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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Turning 50

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Published Date

September 1, 2015
Dingmans Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area/NPS

Delaware Water Gap NRA, which counts Dingsmans Falls as one of its gems, turns 50 on September 1/NPS

It was 50 years ago that Congress was convinced that it would be unwise to dam the longest river in the Eastern United States. Instead, it agreed to create the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

September 1 marks the 50th birthday of the NRA that straddles the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border along which the Delaware River runs.

Since 1965, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has invited visitors to enjoy 40 miles of free flowing river and some 70,000 acres of forests and floodplains, waterfalls and marshes, beaches and mountain terrain. The park’s 186 miles of trail and 160 miles of scenic touring roads have served to provide great visitor experiences.

Additionally, “Its natural setting makes it the perfect location for wildlife viewing, including black bear, deer, and a wide variety of birds,” says Superintendent John Donahue.

“Today," the superintendent says, "we are focused on the future even as we pause to reflect on the past."

The park is in the process of developing a Visitor Use Management Plan and a Historic Properties Management Plan so the public can help determine where the next century will take their park.

“We have a vision of a sustainable operations reflecting the values of natural and historical conservation and creating an easily recognizable identity for this special place that includes education, organizational efficiency and most of all our neighbors as full partners in creating that future," the superintendent said. “We provide people with the opportunity to be inspired.

“We invite everyone to come to the park and enjoy its beauty, experience nature, learn about its history, and spend time here with friends and family. We invite you to be inspired.”

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