper Delaware River. Image courtesy of Scenic Wild Delaware River.
Bouchoux Trail / Jensen’s Ledges (Lordville, NY)
Bouchoux Trail, also called Jensen’s Ledges, sits within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreation River- an area which runs along the Delaware River in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New York state. This is a moderately challenging hike that passes through rocky terrain and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the upper Delaware River. The length of the trail is approximately 2 miles long. Learn more about the trail here.
Washington Crossing State Park (Titusville, NJ)
Washington Crossing State Park is located in Titusville, New Jersey at the site of George Washington’s historic 1776 crossing of the Delaware River. Today, the park offers a visitor center museum, nature center, picnic areas, playgrounds, 13 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and more. Learn more about the park here.
Delaware Canal State Park (Pennsylvania) & Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park (New Jersey)
Along each side of the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey sit the historical Delaware Canal State Park (PA) and Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park (NJ). The Delaware Canal State Park runs between Easton and Bristol, PA and offers around 59 miles of towpath. On the opposite side of the river, the Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park encompasses more than 70 miles of towpath throughout central New Jersey. Both parks are popular areas for walkers, runners, bikers, and wildlife watchers. When stocked, the canal is also a great location for fishing. For more information on the Delaware Canal State Park you can visit here, and for the Delaware-Raritan Canal State Park visit here.
Wissahickon Valley Park (Philadelphia, PA)
Wissahickon Valley Park. Image courtesy of Friends of Wissahickon.
Wissahickon Valley Park is located in Northwest Philadelphia and offers 1,800 acres of forest and meadows and more than 50 miles of trails. The park offers a variety of amenities, such as picnic areas and numerous trails suitable for beginner or experienced hikers. Learn more about Wissahickon Valley Park here.
Fox Point State Park (Wilmington, DE)
Located in Wilmington, Delaware, Fox Point State Park sits right on the shores of the Delaware River. The park is offers many outdoor activity options, such as bird watching, picnicking, biking, walking and volleyball. You can learn more about Fox Point State Park and its amenities here.
Mongaup River Trail (Sparrow Bush, NY)
Like the Bouchoux Trail, Mongaup River Trail also sits within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River area. Located in Sparrow Bush, New York, this nearly two-mile beginner trail offers extraordinary views of the Upper Delaware River. Learn more about the trail by visiting here.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Northeast PA)
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Image courtesy of Charlie Fineran/NPS.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in Northeast Pennsylvania along the Delaware River. It encompasses 150 miles of trails with picturesque views of the river and numerous waterfalls. The area provides an array of trails for every hiker, such as boardwalk trails and advanced trails with steep inclines and rough terrain. Learn more about the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area here.
Port Jervis Watershed Trails (Port Jervis & Deerpark, NY)
Developed in 2014, the Port Jervis Watershed Trails sit within the Port Jervis and Deerpark, New York Area. This recreation area contains approximately 30 miles of trails of varying levels and lengths, and offers a scenic view of the Tri-State area and Upper Delaware River. The trails are open to hikers, bikers, or anyone who wants to explore the outdoors. Learn more about the trails here.
Tusten Mountain Trail (Narrowsburg, NY)
Located in Narrowsburg, New York, Tusten Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging trail that is approximately 3 miles in distance. This trail is also a part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreation River area. This scenic loop offers beautiful views of the Upper Delaware River and is an ideal trail for hikers that want to witness peak tree foliage in the fall season. Learn more about the Tusten Mountain Trail here.
White Clay Creek State Park (Newark, DE)
White Clay Creek State Park. Image courtesy of DNREC.
White Clay Creek State Park is located in Newark, Delaware and provides 37 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and runners. White Clay Creek, which runs through the park, is a National Wild and Scenic River and is a great spot for fishing as well. This lush trail system is also great for bird watching, geocaching, picnicking, and more. Learn more about White Clay Creek State Park and its amenities here.
Damascus Forest Trail (Beach Lake, PA)
Similar to the Bouchoux Trail, Mongaup River Trail, and Tusten Mountain Trail, Damascus Forest Trail also sits within the Upper Delaware River region. This trail is located in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania and is great for beginner hikers. The trail is approximately 2 miles long. Learn more about Damascus Forest Trail here.
You can discover more parks within the Delaware River Watershed Basin states below:
New York- NY State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Park Search
New Jersey- NJ DEP State Park and Forest Locator
Pennsylvania- PA DCNR Find a State Park
Delaware- DE DNREC Find a Park
Locate additional hiking trails near you here.