DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES Photo: David B. Soete

PENNSYLVANIA • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DELAWARE RIVER BASIN Contents WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, AND NEW JERSEY

Overview ...... 2 Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River . . . . . 48

Dear friends of the Delaware River Basin, The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ...... 5 °° Cultural ...... 50 Outstandingly Remarkable Values ...... 8 ~~Lower Delaware River (including Tinicum Creek, What comes to mind when you think about the Delaware River and its tributaries? Tohickon Creek, and Paunacussing Creek) ...... 50 °° Cultural Values ...... 10 Do you think of a beautiful river valley where one can experience solitude in nature and Ecological Values ...... 12 °° Ecological ...... 51 enjoy the incredible scenery of the meandering river and forested hillsides? A family friendly °° ~~Lower Delaware River ...... 51 destination that provides great opportunities for boating, fi shing, and picnicking? A rare example °° Geological Values ...... 14 ~~Tinicum Creek ...... 52 of a large, undammed river that allows continual natural migration of native fi sh from the sea to °° Recreational Values ...... 16 the river headwaters and back? An intact network of aquatic and riparian habitat that supports Scenic Values ...... 17 ~~Tohickon Creek ...... 52 abundance and diversity of plants, fi sh, birds, and other animals? A waterway and valley with an °° ~~Paunacussing Creek ...... 53 incredible cultural history that relays vivid stories about past inhabitants, including native people, European settlers, and early Americans? °° Geological ...... 54 Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River ...... 18 ~~Lower Delaware River ...... 54 The Delaware River basin is all of this, and much more. Because of these unique values, several °° Cultural ...... 20 segments of the Delaware River and its tributaries have been designated for protection under ~~Tinicum Creek ...... 55 °° Ecological ...... 23 the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. To help us protect this river system for the benefi t and enjoyment ~~Tohickon Creek ...... 56 of future generations, we have contemplated these special values to determine what makes it °° Geological ...... 24 ~~Paunacussing Creek ...... 56 outstandingly remarkable. °° Recreational ...... 26 °° Recreational ...... 57 Knowledgeable people from many agencies and organizations in the region contributed °° Scenic ...... 29 ~~Lower Delaware River ...... 57 important information, insight, and perspectives on these values, including representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware River Basin Commission, ~~Tinicum Creek ...... 58 The Nature Conservancy, and various other river partners from New Jersey, New York, and Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River 30 ~~Tohickon Creek ...... 59 Pennsylvania. °° Cultural ...... 32 ~~Paunacussing Creek ...... 59 Based on this hard work and thoughtful input, we are pleased to present to you the Ecological ...... 34 °° °° Scenic ...... 61 outstandingly remarkable values of the designated segments of the Delaware River and °° Geological ...... 35 its tributaries. The value statements that follow have been developed to provide a strong ~~Lower Delaware River ...... 61 foundation for the future management and protection of this nationally signifi cant river system— °° Recreational ...... 36 ~~Lower Delaware Tributaries (including Tinicum to help us focus our daily attention on the river’s most important aspects. °° Scenic ...... 39 Creek, Tohickon Creek, and Paunacussing Creek) . . . 61 We urge you to read these statements and to share your thoughts with us about what makes the designated segments of the Delaware and its tributaries outstandingly remarkable to you. Thank Musconetcong As the National nation’s principalWild and Scenicconservation River agency,. . . . the . . 40 DepartmentFree-Flowing of the InteriorCondition has .responsibility ...... for. . most . . of. . our63 you for sharing your passion for the Delaware River basin by helping to shape its future! nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water Cultural ...... 42 °° resources; protecting our fi sh, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values °° Ecologicalof our national . . . . parks. . . and. . .historic . . . .places; . . . . and. providing43 forWater the Qualityenjoyment . . of. .life . .through . . . . outdoor . . . . . recreation. . . 75 °° GeologicalThe department ...... assesses . . . . our. . .energy . . . . and . . mineral 44resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The °° Recreational ...... 45 department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live Scenic ...... 47 °° in island territories under U.S. administration. ~~Segment A: Saxton Falls to the Route 46 Bridge 962/116359; September 2012 ~~Segment B: Washington and Mansfield Townships Franklin and Bethlehem Townships Printed on recycled paper. Overview Delaware River Basin Wild and Scenic River Values

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2 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 3 THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT AND THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The act “declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation, which with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

Each designated river in the national system is to be managed in a way that protects and enhances the values that prompted its designation.

Under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, designated rivers are classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. The labels primarily relate to the degree of development along the river, not the proposed uses. And, regardless of the classification, each designated river in the national system is to be managed in a way that protects and enhances the Photo: David B. Soete values that prompted its designation. According to the act, the three classifications are defined as follows:

• “Wild” river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. • “Scenic” river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. • “Recreational” river areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some

shoreline development, and that may have undergone some Photo: David B. Soete impoundment or diversion in the past.

In 1978, Congress used the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River (managed by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area) and Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River as national park system units and components of the national wild and scenic river system. Subsequently, in 2000, Congress followed up on these prior designations and acted to designate multiple sections and tributaries of the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River (including Tinicum Creek, Tohickon Creek, and Paunacussing Creek) as a partnership river. Then, in 2006, the fourth river in the Delaware River basin— the Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic River, a tributary

to the Delaware—was designated by Congress under the Wild and Photo: David B. Soete Scenic Rivers Act as a partnership river and a component of the national wild and scenic river system.

4 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 5 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 7

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a Streams and Rivers n d S Interstate c New Hope e n UV700 ic US Highway R iver Basin • i Á v e State Highway r 0 2.5 5 10 Washington Crossing State Boundary Miles ¤£422 ¨¦§176 ¨¦§95 295 ¨¦§ Delaware R Ewing ¤£1 Produced by NPS Denver Service Center Planning Division September 2012 6 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 9 alues ater ater • • • • • • • iver V iver Scenic cenic R cenic S and d il • • • • • Recreational ational W National • • • • • • Geological iver Basin • ORV CATEGORY ORV Delaware R • • • • • Ecological rossing, Pennsylvania (totaling 38.9 miles) ashington Crossing, Pennsylvania (totaling 38.9 • • • • • • • Cultural rea to the southern boundary (approximately 40 miles) boundary (approximately 40 Area to the southern Gap National Recreation to the railroad tunnels at Highway bridge 20.7-mile stretch from King’s 46 bridge and the (24.2 miles) Musconetcong Gorge Generating Station to just from just south of the Gilbert the city of Easton, Pennsylvania; Pleasant Pumping Station; from just south of the Point north of the Point Pleasant Pumping south of the of the Route 202 bridge; from 1,750 feet Station to a point 1,000 feet north W Route 202 bridge to the town of (14.7 miles) south of Erwinna and north of Point Pleasant Point Pleasant (10.7 miles) (approximately 3 miles) ew York) to the existing railroad bridge immediately downstream of of downstream bridge immediately existing railroad to the New York) (below Hancock, (73.4 miles) of Sparrowbush, New York Cherry Island in the vicinity RIVER SEGMENT oute Route from Saxton Falls to the Wild and Scenic River: The 3.5-mile stretch Musconetcong National 193.8 to the northern border of National Wild and Scenic River: From river mile Lower Delaware to the Lower Delaware River confluence Creek: Headwaters of its two upper branches Tinicum Lower Delaware River confluence near Creek: From the Lake Nockamixon dam to the Tohickon to the Lower Delaware River Solebury Township Paunacussing Creek: Portions passing through From the confluence of the east and west branches branches the east and west confluence of River: From the Recreational Scenic and Upper Delaware of Delaware W River: Northern boundary National Scenic and Recreational Middle Delaware Middle Delaware River Middle Delaware Musconetcong River River Lower Delaware Tinicum Creek Creek Tohickon Paunacussing Creek Upper Delaware River Upper Delaware

iver basin were divided into the into the divided basin were River Delaware of the rivers designated the analysis, RV of O purpose For the segments are segments. The seven analysis identifies these The location map seven segments. following as follows: defined

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be in the river or on its immediate shorelands (generally within 0 .25 mile on (generally be in the river or on its immediate shorelands either side of the river), and the river ecosystem, contribute substantially to the functioning of of the river owe its location or existence to the presence ° ° ° ° ° ° must be river related or dependent. This means that a or dependent. This means that must be river related An ORV value must must be rare, unique, or exemplary at a comparative must be rare, unique, or exemplary An ORV regional or national scale. Such a value would be one that is a a number of similar values conspicuous example from among extraordinary. that are themselves uncommon or

