Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Trip Chair: Bobbie Scarpino
Committee: Carolyn Eastman, Jeff and Sally Steele, Jerry Stewart, Lori Waterman.

Thirty-eight Tramps traveled 193 miles to Stroudsburg, PA to explore the Delaware Water Gap, an area 40 miles in length carved out by the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our home base was the Hampton Inn, tucked away in a quiet city neighborhood on a dead end street.

Day 1, our arrival day, began with a number of mishaps that made many of us wonder if this was an omen of how things were going to go for the rest of the trip! On the way, Kathy broke a tooth and had to make a quick return trip home to get it repaired before heading back on the road. Madonna’s bike was stolen right off the car at a bathroom stop in Deposit, NY. Then Bill got stuck in the hotel elevator! Strike 3! (The broken elevator was fondly referred to as “Bill’s Elevator” for the rest of the weekend!) Other than these misfortunes and the weather, the rest of the weekend went well.

After all had safely arrived, we made our way out in small groups to explore the city of Stroudsburg. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of eateries within walking distance. The Irish Pub, “Siasma”, quickly became a favorite, along with the Mexican restaurant, “Marita”, for its margaritas!

We woke up to rain on Day 2, but that didn’t deter 35 people from getting outside to hike. We had to forego our original plan of hiking up to and on the AT, to a mostly level 6.5 mi. hike on the McDade Recreational Trail along the Delaware River on the PA side. We lost several on the way to the trailhead, but thanks to modern technology and many phone calls, we all met up on the same trail. Umbrellas, ponchos, and raincoats kept us somewhat dry. Our steps hurried to complete the last mile when thunderclaps were heard. The last 0.7 mi was a quick upward climb on switchbacks.

We split into smaller groups to do different activities that afternoon. Many of us found some amazing waterfalls on the PA side of the Delaware River. Raymondskill has 4 tiers, making it the longest vertical drop in PA. Dingmans Falls required more of a hike, which included a walk by Silver Thread Falls, (a narrow, but beautiful long chute of water), through a tunnel of rhododendron, and a climb up 251 stairs to the top of the very powerful Dingmans Falls.

We were glad to see the sun make an appearance the next day, despite the chill and strong wind. Choices of activities were made. 15 bikers led by Don, equipped with a map drawn by Bill, journeyed up the Old Mine Rd. along the Delaware River on the NJ side for a 25 mi. round trip. The Old Mine Rd. is the oldest road in America built by the Dutch settlers to transport copper mined in the hills along this road. Avoiding as many potholes as possible, the bikers made their way to historic Millbrook Village, an area with restored buildings from the time of the area’s first settlers.

Carolyn took 9 hikers on a challenging 13 mi. hike up the Coppermines Trail off the Old Mine Rd. to the top of the AT, and along the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail. No snakes were found, but swamp, YES! Back at their cars fireballs were found attached to their door handles, no doubt left by Jerry as he biked by the trailhead.

Bobbie drove her group of 9 hikers to the top of the AT in NJ and then climbed 0.5 mi. to the top of the ridge and further on to a fire tower with 360 degree views. Here they met up with the other group of hikers for lunch. Then it was back down through the same Rattlesnake Swamp.

After the hike, a few drove the scenic route back along the Old Mine Rd. Traveling at a snail’s pace, they experienced crossing the historic Dingmans Bridge over the Delaware. Built in the early 1900’s, this narrow two lane bridge continues to service traffic at the middle of the Gap. A woman stands at the toll booth between the two lanes on the PA side to collect the $1.00 toll. She did not think it funny when asked if she took E-Z Pass! From there a stop was made at the “Tiki Bar” for a beverage. Other Tramps were supposed to meet there by taking the highway, but were unable to find it, possibly because the name of it was Petrizzo’s, not Tiki Bar!

A kayak on the Delaware had been planned for Sunday, but our reservation was cancelled by the outfitters due to expected high water. Drizzle from the skies sent most people home early. A few stayed on to see what else could be explored in the area. An outlet mall 5 miles away called to them where some items were found that they just couldn’t resist. Tom O’ found a raincoat, Mark found some shirts, and Margaret and Bobbie found some very colorful “neck gaiters,” that could serve a dual purpose. Not sure if the “one size fits all” would work for them, the gaiters were not purchased. Ask one of them to describe these to you! Historic Milford with its beautiful Victorian homes was explored by Mary Pat. She then hiked 3 miles in the PEEC (PA Environmental Education Center) to Tumbling Waters, another beautiful waterfall. Mark, Margaret, and Bobbie decided to pay the $15.50 fee to see Bushkill Falls. It was worth the money. Bushkill is a series of powerful falls that keep dropping down a gorge into a fast running creek. There were more than 1100 stairs here! Other trails off the main one went to two other waterfalls, as well as a lookout over the Delaware Valley.

The last day, the 29^th, was the perfect weather day. Only Bobbie and Mary Pat remained to take advantage of the sunny sky and cool temperature to hike up Mt. Tammany on the edge of the Gap in NJ. The 4 mi. roundtrip trail started along the edge of the picturesque Dunnfield Creek, it then branched off upward along a mostly rocky trail to the summit. Mt. Tammany overlooks the “S” bend in the Delaware River as it winds between the states of PA and NJ. A delightful fairy house was found along the trail with an arched back door and an elegant front door. The two hikers added “plates” (pistachio shells) to the rock table inside and decorated the doorways with tiny violets and buttercups.

Overall the trip turned out to be a great adventure. It was definitely a great find and a place full of treasures yet to be discovered.

More photos of Delaware Water Gap trip.