Dingmans Falls Trail repairs begin July 18

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – The trail crew at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will begin the final stage of repairs to the Dingmans Falls boardwalk trail on Monday, July 18, which is a quarter-mile trail that leads to Silverthread and Dingmans Falls.

During construction, the boardwalk trail will be closed on weekdays and an alternate route to the 130-foot Dingmans Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, will be available for use. The entire boardwalk trail will be open on weekends as usual. The boardwalk trail will remain open daily from the parking lot to Silverthread Falls as work on that section was completed last summer.  Trail work is expected to be completed early fall.

“The Dingmans Falls boardwalk trail is one of the most-popular destinations in the park, but the trail is worn and in need of repairs from the heavy use,” pointed out Jesse Rourke, trail crew leader.  “Workers are looking forward to completing this important project that will help reduce maintenance needs along the trail for years to come while ensuring that visitors have safe access to the trail and to the stunning scenery that Dingmans ravine offers.”

Work on the trail began last summer and the work includes replacement of the original composite decking material that was installed when the boardwalk trail was first constructed in the 1990s and installation of new planks on the second trail bridge to replace those that are damaged. Railings and bridge and trail structures will also be assessed and replaced as necessary.

The temporary trail to Dingmans Falls begins behind the visitor center and is identified by signs. The quarter-mile alternative is a mixed gravel path with a short, steep hill at the beginning and a gradual decline down to the waterfall viewing platform area. The temporary trail is not wheelchair accessible, however the entire boardwalk trail will be open on weekends during the construction period and the trail from the parking lot to Silverthread Falls is open daily.

Dingmans Falls Visitor Center is open to the public Fridays through Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until September 4.