Delaware Water Gap NRA's Mountain Road And Buttermilk Falls Trail Are Open

Published Date

October 22, 2021

Buttermilk Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area/NPS

Mountain Road and the Buttermilk Falls Trail at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Walpack Township, New Jersey, reopened to the public Friday.

“There has been a lot of much-needed work going on in this area over the last few months that will help to protect park resources, improve sustainability, and provide a better experience for visitors at one of the most popular destinations in the park,” said John Lambert, the chief of facility management at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

“We are thrilled to be able to re-open the trail and open the road to vehicles for the remainder of the fall season now that work in the area has been completed.”

Mountain Road has been closed to vehicles since January 2019 for various reasons, including annual winter closures and to allow for greater social distancing opportunities during a period of record visitation in 2020. Most recently, the gravel road was closed to vehicles while a team of historic preservation specialists and masons repaired and restored a historic stone culvert through which Buttermilk Falls Brook passes after tumbling over the 75-foot falls.

Mountain Road will be closed to vehicles for the winter, as it is each year, on January 1 or after the first significant snowfall, whichever comes first.

The Buttermilk Falls Trail also received a major upgrade. The 1.4-mile trail was closed for the past two months while the park’s trail crew replaced the rotted timber staircase and rebuilt two observation platforms.

“This work will improve the hiking experience for visitors who come to see the tallest waterfall in the state of New Jersey and one of the most scenic areas in the national recreation area,” said Jesse Rourke, the NRA's acting trail crew leader. “Drainage improvements and the replacement of failing telephone pole trail structures with rot-resistant black locust that was sourced within the park from trees that were toppled by storms will also improve the long-term sustainability of this popular destination, reduce future maintenance costs, and protect natural and cultural resources within the area.”

For directions and information on the Buttermilk Falls Trail go to Buttermilk Falls Trail - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For updates on road and trail closures in the park visit Current Conditions - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

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