Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area announces winter service levels, plowing priorities
DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will implement its standard winter service levels beginning Jan. 2, 2026 — or sooner if the first significant snowfall arrives earlier — with plowing priorities, seasonal road closures and reduced maintenance across the park, officials announced.
The National Park Service said the adjustments are necessary each year during the low-staffing winter months to ensure public safety across more than 150 miles of paved and dirt roads.
“Visitor safety remains our top concern when maintaining over 150 miles of paved and dirt roads,” Acting Superintendent Eamon Leighty said. “With our limited winter staffing capacity, we prioritize roads and areas with the highest visitor use, ensuring those traveling within the park can do so safely.”
Under the plan, staff will first clear primary routes used by local residents and park visitors. Secondary roads and parking areas for buildings open to the public will be plowed next. Some roads will receive no winter maintenance and will remain closed until conditions improve naturally. Others will be gated and closed to all vehicle traffic until spring. Most sites will reopen April 15, with the remainder expected to open in May.
Park officials cautioned that during storms, drivers should expect snow-covered roads. “When in doubt, do not drive,” the park advised. Priority routes may close temporarily if weather conditions exceed plowing capacity or if equipment breaks down.
Pennsylvania Roads
- US Route 209 is the top plowing priority.
- River Road, from Hialeah Recreation Site to Park Headquarters, will receive no winter maintenance and will close ahead of storms.
- Zion Church Road will be plowed after River Road reopens.
New Jersey Roads
Routes prioritized to remain open:
- Route 602 (Millbrook Village to park boundary)
- NPS Route 615 (except areas closed due to landslide/washout)
- Pompey Ridge Road to Route 615
- Old Mine Road (Flatbrookville to Pompey Ridge Road; Milbrook Village to Flatbrookville)
Old Mine Road closures:
- Worthington State Forest boundary to Millbrook Village
- Dirt section passing Van Campen Inn
- Mettler Road to Route 206 intersection — no winter maintenance
Other closures:
- Blue Mountain Lakes Road closed to vehicles before storms; open for walking, skiing and snowshoeing
- Mountain Road (NPS section) closed to vehicles
- Historic Flatbrook bridge in Walpack Center remains closed due to structural damage
- Jager Road — no winter maintenance
Visitor Sites & Facilities
Park crews will clear walkways and parking lots within 72 hours after storms. River access areas will reopen after priority roads are cleared, though river ice may limit use.
Open river access points:
- Dingmans Access
- Milford Beach
- Bushkill Access
No winter maintenance:
-
Eshback Access
All trails remain open, though conditions may be icy or snow-covered. Some trailhead parking will be limited or unmaintained.
- McDade Trail lots will be plowed last; Jerry Lees and Venturo will receive no maintenance.
- Dingmans Falls Visitor Center and surrounding areas remain closed for construction.
- Upper Raymondskill Falls parking and George W. Childs Park parking will close Jan. 2 through April 15.
- Cliff Park lot will receive no winter maintenance.
Restrooms
Open restrooms will be available at:
- New Jersey: Kittatinny Point Picnic Area, Millbrook Village
- Pennsylvania: Milford Beach, Dingmans Access, Bushkill Meeting Center, Bushkill Access, Hidden Lake, Toms Creek
More information is available at www.nps.gov/dewa.