• • Delaware R emarkable V Remarkable Outstandingly the s) are defined byWild and values (ORV Outstandingly remarkable special that make a river worthy of Scenic Rivers Act as the characteristics river management the foundation for wild and scenic protection. Thus, Rivers Interagency Wild and Scenic s. The set of ORV is a clearly defined these criteria for identifying and defining Coordinating Council has issued guidance states that: values. The criteria s, the free-flowing condition and water quality of the In addition to ORV Delaware and its tributaries are also integral to its designated status. Because free-flowing condition and water quality support the integrity s and are key components of future management, they are of the ORV statement. included as part of this ORV er V ic Riv Scen and Wild was then used to determine which An evaluation process for each ORV s. The results of this evaluation ORV river segments contain the different statements providing further were used to develop segment-specific ORV statements. These segment- evidence and support for the broad ORV s that are specific narratives provide a higher level of detail for the ORV the present in each designated segment. The following matrix summarizes statements and evaluation results and provides organization to the ORV It indicates which segments of segment-specific descriptions that follow. s. the Delaware River basin possess the above-mentioned ORV Based on these criteria and a careful analysis of the designated reaches Based on these criteria and a careful National Park Service has of the Delaware River and its tributaries, the that the s are present. The analysis concluded determined that several ORV River basin contain the following designated segments of the Delaware recreational, and scenic. A set of s: cultural, ecological, geological, ORV for that articulates each ORV broad statements has been developed of the Delaware basin. These the collection of all designated segments values of the river system, as narratives capture the overall, combined Rivers Act. protected under the Wild and Scenic lawarthe De of in r Bas ive e R 8 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 11 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R Previously, the Delaware River was valued solely for its water, solely for its water, valued River was the Delaware Previously, While potential for hydropower production. and quarries, timber, conservation function today, supply remains an important water supported the has values natural and cultural of the river’s to the heritage tourism industry significant development of a wellbeing. continued economic Valley’s River Delaware Tourism in the valley started in the 1850s with canal boats and and boats with canal the 1850s in valley started in the Tourism railroads and construction the advent of by the 1880s with expanded More City and Philadelphia. of New York serving residents of hotels and its mainstem Delaware areas along the large natural recently, and support natural values to protect have been conserved tributaries attitudes in public major transformation epitomizing a recreation, late 20th century. their resources that started in the toward rivers and alley alley nn, and Inn, and an Campen’s alues ar patriots to operate. ar patriots to operate. iver V iver alley during historic contact times. contact times. alley during historic cenic R cenic S and d il alues ar. ar. ational W National oast, and the concentrated British alley and Atlantic Coast, and the concentrated British iver Basin • )-listed alley also contains numerous national historic landmark (NHL)-listed rossing, the Minisink Battlefield, V Crossing, the Minisink Battlefield, ashington’s Delaware R W Delaware River important to Military Road are examples of sites along the the Revolutionary W extensive transportation network for The river valley also provided an and bluestone, including coal, timber, the extraction of natural resources, centers in the northeastern United for transfer to the emerging urban transportation of river-related States. This history provides a vignette extractive industries that supplied infrastructure supporting small resource Due to topography, industrial development elsewhere. larger-scale the river corridor initial transportation system paralleled the region’s was succeeded by wagon roads and along trails and the river itself, and corridor, canals and then railroads also followed the river turnpikes. Later, become commercialized. European allowing farming and dairying to transportation, with of river-related settlement followed this pattern apart along the river and journey a day’s towns springing up approximately the main at river crossings, fords, ferries, bridges, and aqueducts. Many of historic streets and structures within these towns and hamlets retain their Delaware integrity and charm, drawing tourists from across the region. The River V Canal, water transportation-related sites and structures such as the Morris Delaware Delaware Canal, Delaware and Hudson Canal, and Roebling’s Aqueduct, known locally as Roebling Bridge. ituated between more accessible areas to the east and south along the areas to the east and south along the Situated between more accessible Hudson River V Nations to the north, the DelawareV presence associated with the Six W provided space for American Revolutionary iver basin provides evidence of over 12,000 years of evidence of over 12,000 years of The Delaware River basin provides culminating in the Munsee American Indian use and occupation, Indian social was a major center of the regional occupation. Minisink the single most important Lenape-Munsee-Delaware network and was Upper Delaware River V community in the iver basin is rich and varied in significant historic and historic and in significant is rich and varied River basin The Delaware to sites associated American Indian history sites, from early cultural Canal Delaware and Hudson use such as the recreational with present Unique among trails. Corridor hiking/biking Heritage Transportation largely intact due to the rivers, many of these sites are large northeastern land use in these river industrial and agricultural absence of large-scale Delaware River basin. segments of the V Cultural 10 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 13 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R

enhance the value and function of one another, strengthening their their strengthening another, of one function value and the enhance their regional importance. and enhancing resilience among interactions species themselves, habitats and Beyond the services functions and yield ecosystem and species these habitats The lateral rivers in the region. by other large unmatched the river and its extensive undeveloped connectivity between The high water flows and reduce peak floods. floodplains moderate abundance conditions support an extraordinary quality and habitat loop which creates a positive feedback of freshwater mussels, quality through maintain and improve water wherein the mussels The combination of both anadromous activity. their filter-feeding the ocean) and catadromous fish migrate to fish (born in freshwater, vital pulses of migrate to freshwater) provides (born in the ocean, rivers and in turn and nutrients) from the sea to the biomass (energy the sea. These biomass from the rivers back to provides pulses of services essential to our society such ecological processes also provide millions in the region, generating as purifying the drinking water for and commercial fisheries, and fish populations for recreational flood damage. reducing the risk of flooding and Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il alues ational W National

iver Basin • As the longest undammed river in the eastern U.S., the Delaware River the Delaware river in the eastern U.S., As the longest undammed all for nearly access to the full range of habitats provides unparalleled Atlantic Coast. fish species of the migratory (diadromous) Delaware R The migratory fish serve as but one of the key ecological components in one of the key ecological components in The migratory fish serve as but of native species and communities that a thriving and largely intact array and quality of the Delaware River and depend on the connected habitats begin with important and its tributaries. These ecological communities such as the aquatic indicator globally rare plants and plant communities (Podostemum ceratophyllum), the species, “threadfoot riverweed” seep and outcrop communities, globally imperiled calcareous riverside forest. The ecological integrity of and the bitternut hickory lowland the aquatic invertebrate and freshwater mussel communities is likewise with high abundance and diversity as well as important noteworthy, populations of imperiled species such as the dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon). The extraordinary complement of migratory rare fish bolsters a broad guild of native fish, including increasingly bridle fish such as the native brook trout and imperiled fish such as the and abundance of aquatic species further enhances This diversity shiner. the riparian and river corridor ecosystem, providing exceptional habitat for species like river otters, mink, black bears, common mergansers, green and blue herons, scarlet tanagers, cerulean warblers, bald eagles, and ospreys. These river corridors and their connection to the Delaware River and tributaries also serve as vital components in the migratory these interrelated bird flyway of the eastern United States. Together, components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems complement and merican shad, blueback herring, alewife herring, alewife as the American shad, blueback Migratory fish such American eel, and sea lamprey, (federally listed species of concern), species) maintain their access shortnose sturgeon (a federally endangered throughout the Delaware River to key spawning and rearing grounds in the Catskill Mountains downstream watershed, from tributary streams tidal estuaries leading to the Atlantic through the mainstem river and River occupies a central, core position Ocean. Furthermore, the Delaware most of these migratory fish. This within the geographic ranges of unrivaled connectedness of habitats, core position, combined with the Delaware River and its tributaries underscores the vital role that the of this extraordinary suite of Atlantic serve in the long-term persistence in perilous or declining status. migratory fish, most of which are combination of exceptionally high water quality, fully functioning functioning fully exceptionally high water quality, A combination of and the absence of aquatic and riparian habitats, floodplains, excellent of species and a contributes to a diverse array dams on the mainstem food web. productive, complex iver system is exceptional is exceptional River system the Delaware integrity of The ecological Atlantic andNortheastern of the mid- large river systems among the tates. United S V ogical Ecol 12 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 15 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R alley. alley support stable, mature, and complex biological communities. communities. mature, and complex biological alley support stable,

irregular bedrock surfaces that add to the dramatic geology of the the of geology the dramatic add to that surfaces bedrock irregular River V Delaware highly by a stable yet is characterized River system The Delaware Ancient habitat types. and resulting of channel types diverse mix as 113 feet pools as deep produced spectacular processes have geologic scenic values. In recreational enjoyment and and rapids that provide Holocene glacial deposition and the recent the river, other places along complexes, riffle/ and erosion have created island riverine down-cutting of the floodplain communities. In addition, many pool structures, and to deep gorges with waterfalls tumbling have narrow, tributary valleys the river valley below. Delaware River processes and features of the Overall, the geologic V of micro- river ecosystem includes a variety This resilient, healthy regionally rare plant and animal climates and habitats that support macroinvertebrate and fish habitat. communities and optimal riverine value of the Delaware River The outstandingly remarkable geologic complex importance. The river’s is further exemplified by its scientific provide geologists with a nearly geologic processes and formations through the Holocene. However, complete record of fluvial deposition about how the geology of the river debates remain among scientists the need for ongoing investigations. has changed over time, furthering Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: outh ater Gap at South alues alley Physiographic Province alley Physiographic Province iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il alues alley Physiographic Province, specifically the Great the Great alley Physiographic Province, specifically ational W National idge Physiographic Province, and the Piedmont and the Piedmont Province, Ridge Physiographic alley and iver Basin • The designated wild and scenic portions of the river system contain a of the river system contain a designated wild and scenic portions The accessible geological formations that are easily high degree of diverse evolution over evidence of earth’s features provide These to the public. of many major timespan and the influence an approximately billion-year events These America. history of eastern North events in the geologic mountain building and Appalachian faulting during include folding and of Pangaea separation supercontinent Pangaea, the assembly of the volcanic erosional and depositional forces, Atlantic Ocean, to form the of ice age glaciers in the region. and the extent activity, iver. Below Below along Delaware River. ater Gap, a signature geologic feature alley section, reflecting the folding and faulting geology and the rise and faulting geology and the rise alley section, reflecting the folding Delaware R iver is the only large river that crosses the small lakes the small lakes The Upper Delaware River is the only large river that crosses Along this upper reach, the section of the glaciated Appalachian Plateau. erosional processes displaying a narrow, river is characterized by glacial and rock escarpments. Farther deep valley with high relief and dramatic River follows the boundary between downstream, the Middle Delaware Ridge and V the Appalachian Plateau and the isconsinan Glacier (the extent) of the Wisconsinan Glacier (the The terminal moraine (maximum its retreat northward 20,000 years ago. most recent ice age glacier) began feature that crosses the river system. The terminal moraine is a significant iver and its tributaries cuts River and its tributaries cuts The northern end of the Lower Delaware through the Ridge and V is a and scenic tributary, a designated wild The Musconetcong River, similar geologic containing many microcosm of the Delaware River, features on a smaller scale. In addition, the Musconetcong River contains limestone bedrock formations known as karst. The dissolving solution and of limestone causes sinkholes, depressions, caves, solution channels, idge at Delaware the Appalachian Ridge at Delaware before dramatically cutting across W series of transverse geologic formations, the gap, the river cuts through a and the Little W including shale and limestone belts Mountain. V of millions of years ago. As the of the Appalachian Mountains hundreds Delaware passes the mouth of the Lehigh River at Easton, Pennsylvania, it enters the rocky landscape of the Reading Prong of the New England Province, with its ancient Precambrian and Cambrian formations visible at Riegelsville, Pennsylvania. South of Riegelsville, the river enters the rolling Lowland hills of the Piedmont Province (specifically the Gettysburg-Newark section), which includes most of Bucks County and much of Hunterdon Lowlands geology primarily County on the New Jersey side. This Triassic reflects the sediments that were deposited in basins as the modern continents of Europe, Africa, and North America began to separate from Pangaea to form the Atlantic Ocean. Diverse types of fossils are prevalent at numerous places along the river. ppalachian Plateau Plateau Appalachian the Glaciated River traverses The Delaware V Region, the Region. the Mid-Atlantic Province of Physiographic V ogical Geol 14 Overview: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN 17 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R ay because of the dark ay because of the dark n addition to the foregoing elements ater Gap. In addition to the foregoing elements alues alley region to view the Milky W The Delaware River and its tributaries flow through narrow narrow flow through and its tributaries River Delaware The reaching down forested ridges densely framed by steep, valleys an attractive landscape presents This edge. to the water’s dramatic or more tranquil and serene than pastoral scene, sensational.

