Delaware Water Gapfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Right now in Delaware Water Gap · September
- Beach fee season · Apr–Oct
3days to the next fall foliage seasonOct 1–31, The National Park Service says fall foliage peaks sometime in October, with the week varying as mountain temperatures change
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 4:09 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
First frost usually in ~2 weeks
Oct 12Average first fall frost
May 1Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's E Stroudsburg station (4.1 mi away, 471 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area through the year
- Beach fee seasonNowApr–Oct
- Peak fall color, sometime in OctoberOct
- Snow and iceDec–Mar
Best spots around Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Point of the Gap OverlookOn PA 611 in the heart of the Gap
- Arrow Island OverlookOn PA 611, looking at the Gap from downstream
- Resort Point OverlookOn PA 611, looking at the Gap from upstream
- Mt. MinsiThe Appalachian Trail looks into the Gap from the Pennsylvania side
Around Pennsylvania this week
- Cherry Valley Refuge1 mi · usually Oct 21–31Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Little Pine State Park118 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 25Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Pine Creek Gorge130 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 25Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Mid-Atlantic, sugar maple and flowering dogwood are behind a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
Delaware Water Gap in pictures
How we know
National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap biking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap basic information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, The Water Gap (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap swimming (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap summer 2025 (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in 2026?
The National Park Service says fall foliage peaks sometime in October, with the week varying as mountain temperatures change: Oct 1–31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (Oct 1–31, The National Park Service says fall foliage peaks sometime in October, with the week varying as mountain temperatures change).
How early should I arrive?
Early. The Park Service says the trail to the top of Mt. Minsi, on the Pennsylvania side, is among those crowded on weekends, and parking for popular trails often fills very early in the day in the busy summer season. There's no entry fee.Sources: National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap summer 2025 ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap basic information ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, The Water Gap ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How wide is the Water Gap?
About a quarter mile at river level, and nearly a mile from the top of one mountain to the top of the other.Source: National Park Service, The Water Gap ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the easy roadside views?
Three overlooks on PA 611: Point of the Gap, in the heart of the Gap; Arrow Island, looking from downstream; and Resort Point, looking from upstream.Source: National Park Service, The Water Gap ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
Point of the Gap Overlook: on PA 611 in the heart of the Gap; Arrow Island Overlook: on PA 611, looking at the Gap from downstream; Resort Point Overlook: on PA 611, looking at the Gap from upstream; Mt. Minsi: the Appalachian Trail looks into the Gap from the Pennsylvania side.
What is Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area like through the year?
Snow and ice (Dec–Mar), Beach fee season (Apr–Oct) and Peak fall color, sometime in October (Oct).