Can you swim in Delaware Water Gap?

Swimming is a popular activity at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Three beaches provide easy access to swim in the river. Be aware that there are no lifeguards at the beaches - swim at your own risk. Picnic and restroom facilities are also available at the beaches.



Yes, swimming is a very popular activity in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, but it is restricted to specific areas for safety. The two primary lifeguarded beaches are Smithfield Beach (in Pennsylvania) and Turtle Beach (in New Jersey), which are typically open from mid-June through Labor Day. There is a small "expanded amenity fee" (usually around $10 per vehicle) to park at these beaches during the summer. While you are technically allowed to swim in other parts of the river, it is strongly discouraged and can be very dangerous due to strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and hidden underwater debris. The Delaware River may look calm on the surface, but it is a powerful moving body of water. Wearing a life jacket (PFD) is highly recommended for all swimmers, even at the designated beaches. Diving from cliffs or rocks is strictly prohibited throughout the park. For those who prefer calmer water, many visitors also enjoy wading and swimming in the various creeks and at the base of smaller waterfalls like Milford Beach, though these areas are not lifeguarded and require extra caution.

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The Delaware River within the park has very high quality water that is protected from degradation by Special Protection Water Regulations adopted by the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).

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Some popular Delaware River swimming holes are located at Bulls Island just north of New Hope and Lambertville, Farview in Stroudsburg, Flatbrook and Milford swimming holes in Milford, and at the Trestle Bridge in Columbia, New Jersey. 112 Popular swimming lakes include Crater Lake and Highlands Natural Pool.

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Along the park's waterways, look for raccoons, muskrats, mink, beaver and if you're lucky enough, you might even see some otters frolicking along the river bank. In the forest, look for gray squirrels (some are jet black), gray fox, and black bear.

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Delaware River at Montague, NJ - Sussex County, NJ One meal is defined as an eight-ounce serving. 3. Eat only the fillet portions of the fish. Use proper trimming techniques to remove fat, and cooking methods that allow juices to drain from the fish (e.g., baking, broiling, frying, grilling, and steaming).

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Delaware Seashore The main attraction for many visitors is swimming and sunbathing along the park's spectacular beaches. Two ocean swimming areas feature modern bathhouses with showers and changing rooms. Lifeguards patrol the beaches from 9 am to 5 pm daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

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For its size, the Upper Delaware River contains some of the highest water quality in the eastern United States. The upper portion of the watershed remains largely forested. These forests act as a natural buffer against pollution and erosion by filtering water, which is very important for maintaining water quality.

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Though the park was set aside as an area for outdoor recreation, it is also rich in history, encompassing significant Native American archeological sites and structures from the early Dutch settlement during the colonial period. The entire region was a frontier of the French & Indian War.

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John Maerz, Professor of Vertebrate Ecology at the University of Georgia, told Reuters that all snakes can swim, and most swim below the water, or partially submerged.

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Never swim in water where crocodiles may live even if there is no warning sign. Only swim in designated safe swimming areas.

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Paddle through the Delaware Water Gap. Take as much time as you like to drift down this stretch of the Delaware River. Great for first timers on rafts, experienced paddlers can enjoy in in canoes or kayaks, or try one of our new inflatable kayaks on this relaxing half day adventure.

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However, today, because of historical pollution and the ability of some mussels to accumulate environmental contaminants it is not advised to consume freshwater mussels.

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