c V Sceni and points provide a variety of enclosed Numerous vantage hamlets and farmland, Islands and floodplains, panoramic views. The visual interest and intrigue. pools create rapids and riffle by providing forests complement the scenery surrounding mixed of the changing seasons from The nuances a fall foliage display. fog and ice to fall foliage, and the winter spring wildflowers evening backdrop. The morning mist and provide an ever-changing scenes have inspired generations sunsets add a subtle charm. These of residents, visitors, and artists. Atlantic watershed, The Delaware River basin exemplifies a mid- with scenic values largely crossing many geologic provinces, mainstem corridor and preserved from development. The views of a landscape designated tributaries provide continuous patterns. The diversity of shaped by geology and historic settlement arch, truss (several are included historic bridges—suspension, stone in the National Register of Historic Places)—is particularly notable. features, including iconic views There are many other unique scenic of the Delaware W extraordinary scenic values, River’s that contribute to the Delaware in the tri-state region / the area also provides a rare opportunity Delaware V night skies. Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and alues d il alley woven from the geologic and cultural cultural alley woven from the geologic and ational W National iver Basin • The solitude and picturesque scenery in the Delaware River basin River basin in the Delaware solitude and picturesque scenery The It areas. contrast to the regional metropolitan stands in dramatic to enjoy for people from diverse backgrounds provides opportunities restore themselves. and to rejuvenate and the inspiration of nature, Delaware R Opportunities to experience wildlife along the river are unmatched— Opportunities to experience wildlife bears that range throughout the river visitors travel here to observe black the Delaware basin draws basin. As a critical piece of the Atlantic flyway, experience everything from songbirds birders from across the nation to many raptor species, especially bald eagles. to waterfowl, to the basin’s The clear, pristine waters found in the basin draw anglers from across from across pristine waters found in the basin draw anglers The clear, and warm-water fish species. the nation in pursuit of both cold-water travel to the area in hunters from across the northeast Additionally, game species that can be found in the pursuit of the many big and small diverse habitats of the river basin. Traveling through the river basin by foot, bicycle, boat, vehicle, and even and even basin by foot, bicycle, boat, vehicle, through the river Traveling vistas is a popular source of year-round excursion trains to view sweeping to view the tapestry recreation. Windshield touring allows the visitor of the Delaware River V of years of natural and human history. landscape that covers thousands designated length of the Delaware Bicycling routes parallel the entire while using alternative road cyclists similar experiences River offering provide opportunities for transportation. The rivers and tributaries hours to days, for boaters of all a variety of river trips, ranging from river create a sense of remoteness abilities. The turns and bends in the unmatched in the region. merica’s America’s of people in access to millions easy recreational Providing provides high River basin region, the Delaware populated most densely hunting, include boating, experiences, which recreational natural quality, touring. The birding, and scenic viewing, hiking, biking, wildlife fishing, the longest the opportunity to recreate on Delaware River also provides in the eastern United States. undammed river onal V Recreati 16 k

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e Hancock s d B r ! F o is H Pe h agge k as Ed C R d re roo y kin B ek La ro B B o e r k C o lov o ook o o r k k B sh C B New York r ue A o S o t Ha e zel ag k k w B o a ro o Spr r r o t k k B B e k e d r r o c C o o Wil em o o o o low r k T W k o B H r o of o e r x f u b u m t A B o r h an B B nte c r Hu U370 m u V r o 17 a k e o oo o UV e r k del k re t B k n e S a e o C l h B o n l C reek The r r e i et Gulf, S oo l B k H k k i M s a w u a ha m B t t She e ch a u p P k n l h Bra C r e o ast B i o E are eRive a aw s r r l e B B B D O utlet r r n ond o o o a P Pennsylvania o k ih nd ill k l a r K ook o S L e Factor r o k itt av y C ee le B e re ek B H r t C k on e e t k e s as r K e k in B C o ne W s y n o vi i r l k B le Han C e re l ek g S k n i ver a o Ri l o h t r S p R B au i U17 g v k V n Cree k e k o k r B roo c M un u e k le in B e d Equ Cr New Jersey id licoon M k h Cal k ree anc o oley C Br o Co th r r B o N y r d n T C r r C u o o a a u ok k l L t ed ree k k B C e i eek r n h n Cr o e n c C oo o r s k a a llic k C o r C B E o U247 r t a V k e r s n e B s k a u e t ook o E M in ister Cr J r u Holl ee o q k B n s Swan Lake E g le e a tt u i C on p L J al W l R e Duck Harbor Pond ic i st oo v B e r n C r a n r c S ee h ch k o D o N E W Y O R K y lh b o Ja e P ke r se ond u t r Ro Branch Be se ow y a C n C v Cree k er re re da e e m k J k C u ree d ro k s B ok o s n r e B s r a k k o r o o o S o F o r k r u r L y ive n n B B b R y d a o p B n k l u roo o s t a k P a B g l r r n C l b o e o h o r tc e i k am ee N M e r Cr k k M o o NPS Milanville Ranger Office r L k B e o

m k o g o i o ry B r r o ro o B l o B B l k n l W e l a s k i h ee el M B it n Cr Ang M e n s r La i in o k K k ok e l a H B C e ro P B m ok ch l an e a p Br r M uth r c k So y k o L e P a a o o k dow r n e B d C y B ok r B e NPS Headquarters r o e l o r e r r o B Toronto Reservoir k ook

a k l l C i M h it Sm Swinging Bridge Reservoir

D ! Narrowsburg y H B un b R o ea C e gy l c o

b g r h Pe w r e L y r a S t ke w ook C C r C a B r r l e r e e m e ek e B a e k k s k o r al k o a o B oo r R tt o Lackawaxe n l r NPS Information Center k B e B d s R r n r k c i a a e v h k v la e rc e i B r C R D O e r l u n e i e M m n a k astho n i pe C reek n d e B

n T I ro o W k ol f L M i a l k l e R B Bro r L o Fal ls ok P E N N S Y L V A N I A u k o ng n o o P C o o o r k n l R B l o s d i ll B n c a ro s k F B y o ok M k r w k Br ook o R i c W o o e o H u r n k s n tc C r olan g reek g a a

