Delaware Water Gap Scenic Overlook

National Park Service Site

One of the most popular attractions in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the gap itself, a distinct notch cut into the Kittatinny Ridge by the river. The gap can be seen from various overlooks along PA 611 or from Interstate 80. The area has a rich history, as it was once a destination for tourists and railroads in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Delaware Water Gap was formed 500 million years ago when quartz pebbles from mountains in the area were deposited in a shallow sea. The eastern side of the mountain was uplifted 450 million years ago when a chain of volcanic islands collided with what was to become North America. This created an area of structural weakness in the rock, which was eroded by the river over time, leading to the formation of the gap. The gap is about 1000 feet across at river level and almost a mile wide at the top.

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Delaware Water Gap Scenic Overlook

National Park Service Site

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