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From the east: it is 25 miles from Interstate 80 NJ Exit 34, via NJ Routes 15 north and 206 north and Sussex County 560 west. From 560 west turn left onto County Rd. 615, proceed to Peters Valley and park at the Craft Center. From the Pennsylvania side take Rt.209 to Dingman’s Ferry, cross the Delaware River and head south on Old Mine Road. Turn left onto Kuhn Road and proceed to Peters Valley.
General Description: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses 70,000 acres of ridges, forests, lakes and rivers on both sides of the Delaware River in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Delaware River, the only remaining undammed river in the eastern United States, is part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through the Appalachian Mountains at the scenic Delaware Water Gap. This mountain bike ride is located in the middle section of the National Recreation Area on the New Jersey side of the River within New Jersey Skyland's wild and scenic wilderness. While there there are no designated trails for mountain biking on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, loop rides can be made using a network of both paved and gravel back roads that wind through the valley for miles of easy, scenic off-road cycling. With habitats ranging from rivers and ponds to dry ridge tops, the Delaware Water Gap is home to a variety of animals. Some of the species include black bear, white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, wild turkey, owl, bald and golden eagle, peregrine falcon and many reptiles and amphibians. Historic sites, educational and natural resources along this route, or nearby include Van Campen Inn, the Walpack Valley Environmental Education Center, Millbrook Village, Peters Valley Craft Center, Buttermilk Falls and The Flatbrook-Roy Fish & Wildlife Management Area.
Peters Valley Mountain Bike Tour Route Begin your 15 mile mountain bike trip by pedalling west from Peters Valley Craft Center for a short stretch on paved Kuhn Road and then south onto an unpaved section of historic Old Mine Road. The road is said to be one of the earliest commercial roadways in the nation, having been built in 1659 by Dutch settlers to bring copper ore 104 miles from the Pahaquarry Mines, located a few miles north of the Delaware Water Gap, to Esopus (now Kingston, NY) on the Hudson River. The road surface along this section of Old Mine Road is hard-packed, smooth gravel. The wide path is fairly level and follows the Delaware River through stretches of shaded woods, along corn fields, old overgrown farm fields and meadows. The tree canopy is not quite closed, allowing the bright sunlight to dapple the roadway. After around 2.5 miles you'll arrive at the historic Van Campen Inn, built in 1746, overlooking the Shapanack Flats and the river. Bicycling past the Inn, you are treated to river views. Bright orange day lillies line both sides of the road. At around 4.5 miles, turn left onto gravel Pompey Road. When you arrive at a T-intersection, turn right onto paved NPS 615 south. Although the traffic is sparse, use caution as there is no shoulder. Proceed for 1.5 miles over the rolling, winding terrain with lovely views of the mountains. Turn left just past a house onto a dirt road (unnamed) that goes slightly downhill. After almost a quarter of a mile, turn left and take the bridge over Flat Brook. Continue straight on the dirt / gravel Mountain Rd. (north) which eventually leads back to NPS 615 and then Peters Valley. Note: A shorter loop ride can be made by turning from Pompey Road left onto paved NPS 615 and heading north through Walpack Center back to Peters Valley. Use caution as traffic increases during peak season, especially on weekends. The Mountain Rd. stretch of your mountain bike tour along the backroads of Peter's Valley is rougher than than The Old Mine section. The dirt /gravel surfaced road is more rugged and winds and twists over hilly, rolling terrain. Expect rocky stretches, potholes and washboard bumps. At 2.5 miles beyond Flat Brook you 'll come to Buttermilk Falls which is visible right beside Mountain Rd. Cascading 75 feet down the side of Kittatinny Mountain, it is the highest waterfall in New Jersey. Take the time for a short hike to the top of the Falls via the blue-blazed Buttermilk Falls Trail, which begins as a wooden stairway that climbs steeply to the top of the falls. Viewing platforms offer stunning views. At the top, the trail heads into the forest along a branch of the Flatbrook River and terminates at its junction with the Appalachian Trail at 1.9 miles from the start. If you are here during the summer, the falls may be reduced to a trickle. To see Buttermilk Falls in all it's glory, the best time to come is early Spring (May, early June). Gushing waterfalls or not, this bike ride is fantastic in any season. Continuing on your ride, you'll pass by the Walpack Cemetary and the road leading to Walpack Center, a once thriving village now frozen in time. Shortly after that, the route travels through the center of the 2,090-acre Flatbrook-Roy Fish & Wildlife Management Area, one of three located on the Kittatinny Ridge. Look out for deer, rabbits, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and a variety of other waterfowl and birds. Then it's a short distance back to where your mountain bike ride began. Due to distance, be prepared. Bring plenty of water and snacks along with you on this trip.
Other Nearby Outdoor Activities Several Outdoor Adventure Outfitters, located at various points along the river, provide boat rentals and have permits to drop off and pick up canoers, kayakers and rafters within the Delaware River National Recreation Area. Over the years we have floated down the Delaware River by canoe, kayak and raft many times. There are both calm, serene stretches perfect for novices and those looking for more adventure will enjoy the exciting, rocky stretches of Class I to III whitewater. If you wish to avoid crowds on the river, avoid weekends during the peak summer season.
Historical Note:
Peters Valley Crafts Center A nationally recognized center for fine crafts, founded in 1970. An Annual Craft Fair is held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in September. Peters Valley has a ten-year lease with the park for the land and 36 buildings, with 16 on the National Historic Register. The non-profit education community employs nationally recognized instructors for spring, summer and fall workshops in all major craft mediums. Historic Millbrook Village Enjoy a self-guided tour of this living history village located several miles south of the ride location. More than 150 volunteers of the Millbrook Village Society bring it alive in the Fall for the Millbrook Days celebration October 1-2. Programs, activities and demonstrations celebrate the rural life of this country around the year 1900. Parking and admission are free. Van Campen Inn Built around 1746, the two story stone Van Campen Inn is one of the oldest homes in the recreation area, and has been restored by the National Park Service. During the American Revolution. The inn saw many uses over it's long history. It was used as officers’ quarters during the American Reviolution; during the French and Indian War it served as a fort. The house was also a rest stop for travelers along the Old Mine Road. John Adams, a friend of Isaac Van Campen stayed here. Van Campen Day, an event usually held on the third Sunday in October offers visitors tours of the Inn, guided hikes along historic Military Trail and craft demonstrations. Walpack Center Walpack Center served as the village center for the once thriving farm community located in the center of Peters Valley. It contained a general store, post office, blacksmith shop, church, a school and a few residences. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, a way of life changed and the population declined. The National Park Service is taking a number of steps to preserve Wallpack Center.
For more information: Visitor Services Division Bushkill, PA 18324-9999 Phone: Visitor Information - HQ (570) 426-2452
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