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R Zane Grey Museum (NPS) i v m Creek e Creek S k e u Middl w W r n g e o Wa a s ro NPS Barryville Ranger Office m t F B p y a B ll a s w r C f o k l eek a r r e l C H l e i Spi k r K e y nn th en an te er S B P Paupackan Lake S rook Delaware Aqueduct hi G ng r as le Delaw K k s are e (Roebling Bridge NPS) y i Sw e B Ri ll r ve a C r r e r ook n C ck e Ba D l r li e D a e r Cree i k d ke k k am La C alker oo re Creek on r e W y B k dd d C k u e E Photo: David B. Soete ng B r eek e d Lake Wallenpaupack i c r r n r h n C o e a tow C P e Spr rd or s k s Tayl e Cree k k a sh K i ! L Bu ll n i w Sparrowbush T Port Mi Bi C ll B l li r r k ng a ook ree s f Jervis C C t S B Bloom ve r a ook ing Gro e all v r r W enpau Creek e a o pa ck k k n B e e t o K U390 r i k l V C n ypt ok hot Matamoras ei Eg M ro e ! n C h h c nc c a C in B re i n Legend n G e P a onne k s S ho eek k k r C ho Cr roo o B r la e B o d e l apl r r ek l M B o C S f k a p Y r w e w e k o e ill e a H r e e C D r k Ár ! k r ol R C City s Major R oads e C C a

e e y r y R e m k un hy C c §¨¦ e 84 o lo k r ve i n Bro B d rook o ck Cr ook s k a e r Milford ll B River Segmeaunp t ek Interstate ki Mi np B ll E le ast al h C ! B ranch W c r ot e e A N Big I nlet k R Tar N kil US Highway W Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational Rivel r p h C a ite Promised Land Lake ree B k G r o B r o k k ridge Cre ee e ek Cr k t Su Streams and Rivers Pecks Pond State Hie ghway g son re k a U507 a il o V r C W Hi ill o ll Cr M H Br W e e u ck r k K d a k P o e e F ee in on R B re Major Wr ater Bodtz y d Ru Secondary Road r el e C Cre n ing R z ett e a Mo k k k B ee l o u e w D rs kil o n r Ta e r r a y B yl C T Local Road l B r or National Park Service Unit s a A r ke C t y da o r e o h l m a o D r g in k ee i gma s P k r r ns C D C 0 2 .C5 5 10 re B r e re ek ee k ek re Urban Areas (below 1:500k) k Miles y C nn ook un ti r k U447 r R ta o s B V t mp ve i r o is a Run a K r Sw e B C son B t G h er l a ris c nd c el Run e F St r n Produced byo NPS Du enver Service Center Planning DiHvision e September 2012 a l ony m a L t r t C i B B r t L r e t o e vi ok Buc k ea k H i L H ll Creek n o r u nbe R cks Cre ony ek St 18 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 19 UPPER DELAWARE SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVER 21 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R ward for its adaptive ward for its adaptive

stone remnants can easily be seen by both boaters on the river and by both boaters on the river and stone remnants can easily be seen suspension aqueducts to connect the coal fields of Pennsylvania fields of Pennsylvania connect the coal aqueducts to suspension construction methods as well as stone arch construction on nearby construction methods as well as stone arch construction on nearby city workers who found fresh air, restful landscape, and good home and good home restful landscape, city workers who found fresh air, houses, contributing to “the cooking at local farms and boarding reuse restoration as a one-lane vehicular bridge known locally as locally as as a one-lane vehicular bridge known reuse restoration for 25 miles between Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, paralleling the river carrying immigrants to the frontier. progressed north and westward, miles of gravity railway, 108 locks over 108 miles, and four cable- 108 miles, and 108 locks over gravity railway, miles of leaving behind an unsullied testimony to a culture dependent on cenic Byway), led to construction of several notable Delaware Scenic Byway), led to construction of several notable Register of Historic Places districts in Cochecton, Damascus, Four-lane highways of the 20th century divert much of today’s highways of the 20th century divert much of today’s Four-lane oebling Bridge. The D&H traversed the southern river corridor, river corridor, D&H traversed the southern Roebling Bridge. The Service, a canal-era lock Places and owned by the National Park queduct carried the canal across the Delaware between the canal across the Delaware between Delaware Aqueduct carried anal operated from from Canal operated Hudson (D&H) Delaware and dollars, the identified during a NPS-funded cultural resource survey. industrial transportation around the Upper Delaware River corridor, egister of Historic the National Register of Historic is Corwin Farm, eligible for listing in vacationing fisherman, author Zane Grey, stayed on to establish stayed on to establish Grey, vacationing fisherman, author Zane NRHP-listed historic bridges using petite and through-truss steel ighty-six historic National Register of Historic Places listings. Eighty-six historic akes and west. The Port Jervis line City with the Great Lakes and west. The Port Jervis line New York orth North and Minisink Ford, New York. Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, Civil Engineering Landmark and National Historic National Historic the Presidential Design A Landmark received including “Riders of the Purple wrote his earliest articles and books, oebling’s Roebling’s City markets. New York Hudson River and with the Milanville, and Equinunk, in addition to a number of individual pper Delaware region for the Upper Delaware region for It also provided transportation to archeological sites, in addition to 73 individual structures, were archeological sites, in addition to 73 individual structures, were ew York, before veering to the northeast. The The before veering to the northeast. ew York, and Port Jervis, N ackawaxen, Pennsylvania, where he he a home on the Delaware at Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, where the NRHP-listed Zane Grey House. tributaries. Many of the homes and commercial buildings dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s are extant; of note are National the bucolic Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. cenic Byway. Of particular note Of particular note Scenic Byway. tourists along the Upper Delaware of the canal. house and barn along an intact portion tender’s hamlets as it spurring thriving traversed the entire river corridor, HP-listed Old HP-listed Old early depots, the NR for nearly 150 years. Two atskills and the Poconos,” geographic areas famous for hospitality areas famous for hospitality Catskills and the Poconos,” geographic Cochecton Station and the Callicoon Depot, remain. One notable ervice owns and manages a museum at at Sage.” The National Park Service owns and manages a museum -owned bridge, this NPS-owned oldest existing wire suspension America’s pper State Route 97 (the Upper The railroad, and later New York merica’s first long line railway, connected connected first long line railway, The Erie Railroad, America’s tates to be capitalized for a million for a million to be capitalized States the United in first business The 1829 to 1898. The 171-mile-long engineering feat included 16 16 feat included engineering The 171-mile-long 1829 to 1898.

Photo: Don Hamilton Don Photo: Soete B. David Photo: ar to the early ar to the early ar battle between ar battle between iver al R tion

alues iver V iver 1 cenic R cenic S Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, 1973 Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, . .S and d il ational W National

iver Basin •

passed into memory, perishing in the onslaught of industrialization, of industrialization, perishing in the onslaught passed into memory, rural… some of these qualities and values may still be seen as they may still be seen as they rural… some of these qualities and values modernization, urban sprawl, and other similar forces of contemporary and other similar forces of contemporary urban sprawl, modernization, relatively untouched by the frenetic pace of the mid-20th century. The The century. by the frenetic pace of the mid-20th relatively untouched easily discernible by comparison with the large cities and suburban the large cities and suburban easily discernible by comparison with …” overflows of the Eastern Megalopolis life. The counties which form the …region have remained essentially counties which form the …region have remained essentially The life. appeared to earlier eyes. This special quality, this pace of daily life, is is life, this pace of daily special quality, This appeared to earlier eyes. Washington urban corridor, the Upper Delaware River appears appears River the Upper Delaware urban corridor, Washington those qualities and values of earlier times which elsewhere have earlier times which elsewhere have of values those qualities and Upper Delaware and its riverside communities have managed to retain to retain its riverside communities have managed and Upper Delaware “Although it lies just to the west and northwest of the Boston-to- it lies just to the west “Although

ea d Recr ic an Scen worthy of protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are described on the following pages. described are the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act under worthy of protection

Delaware R e lawarr De Uppe e The outstandingly remarkable values that make the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River River and Recreational Scenic the Upper Delaware that make values remarkable The outstandingly segments, are exemplary of Munsee peoples and their predecessors. peoples and their predecessors. segments, are exemplary of Munsee merican economic centers. markets contributed to growth of the early American economic centers. HP-listed Minisink while the NRHP-listed Minisink hydro-powered industry in the northeast, pre-contact archeological sites record a rich cultural tapestry of riverine a rich cultural tapestry of riverine pre-contact archeological sites record merica. pine and hemlock, while contributing to the growth of colonial A ndians and Tories under the command of under the command of local residents and militia, and Indians and Tories of hamlet settlement identifiable today. The timber rafting industry was The timber rafting industry was of hamlet settlement identifiable today. early subsistence period to the mid-1700s, including small-scale rural including small-scale rural early subsistence period to the mid-1700s, Battleground Park tells the story of a Revolutionary W the defining their routes, each contributing to the cultural profile of Dating from the paleo through the transitional period, 437 documented transitional period, 437 documented Dating from the paleo through the used the river as a trade route. occupation of aboriginal people who National Register of Historic Places one site eligible for listing in the aston mast-length logs to Easton introduced in the 1760s to transport ship’s xtractive industries dependent on water power and water-related Extractive industries dependent on water power and water-related emnants of Remnants of mid-18th century. European settlers who arrived in the Early 1800s technological development spurred construction of historic ighteen archeological sites worthy of more detailed investigation and of more detailed investigation and Eighteen archeological sites worthy and Philadelphia. From the end of the Revolutionary W transportation spurred an industrial economy, contributing to a pattern contributing to a pattern transportation spurred an industrial economy, everal privately owned archeological sites illustrate the history of early sites illustrate the history of early Several privately owned archeological help to convey the history of the the early settlements along the river for transportation routes dependent on the river and valley geology pper Delaware. Timber, coal, and bluestone transported to coastal coal, and bluestone transported to coastal Upper Delaware. Timber, Cultural HP), taken collectively with the archeological sites on downstream sites on downstream (NRHP), taken collectively with the archeological 1 The Upper Delaware River, A Wild and Scenic River Study, U Wild and Scenic River Study, A River, Upper Delaware The 1 Joseph Brant. Joseph Brant. 1900s, this industry fed the local economy, stripping the hillsides of white stripping the hillsides of white 1900s, this industry fed the local economy, 20 UPPER DELAWARE SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVER 23 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il

Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: Photo: Scott VanArsdale Scott Photo: Soete B. David Photo: ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R ocean. These features combine to provide a complex food web, a a combine to provide a complex food web, features These ocean. historic fluxes of nutrients, energy, and biomass to and from the and biomass to and from the energy, historic fluxes of nutrients, wide variety of habitats, and a healthy diversity of species. a healthy diversity of species. and of habitats, wide variety sea-run migratory fish into and above this segment, thus allowing thus allowing this segment, sea-run migratory fish into and above The unobstructed river affords access to the full complement of river affords access to the full complement of unobstructed The

t provides regionally important high quality It provides regionally important high quality segment of river. significance beyond its own watershed. supports key components and processes that contribute to the to the and processes that contribute supports key components quality, found here. Exceptional water superb natural resources communities, such as ice scour rock outcrop, seep communities, outcrop, seep communities, communities, such as ice scour rock processing. The Upper contribute to water quality and nutrient conditions result in an abundance of riffles, runs, and pools, and a and runs, and pools, in an abundance of riffles, conditions result ogical Ecol mussel. historic spawning and rearing habitat for sea-run migratory fish, historic spawning and rearing habitat for sea-run migratory fish, helping to buttress their larger range-wide populations. In addition recreational fisheries for naturalized rainbow trout and brown provinces of Canada, and serves as a migratory bird stopover along resulting from a predominately forested landscape, sustains high sustains high predominately forested landscape, resulting from a oast, Coast, river on the Atlantic the last major section of least-developed diverse and healthy native aquatic plant communities, including plant communities, including diverse and healthy native aquatic population of the federally Delaware provides habitat for a sizeable as well as several state threatened endangered dwarf wedgemussel, eagle wintering habitat for birds from as far away as the maritime xcellent in-channel aquatic insect assemblages. Excellent in-channel quality fish and combined habitats. These aquatic conditions, diversity of in-stream s the s the of this region. A the large rivers found in any of integrity wild and scenic, largely ecologically intact, free-flowing character character largely ecologically intact, free-flowing wild and scenic, functioning habitat that is coupled with a with good riparian pper Delaware’s the Upper Delaware’s of its mainstem, the entire length undammed and bitternut hickory lowland woodland. The river itself sustains The river itself sustains and bitternut hickory lowland woodland. riverweed, a relatively rare a plentiful population of threadfoot A diversity excellent water quality. aquatic plant that is indicative of freshwater mussels further and extraordinary abundance of brook floater and bridle shiner, and endangered species including to native brook trout, the river and tributaries support thriving to native brook trout, the river and tributaries support thriving trout. The river corridor is also regionally important inland bald The Upper Delaware provides drinking water the Atlantic flyway. function. function. for millions of people, all helping to underscore the Delaware’s for millions of people, all helping to underscore the Delaware’s floodplain, provides great hydrological connectivity, structure, and and structure, great hydrological connectivity, floodplain, provides iver exhibits some of the highest ecological highest ecological some of the River exhibits The Upper Delaware supports rare terrestrial plant The riparian area along the river ecological value extends beyond this The Upper Delaware River’s Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R 22 UPPER DELAWARE SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVER 25 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R examples of bedrock-floored rapids where the river has incised incised rapids where the river has examples of bedrock-floored its pre-glacial channel. essence bypassing levels. Skinners Falls, Shohola Rapids, and Staircase Rapids are and Staircase Rapids are Shohola Rapids, Falls, Skinners levels. upstream to an approximate depth of 113 feet at normal flow at normal flow depth of 113 feet to an approximate upstream subsequently refilling the pool with sediment transported from transported from with sediment refilling the pool subsequently through glacial fill and cut into the bedrock of the valley side, in in valley side, and cut into the bedrock of the through glacial fill the Narrows, possibly formed from a submerged waterfall. During During submerged waterfall. formed from a possibly the Narrows, flood flows, the river may scour down 150 feet into glacial deposits, deposits, 150 feet into glacial may scour down the river flood flows, The Narrowsburg Pool is a plunge pool at the downstream end of end of at the downstream is a plunge pool Pool Narrowsburg The

provides a rare combination of drainage anomalies that challenge that challenge of drainage anomalies provides a rare combination pattern came to be. geologic time. The diversity of valley orientations has produced an has produced an diversity of valley orientations geologic time. The explain how the geologic hypotheses that try to equal diversity of ppalachian river systems evolved over systems evolved over of how Appalachian river various explanations iver system River system pattern of the Delaware The convoluted drainage Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo:

Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: Soete B. David Photo: Soete B. David Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • sloped tributaries have deposited alluvial or debris flow fans on the alluvial or debris flow fans on the sloped tributaries have deposited upstream direction. These barbed streams enter the river in an unusual ppalachian Plateau. The overall overall Plateau. The of the Appalachian the glaciated portion section of conglomerates. Fossilized plant and animal remains are found here, such animal remains are found here, such conglomerates. Fossilized plant and elief is escarpments. Relief is a series of indistinct and irregular characterized as morphologies, exposed ancient bedrock, bedrock knobs, cutoff incised incised knobs, cutoff ancient bedrock, bedrock morphologies, exposed complexes, gorges, and fossils. meanders, island pool-riffle chains in straight reaches to elongated pool-riffle chains in chains chains in straight reaches to elongated pool-riffle pool-riffle have narrow, deep gorges with a series of waterfalls. These steeper- deep gorges with a series of waterfalls. have narrow, have a wide variety of bedding features, including three types of cross- have a wide variety of bedding features, tool marks, mud cracks, and bedding, ripple marks, current lineation, landscape is a fluvial or stream-cut landscape modified by stream by stream modified stream-cut landscape is a fluvial or landscape occupied the site. occupied the site. arrows is of islands to short bedrock gorge reaches. For example, the Narrows is glacial meltwater that eroded through a ridgeline between the east and a ridgeline between the east and glacial meltwater that eroded through generally between 300 and 500 feet, although it ranges to 700 feet in a ranges to 700 feet in a 300 and 500 feet, although it generally between derangements from glacial deposits burying portions of preglacial valleys. of preglacial valleys. glacial deposits burying portions derangements from akes Small Lakes across the river valley cutting of a deep, narrow example incised meander reaches to anastomosing channel reaches with a number number incised meander reaches to anastomosing channel reaches with a iver cut into the bedrock The post-glacial Delaware River cut into the bedrock ice age glacier. andstone cliffs, clearly evident clearly evident Sandstone cliffs, iver. west branches of the Delaware R wild and scenic river designation, is an isolated bedrock knob formed by is an isolated bedrock knob formed by wild and scenic river designation, xamples of significant geologic features include sandstone cliffs, barbed barbed sandstone cliffs, geologic features include Examples of significant a short gorge cut through the bedrock of a preglacial ridge that once a short gorge cut through the bedrock of a preglacial ridge that once reek, are another unique geologic anomaly where the anomaly where the and Callicoon Creek, are another unique geologic and glacial materials at least 200 feet. Many of the tributary valleys feet. Many of the tributary valleys and glacial materials at least 200 as bony plates from the armored fish of Devonian times, brachiopods fish of Devonian times, brachiopods as bony plates from the armored bryozoans, cephalopods, and rare and mollusks, a few types of coral, est, show ancient river channel deposits that that at places like Hawks Nest, show ancient river channel deposits tributaries are evidence that the drainage pattern of the river once tributaries are evidence that the drainage pattern of the river once those that are oriented transverse to the direction of the most recent to the direction of the most recent those that are oriented transverse trilobites. tributaries, glacial deposits, glacial outwash terraces, diverse channel diverse channel deposits, glacial outwash terraces, tributaries, glacial Delaware R ogical Geol forces. few locations. Point Mountain, defining the northernmost extent of the extent of the Mountain, defining the northernmost few locations. Point Glacial deposits partially fill many of the tributary valleys, especially of the tributary valleys, especially Glacial deposits partially fill many reek, Shehawken Creek, Calkins Creek, floodplain. Barbed tributaries, including flowed to the north and were then reversed to the south by erosional iver has a variety of channel patterns ranging from The Upper Delaware River has a variety of channel patterns ranging from The area’s rolling hills vary in elevation from 800 to 2,000 feet and are are from 800 to 2,000 feet and rolling hills vary in elevation The area’s iver is an exceptional exceptional River is an Recreational Scenic and The Upper Delaware 24 UPPER DELAWARE SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVER 27 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National

