George W. Childs Park in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area set to re-open on Oct. 2

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – National Park Service officials announced Monday that George W. Childs Park (Childs Park) in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will reopen to the public at 12:00 p.m. on Oct. 2, following a short opening ceremony.

The popular destination, which boasts three waterfalls, a hiking trail, and several observation areas, has been closed since 2018 when back-to-back winter storms destroyed much of the site.

“Though there have been a few changes to the site, like the improved and expanded accessible portion of the trail and the removal and restoration of a short section of trail that was too damaged to repair, returning visitors and first-time visitors alike will be greeted by a rustic trail system with perfectly situated bridges and viewing platforms that highlight three scenic waterfalls and the natural environment in which they are located, similar to what was originally envisioned by George W. Childs over a century ago,” said Doyle Sapp, Park Superintendent.

Following the March 2018 storms and prior to and during construction, a great deal of work was accomplished behind the scenes as staff worked to conduct assessments, secure funding for each phase of work, line up contractors, develop construction and engineering plans, conduct necessary studies, and ensure that all planned work complies with laws, policies, and best management practices for protecting the natural and historic features and processes at this site.

On-site work was completed in several phases by contractors and the park’s professional trail crew, with some early assistance with site clearing from the park’s volunteer Trail Stewards:

• Selection and removal of downed trees from the site was a complex process that involved teams of highly trained sawyers and arborists. Downed trees that do not present a hazard to the public or to infrastructure remain on site where they provide habitat, cover, and contribute to the natural processes of the hemlock ravine ecosystem.
• Over 2,000 feet of accessible trail has been regraded and resurfaced, including the addition of a new 950-foot section that leads to the historic well pump structure.
• Four damaged trail bridges over Dingmans Creek were repaired, and two bog bridges over wet areas along the trail were removed and replaced.
• A short section of trail that sustained significant damage on the south side of Dingmans Creek between Fulmer and Deer Leap Falls was removed, and the area was restored to natural conditions.
• Railings, posts, and fencing were replaced as needed throughout the site.
• Two dry-laid stone retaining walls and one wooden retaining wall were rebuilt or constructed.
• Substantial repairs were made to three observation platforms.
• Stairs, stairways, stair treads, and landings were repaired or replaced as needed throughout the site, including the construction of more than 60 box crib steps and treads.
• New benches and signs have been installed.
• A large quantity of debris from the storms and from demolition and construction activities was removed from the site.
• Additional restoration work continues outside the site, downstream from Deer Leap Falls and the lowermost pool.

Childs Park has been a popular destination for both local and out-of-town visitors since it first opened to the public in 1892 under the ownership of Philadelphia philanthropist and newspaperman George William Childs and subsequently his widow, Emma Bouvier Childs.

In 1912, Emma Childs deeded the 53-acre property to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a state park, improvements were made and amenities were added. Between 1933 and 1936, a substantial amount of work was done by Company 1399 of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was stationed nearby, including the construction of new buildings, picnic sites, fireplaces, wells, latrines, parking spaces, a new entrance, and trail improvements. In 1955, Childs Park was expanded to its current size—155 acres—when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased an adjoining 102-acre tract. In 1983, the site was transferred to the National Park Service and continues to be a favorite destination for many.

“Now that this special place will be available to the public again, the National Park Service is asking everyone who visits to help take care of it by following the rules, keeping it clean, and practicing Leave No Trace principles, like staying on designated trails, visiting in small groups, and disposing of all trash and waste properly,” Sapp said.

Childs Park is open for hiking and nature observation from dawn to dusk daily through the fall. Swimming, jumping from or climbing on rocks and waterfalls, pets, and picnicking are prohibited at the site. A list of designated swimming and picnic areas is available on the park website. Park rangers remind those who are looking forward to visiting Childs Park to pack their patience since parking is limited and the site is expected to be very busy, especially on weekends.

For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area call the information desk at 570-426-2452 or visit www.nps.gov/dewa.