iver Basin • Delaware R

pper Delaware to challenge their skills and challenge their skills and Upper Delaware to something on the clean water for swimming, tubing, and boating in quiet eddies quiet eddies tubing, and boating in clean water for swimming, rentals, as well as transportation between access points. Guided trips trips access points. Guided between well as transportation rentals, as II of class I and The mixture the river. to easily explore river users and Butlers Rift) with Staircase, Mongaup, rapids (Skinners Falls, and quality recreational a varied offer runs, and pools riffles, boating experience. provide an outstanding BA diver or snorkeler and SCU boater, tuber, provides the swimmer, SCUBA diving and snorkeling are remarkable subsurface visibility. arrowsburg and Skinners Falls. particularly popular activities at N outfitters provide opportunities for beginners as well as experienced experienced as well as for beginners provide opportunities outfitters expert boaters alike can find Beginners to river. experience on the the water rapids. The exceptional clarity of or swift-moving xperienced commercial outfitters provide canoe, kayak, and raft raft and kayak, canoe, provide outfitters commercial Experienced ommercial fishing guides provide guided fishing fishing provide guided fishing guides available. Commercial are also trips for both warm and cold water fish species. These guides and and species. These guides cold water fish both warm and trips for The exceptional water quality provides the recreationist remarkably remarkably water quality provides the recreationist The exceptional Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: nstitute, a project project a nstitute, I alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il . ashington, D.C. ational W National iver Basin • setting that is ideal for families and recreationists of all levels. levels. for families and recreationists of all setting that is ideal The Upper Delaware provides a relatively undeveloped and varied river river relatively undeveloped and varied provides a Upper Delaware The parrowbush, to opportunities for solitude while hiking or canoeing or canoeing for solitude while hiking Sparrowbush, to opportunities est, Indian Ledges, and Hawks Nest, such as Jensens Ledges, Peggy Runway, seldom found elsewhere in the region. sides of the river are available to the public approximately every 5 river the public approximately every 5 river sides of the river are available to oute State Route cycling along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (New York edges, Tusten Mountain Trail, Mountain Trail, cross-country skiing at places such as Jensens Ledges, Tusten onal Recreati miles. Privately owned and operated access points also exist along access points also exist along Privately owned and operated miles. ew ew including Boston, N along the northeast corridor, metropolitan areas particularly popular in the Lackawaxen area. The Eagle primitive and developed commercial campgrounds, fall foliage viewing, primitive and developed commercial campgrounds, fall foliage viewing, education research, resorts, downhill skiing, geocaching, scientific peak periods, making it easy for visitors to obtain information about visitors to obtain information about peak periods, making it easy for recreation opportunities. river information and amenities during the periods of heaviest visitor the periods of heaviest visitor river information and amenities during public access points. These developed boat and canoe launches on both boat and canoe launches on both public access points. These developed remote and serene experiences along the Upper Delaware. remote and serene experiences along uto touring and locally as Roebling Bridge) and Zane Grey House. Auto touring and onservancy, operates eagle viewingof the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, platforms Battleground Park. Sightseeing can be found at numerous scenic overlooks iver activities include canoeing, kayaking, boating, tubing, rafting, boating, tubing, rafting, River activities include canoeing, kayaking, and Callicoon attracts cold water fishery between Hancock Delaware’s owned property, but there are 18 well-marked and easily accessible and easily accessible but there are 18 well-marked owned property, ordville to Lordville to River reaches from various other stretches of the river. watching, picnicking, hunting for both small and big game, and hiking/ personnel during by NPS personnel during are staffed use. Four of the public access sites and provides interpretive services in the area. and provides interpretive services in the area. agle watching is Eagle watching is activities are also popular. activities, and ranger-led queduct (known Aqueduct (known Delaware as well as at historic sites such as Roebling’s anglers from around the world, especially those interested in fly fishing those interested in fly fishing anglers from around the world, especially and activities from tubing the rapids on a hot summer day to relaxing on relaxing on summer day to rapids on a hot from tubing the activities forests. Catskill mountain in the Pocono or deck, slope side a hidden pper hunting waterfowl. The Upper SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, and ll of these facilities, easily accessible by rural roads, include by rural roads, include All of these facilities, easily accessible the river. Delaware R Other recreational activities include photography, wildlife viewing, bird- Other recreational activities include photography, amping at both Camping at both State Bicycle Route 17 is also popular. 97) and New York for its world renowned wild trout. This type of fishing experience is This type of fishing experience is for its world renowned wild trout. arrowsburg, Mongaup, accesses at Skinners Falls, Narrowsburg, Mongaup, from heavily used rea, Damascus Forest, and Minisink Game Lands 316, Buckhorn Natural Area, Damascus Forest, and Minisink ackawaxen provide some of the most Callicoon, and Narrowsburg to Lackawaxen provide some of the most The river corridor offers a wide variety of recreational activities ranging ranging a wide variety of recreational activities offers The river corridor primarily by privately The Upper Delaware segment is surrounded The river’s close proximity and accessibility attracts visitors from major from major attracts visitors and accessibility close proximity The river’s iver is known for its outstanding recreational recreational for its outstanding River is known The Upper Delaware ity, Philadelphia, and W City, York 26 UPPER DELAWARE SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL RIVER 29 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

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Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: Soete B. David Photo: Soete B. David Photo: ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R providing for amazing views of the landscape, the river bottom, the river bottom, views of the landscape, providing for amazing changing visual stimulus that is enhanced by the water clarity clarity that is enhanced by the water changing visual stimulus and aquatic life. The riffles, runs, rapids, and pools of the river provide an ever- and pools of the river rapids, runs, riffles, The

reflect its history of agricultural and transportation-based and transportation-based reflect its history of agricultural seminary built with local hotels, inns, taverns, homes, a hillside provide beautiful scenic bluestone, and other unique structures for early American ingenuity. backdrops and a feeling of nostalgia Delaware and Hudson Canal; historic buildings; remnants of the landforms, and topographic features include, but are not limited include, but are not limited landforms, and topographic features ock outcroppings, cliff faces, and exposed unusual sedimentary and exposed unusual sedimentary faces, cliff Rock outcroppings, including Peggy Delaware. A number of cascading waterfalls, waterfall in Pennsylvania, Runway with the largest drop of any and The contrasting hardwood forest delight the viewer. of colors and textures evergreen stands provide a rich variety railroad, petite truss bridges, development. The historic canal, Aqueduct Delaware Particularly notable are the Roebling’s vegetation, steep forested slopes and gently rolling hills. The The rolling hills. slopes and gently steep forested vegetation, unspoiled river valley. as regionally significant due to its picturesque gorge, riparian gorge, riparian due to its picturesque significant as regionally add variety to this pastures fields and livestock agricultural dditional outstanding natural features, across the four seasons. Additional outstanding natural features, skies are prevalent. and Point Mountain. Dark night Nest stone wall along the and Cochecton Station. The Hawks tranquil scene. tranquil scene. edges/Bouchoux Trail, Lake Falls, Jensens Ledges/Bouchoux Trail, to: Hawks Nest, York cenic Byway provides the best overlook of the of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway provides the best overlook pper the Upper the stimulating visual variety of formations add to c Sceni oebling Bridge) and the privately owned prominent, stately and owned prominent, stately and (Roebling Bridge) and the privately iver is recognized River is recognized Upper Delaware quality of the The scenic pper Delaware scenery is rich in structures and sites that and sites that The Upper Delaware scenery is rich in structures Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R 28 Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River Middle National Park Service Pennsylvania, New Jersey U.S. Department of the Interior DELAWARE National Scenic and recreational RIVER

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30 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 31 MIDDLE DELAWARE NATIONAL SCENIC and recreational RIVER 33 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • ational ater National Delaware R . Childs Park site. ater Gap, Pennsylvania. Portions of all of all Pennsylvania. Portions ater Gap, ar, the hotel could accommodate more the hotel could accommodate more ar, ar, serving as a supply route and a rest stop a rest stop and supply route as a serving ar, oute State Route ater Gap, along what is now Pennsylvania

evolutionary W Revolutionary American respectively. and officers, for travelers and quarters the and rafting in timber harvesting settlers initiated European Shawnee- of Milford, to the development contributed 1760s, which W and Delaware on-Delaware, occurred as listed NHL districts. Ferry service three are now protected along the Middle Delaware River to transport at various points from 1735 and was Dingmans Ferry operated travelers and supplies. at the site wooden bridges by three different temporarily replaced short-lived, 1860. These wooden bridges were from 1836 through Dingmans or high wind events. The historic succumbing to floods and is the last built near the 1900 ferry location Choice Bridge was The many streams toll bridge extant in the region. privately owned provided ample flow into the Middle Delaware and waterfalls that woolen mills, ice to supply saw mills, grist mills, hydro-electric power Remains of some of these plants, and electrical power generators. of the creeks, including the Metz mills can be seen today along many Dingmans Ice Plant on Sawkill Creek and the woolen mill ruins on W Creek within the historic George 20th centuries, the Middle From the mid-19th through the early resort destination. river-based Delaware region was known as a of summer visitors. The Kittatinny Dozens of hotels served thousands was the first of the resort hotels Hotel was constructed in 1832 and at Delaware W 611. By the end of the Civil W than 250 vacationers. The Kittatinny Hotel was destroyed by fire in Hotel was destroyed by fire in than 250 vacationers. The Kittatinny visitors can explore the site ruins and enjoy today’s 1931; however, The privately the views from Resort Point Overlook in the Gap. Resort on the shores of owned and operated Shawnee Inn and Golf example of the popular river resorts the Middle Delaware remains an weekend led to the year-round still in operation. These early hotels Camps and summer cabins were also resorts in the Pocono Mountains. Many the 20th century. prevalent along the river valley throughout PS-operated recreation sites such as of these camps are now public N Poxono Access, Smithfield Beach, and Bushkill Access. Following a devastating flood in 1955, the U.S. Army Corps of Island Dam project for the Middle Engineers proposed the Tocks Island Dam would Delaware River beginning in 1960. The Tocks have created a reservoir about 40 miles long and a mile wide. The that evolved to halt dam planning locally based environmental effort of the and construction is an early example of the effectiveness with emerging environmental movement. This local movement, along geological limitations and project budget concerns, eventually caused dam construction to be postponed and eventually the project was de-authorized by Congress. In its stead, the Delaware W Recreation Area preserves the river valley and its rich cultural Congressional designation of the Middle Delaware National history. Scenic and Recreational River in 1978 helped to support this river’s Tocks Island Dam project was officially free-flowing condition. The decommissioned in 1992. Photo: Jim Davis Jim Photo:

alley. alley. al tion ying along the ying along the alley is typified alley is typified nn, an Campen Inn, lonso an Campen, Alonso iver al R tion oodland occupations) oodland occupations) alues iver V iver nn served as a shelter an Campen Inn served as a shelter alley between 1650 and 1750 by alley between 1650 and 1750 by cenic R cenic S and ar, settlers constructed approximately approximately settlers constructed ar, d il estbrook-Bell House are the oldest standing estbrook-Bell House are the oldest standing ational W National iver Basin •

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has close to Area has close to Gap National Recreation Water Delaware The American Indian archeological sites of which over 500 documented of these Three-quarters 100 are currently considered NRHP-eligible. River floodplain. Delaware archeological sites are found in the Middle is one of the best preserved in American Indian sites complex of This research area for making it a high-value the northeastern United States, archeologists and geo-archeologists.

nn continued to be important sites in the region during the an Campen Inn continued to be important sites in the region during the Delaware R road, the Ennis House and W Both date to the early 1700s. New Jersey. structures in Sussex County, Several additional houses along the route (Abraham V DePue, Smith-Roe) are nearly as old and contribute to both the cultural Landscapes of the colonial past and historic landscape of the river valley. can be seen scattered throughout the Middle Delaware River V During the French and Indian W as well as Military 20 forts at strategic crossing points along the river, Road, which operated as a military supply route originating in Elizabeth and terminating at the V New Jersey, (Elizabeth Town), Road has been preserved as a Military within view of the Delaware River. hiking trail. In 1763, the stout walls of V for 150 settlers against the threat of Indian attack. Military Road and V hawnee-Minisink Delaware includes the Shawnee-Minisink The southern half of the Middle one of the most spatially intact Clovis site (ca. 12,900 BP), which remains Archaic through W sites (Late Paleo-Indian and Early V Expansion into the Middle Delaware n the northern half the intact Minisink in eastern North America. In the northern half the intact Minisink island and along the National Historic Landmark District, situated on an people. The NHL district preserves riverbank, was occupied by the Munsee such as Minisink Path to the Atlantic, this homeland area and the trails leading Wyoming-Minisink Trail Minsi Path (or Delaware River Path), and to and from the district. along the river of Dutch and English settlers gave rise to construction in the northeast, a portion of which is the oldest commercial roadways preserved as the Old Mine Road Historic District. Established about 1650 Mine and converted to a wagon road in the 1730s, the 104-mile-long Old Road connected Esopus (Kingston, NY) on the Hudson River with the L Pahaquarry Coppermine along the Middle Delaware River. ea d recr ic an Scen Cultural River V of the Middle Delaware The cultural significance Holocene, which is human presence throughout the by the continuous living. rich tapestry of river-focused documented by a The outstandingly remarkable values that make the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational Recreational Scenic and National the Middle Delaware that make values remarkable The outstandingly pages. described on the following Act are under the Wild and Scenic Rivers protection River worthy of laware De Middl e Na 32 MIDDLE DELAWARE NATIONAL SCENIC and recreational RIVER 35 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National aters. iver Basin • alpack Bend. alpack Bend. Delaware R ater Gap, a signature a signature ater Gap, ater Gap. Here, the valley is 1,000 feet feet ater Gap. Here, the valley is 1,000 alley. The river then dramatically cuts dramatically cuts The river then alley. alpack Bend, the river cuts through a zone a zone alpack Bend, the river cuts through cenic and Scenic and ater Gap was designated an Outstanding A large rock formation along this section of river is known as Indian of river is known as Indian A large rock formation along this section is up to 50 where the water diving into the river, an outcrop Rock, area also has doubly plunging folds that form complex The feet deep. Loaves that such as the Five outcrop patterns along the shoreline, loaves of bread. multiple look like aterfalls are a frequent feature as tributary streams drop onto the drop onto the feature as tributary streams aterfalls are a frequent

ogical Geol Recreational River follows Scenic and Delaware National The Middle ppalachian regions—the A physiographic between two the boundary V the Ridge and Plateau and W idge at Delaware Appalachian R across the are represented within these Many fossil localities within the park strata. Downstream from W Mountain to of weakness in the Shawangunk Formation of Kittatinny form the dramatic Delaware W feet wide at mountain summits. wide at river level, flaring to 4,000 The Delaware W Geologic Feature by the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. The Middle Delaware River contains a diversity of channel types, to deep runs and glides alternating between braids to riffle/pools and backwater channels surrounding islands. Alluvial fans occur at the mouths of tributaries with the most prominent examples being at Bushkill Creek and Brodhead Creek. A number of islands in size from one acre to several hundred acres, ranging in the river, are composed of alluvial sand and gravel deposits. Named islands Poxono, Tocks, include Mashipacong, Minisink, Namanock, Depew, complexity The habitat and Arrow. Depue, Shawnee, Schellenberger, surrounding these islands supports a wide diversity of mussels, fish, and other aquatic organisms. All along the Middle Delaware River geologically formed microhabitats are found, including calcareous outcrops that support rare plant communities and exposed glacial striations. iver system. The elevation of elevation of along the Delaware River system. The geologic feature and the adjacent from 300 to 400 feet above sea level the valley varies additional 600 to 1,000 feet. highlands rise an the river flows of the Middle Delaware, In the northern two-thirds defined on edge of the Pocono Plateau, sharply along the eastern shale. composed of Mahantango vertical cliffs the west by nearly W is the tallest waterfall in Raymondskill Falls below. broad floodplain include Hackers Falls, feet. Other scenic waterfalls Pennsylvania at 180 W Ladders Falls, and Tumbling Adams Falls, Dingmans Falls, Indian Delaware River has a more The southern one-third of the Middle swings away from At Bushkill, Pennsylvania, the river complex geology. dipping Devonian more steeply older, the Poconos and flows through across a hogback Buttermilk Falls Limestone. Here the Delaware cuts W and creates a graceful S-shaped loop known as the

Photo: Dan Smith Dan Photo: Davis Jim Photo:

ater Gap. alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National alley geological provinces, but has a lower gradient and more but has a lower gradient alley geological provinces, iver Basin • The integrity, diversity, and productivity of aquatic and riparian and riparian and productivity of aquatic diversity, integrity, The communities culminates in thriving populations of water-dependent common and birds like and mink; beaver, river otter, mammals like rough-winged belted kingfishers, herons, green and blue mergansers, and ospreys. cerulean warblers, swallows, Delaware R The Middle Delaware also provides high quality wintering, foraging, and The Middle Delaware also provides high quality wintering, foraging, nesting habitat for bald eagles and serves as a migratory bird stopover Also, peregrine falcons have re-occupied historic along the Atlantic flyway. of the Delaware W cliffs nesting habitat on the river-formed The river corridor supports a variety of healthy and extraordinary plant The river corridor supports a variety the river edgecommunities and wildlife. Calcareous bedrock outcrops along communities. Patches of globally support two globally imperiled plant vulnerable Riverside Prairie Grasslands occur on islands and river shores. the Floodplain terraces support globally rare plant communities such as Bitternut Hickory Lowland Forest and Sugar Maple Floodplain Forest. Forests edge, while of sycamore and silver maple predominate along the river’s mixed native hardwood, eastern hemlock, and white pine forests extend along the uplands of the river corridor. The exceptional productivity and ecological integrity of the Middle and ecological integrity The exceptional productivity fish, to aquatic plants, invertebrates, and Delaware River extends from of mammals and birds. At least 25 native species aquatic and riparian section of the river and commonly occur aquatic vascular plants inhabit this which is intolerant of pollution, occurs in large beds. Threadfoot riverweed, stretches. The diverse aquatic insect in large patches in swift moving water of pollution-intolerant stoneflies, assemblage includes a high proportion of the Delaware River also supports mayflies, and caddisflies. This section of mussels, including the state- a high density and eight native species yellow lampmussel. At endangered brook floater and state-threatened from inhabit the Middle Delaware River, least 36 native species of fish also to the mighty striped bass. As an integral the humble eastern mudminnow provides part of the entire Delaware River system, this section of the river habitat, and a stronghold for native migratory critical a migration corridor, American eel, which have (diadromous) fish species like American shad and range. In addition, the high quality been in decline in other parts of their additional beneficial habitat and a water of the mainstem river provides that primarily inhabit tributaries such as movement corridor for fish species and rainbow trout, and other species. native brook trout, naturalized brown and a productive, complex food web with strong ecological integrity. integrity. complex food web with strong ecological and a productive, ecreational Recreational River is a vital Scenic and Delaware National The Middle ecological to the exceptional substantially of and contributes component rivers of the mid- among the large River system of the Delaware integrity River, ike the Upper Delaware United States. L northeastern Atlantic and and Delaware flows through the Appalachian Plateau this section of the Ridge and V high water quality, A combination of exceptionally expansive floodplain. riparian habitats, and floodplains, excellent aquatic and fully functioning a diverse array of species on the mainstem gives rise to the absence of dams ogical Ecol 34 MIDDLE DELAWARE NATIONAL SCENIC and recreational RIVER 37 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • cenic aters. Scenic Delaware R ater Gap formation. ater Gap formation. Other recreational activities such as small and big game hunting, and big game hunting, such as small activities Other recreational scenic swimming, photography, wildlife viewing, bird-watching, fishing, along the skiing are popular cross-country hiking, biking, and touring, on skiing experiences hiking and cross-country Excellent river corridor. National river valley occur along the Appalachian the ridgetops and Park trails, and the Red Cliff the McDade Recreation Trail, Scenic Trail, trails developed boardwalks and primitive Short hikes along Dot Trail. waterfalls such covered ravines to the many lead through hemlock W and Tumbling Raymondskill Falls, as Dingmans Falls, oad/615, River Road, along the river on Old Mine R driving is available year- variations drawing visitors and U.S. Route 209, with seasonal an opportunity to ride the road cyclists Road affords round. Old Mine Recreational River Delaware National Scenic and length of the Middle as and is recommended by New Jersey Department of Transportation a segment of Adventure Cycling a cycle touring route as well as being State Highway Atlantic Coast Route from Maine to Florida. Association’s as visitors travel through 611 and Interstate 80 provide unique views the majestic Delaware W ater Gap ater Gap alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National alpack Bend, the river visitor is immersed in striking scenery scenery river visitor is immersed in striking alpack Bend, the iver Basin • The Middle Delaware River is surrounded almost completely by the the River is surrounded almost completely by Middle Delaware The providing access Area, Gap National Recreation Water Delaware recreational of quality year-round to the corridor for a wide variety opportunities. ampground alley View Group Campground, and River Bend Group Campground Delaware R Developed boat launches and swim beaches along both sides of the river, beaches along both sides of the river, Developed boat launches and swim Ferry Access Launch, Bushkill Access such as Milford Beach, Dingmans such as Beach, and Smithfield Beach, provide amenities Launch, Turtle canoe launches, and lifeguarded swim bathrooms, paved boat launches, Less developed canoe River corridor. beaches along the Middle Delaware Several other access points include Eshback, Namanock, and Poxono. between developed launches, primitive carry-in locations are interspersed 3 to 5 miles. Foot access can occur providing access approximately every the recreation area. Ease of access and anywhere along the river within Delaware River provides boating relatively calm waters of the Middle range from a few hours to multiple opportunities for all levels—trips days. Approximately 65 primitive river campsites along the entire stretch of the Middle Delaware segment are free to the public on a first-come, the river. first-served basis, providing a unique camping experience along Group sites and developed campgrounds such as Dingmans Campground, V provide opportunities for large groups and families to recreate along provide opportunities for large groups and families to recreate along Easy the river with some amenities such as potable water and restrooms. access is enhanced by commercial canoe outfitters providing a variety of boating trips, including transportation between access points and in some cases guided overnight canoe trips. Alternative transportation Authority in buses, operated by the Monroe County Transportation iver partnership with the National Park Service, travel to stops along R Road and U.S. 209 on the Pennsylvania side of the river corridor on summer season weekends, making one-way biking, hiking, and boating trips feasible and trouble-free for recreationists. can be experienced from multiple vantage points by automobile, foot, by automobile, foot, from multiple vantage points can be experienced viewing and birding are found Exemplary wildlife bicycle, and boat. Recreationists may be joined corridor. everywhere throughout the river riverbank and bald eagles soaring by black bears ambling along the overhead in search of prey. lose proximity to major metropolitan areas encourages first-time encourages first-time areas to major metropolitan Close proximity Middle to enjoy the nature enthusiasts and life-long adventurers along the largely natural experiences and the remote Delaware with Delaware is teeming The Middle river shoreline. undeveloped features, which outstanding natural and cultural a wide variety of Views are framed a principal recreational pursuit. make sightseeing While the of Pocono Plateau. cliffs by Kittitinny Ridge and the sheer grasslands and are interspersed with open forested mountainsides Mashipacong Island, south along the floodplain. From agricultural fields through W W of the Delaware solitude. Dramatic cliffs and nearly quiet onal Recreati 36 MIDDLE DELAWARE NATIONAL SCENIC and recreational RIVER 39 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • ater Gap ater Gap alpack Bend, alpack Bend, Delaware R ater Gap. The wooded ater Gap. The wooded ater Gap, provide vivid pictures of the opposite the opposite ater Gap, provide vivid pictures of idge through which the river the river Godfrey Ridge through which alpack Bend and The river channel variations of riffles, eddies, pools, rapids, and and rapids, pools, eddies, of riffles, river channel variations The distinct changes in channel direction transform the scenery around every bend of the river. cenic roadways and trails Scenic roadways and trails mountain and the river far below. wind through the diverse paralleling both sides of the river tributary crossings, hemlock floodplain that includes woodlands, fields. The adjoining landscape ravines, grassland, and agricultural lined ravines. The many includes steep hemlock and rhododendron unique and dramatic waterfalls. tributaries often include views of including of the river valley, Glimpses of the long human history Shawnee Inns, and Dingmans Choice Bridge, Coppermine and natural the historic Old Mine Road, provide visual contrast to the segment is the least developed of backdrop. The Middle Delaware W and is within the Delaware the Delaware River valley, National Recreation Area. Dark night skies are prevalent. such as spring wildflowers, The nuances of the changing seasons fall foliage, and winter fog and ice provide a summer greenery, striking backdrop for river corridor visitors. Large islands such as Minisink, Mashipacong, and Shawnee Islands in addition to numerous smaller islands with diverse vegetation, add cobblestone shorelines, bedrock formations, and channel riffles to the visual diversity. c Sceni of the by the mountains Delaware River is framed The Middle Plateau of Pocono and the cliffs Ridge (New Jersey) Kittitinny to W Island south From Mashipacong (Pennsylvania). The river valley scenery. in the striking visitor is immersed the river interspersed of primarily natural landscapes visitor sees a diversity slopes to ranging from steep forested with cultural resources the river, with dramatic bends in valley, the broader floodplain iconic Delaware W culminating at the such as the Five by unique rock formations shoreline is punctuated Loaves in W of the Middle rock features line the banks bends. Other notable Limestone Shad Rocks, Hibachi Rocks, and the Delaware and include Dingmans Choice Bridge. outcrops near the and ridgelines provide traversing the surrounding cliffs Trails Appalachian Ridgetop trails include panoramic vistas of the river. Park trails Cliff along Kittatinny Ridge and National Scenic Trail and Mountaintop views from Mount Minsi along Milford Cliffs. the wonder, at the climax of the geological Mount Tammany Delaware W alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R 38 Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic River Musconetcong National Park Service New Jersey U.S. Department of the Interior National Wild and Scenic RIVER

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40 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 41 MUSCONETCONG National WILD AND SCENIC RIVER 43 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • contains the federally contains the federally Delaware R f more arren Glenn Dam). If more ashington and Mansfield townships ashington and Mansfield townships arious state listed species in this segment include the include the arious state listed species in this segment merican bog turtle, the American Indiana bat, the federally threatened The Musconetcong supports a sustainable population of the native the native population of a sustainable supports Musconetcong The of native (including a possible heritage population eastern brook trout The trout species. spawning areas for this native trout) and exceptional species such as large populations of sensitive insect river also supports stoneflies and mayflies. merican eel (federal evaluation species), and bald eagles burying beetle, the American eel (federal evaluation species), (federally protected). V and the state threatened wood turtle and fleshy hawthorn (state endangered), segment C, which stretches from Pohatcong eligible hawk. The river’s Cooper’s contains the of the Delaware River, and Holland townships to the confluence a Natural Heritage Priority Site. Alpha Grasslands, which is listed as habitat iver provides good osprey foraging In addition, the Musconetcong R a migratory bird stopover along role as and contributes to the Delaware basin’s The Musconetcong River corridor also provides wintering the Atlantic flyway. nest. and contains one active eagle’s and foraging habitat for bald eagles intact hydrologic to the river’s These ecological values can be attributed The and groundwater aquifer. connectivity to the adjacent floodplains and connection to the aquifer support presence of limestone karst topography Above Hackettstown and Mansfield in-channel conditions and habitat. very good water quality consisting of cold, townships, the river generally has to its floodplain, with only limited clear waters. The river is readily connected which helps sustain quality riparian habitat. obstructions along the corridor, Several dams on the river and areas of development (such as in Hackettstown hydrological sources and and Mansfield townships) fragment the river’s do not riparian habitat and are minor sources of water pollution. The dams also allow passage of native migratory fish up the Musconetcong, which with prevents ecological processes and aquatic habitat values associated In addition, the artificial stocking fish migration from occurring in the river. of large quantities of nonnative trout in the river diminishes conditions for native species and processes. Nonetheless, lower stretches of the Musconetcong have direct access to the Lower Delaware River and provide some habitat for native migratory fish. Also, the Musconetcong is the most with four dams being removed since active dam-removal river in New Jersey, June 2008 (seven remain, including the sizeable W return to the dams are removed, then it may be possible for migratory fish to river and benefit the overall ecological integrity of the river. ogical Ecol River of the Musconetcong characteristics conditions and The natural community. ecological river’s health of the the integrity and maintain of the river contain the federally Allamuchy segments The Independence and bog turtle, the wedgemussel, the federally threatened endangered dwarf imperiled brook floater, barred owl and the state critically state threatened riverbed. The river’s that requires a rocky and gravelly a freshwater mussel W segment B, which stretches from townships, downstream to Franklin and Bethlehem endangered

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Human settlement in the Musconetcong River corridor has been traced has been traced in the Musconetcong River corridor Human settlement occupation of the area and the during the Paleo-Indian back 12,000 years has been Evidence of human habitation Wisconsin glacier. retreat of the This River corridor. along the lower Musconetcong site, found at the Plenge site excavations archeological Paleo-Indian one of only two major site was one of the most important in the in New Jersey and is considered to be northeastern United States.

Delaware R The outstandingly remarkable values that make the Musconetcong National Wild and Scenic River and Scenic River National Wild the Musconetcong that make values remarkable The outstandingly on the following pages. described are the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act under worthy of protection

ong Na cong conet Mus er ic Riv Scen and Wild olonists constructed dams beginning in the 1750s to power the engines in the 1750s to power the engines Colonists constructed dams beginning activity that contributed to the prosperity of commerce, creating economic The Morris Canal, constructed in the 1840s, of settlements along the river. of industry in intersected the river at Saxton Falls, accelerating the growth in the large coastal northeastern New Jersey and giving rise to employment Landmark. At least 18 designated cities. The canal is a National Historic associated with the river enhance the and eligible historic sites and districts segment of the Musconetcong. Beginning historic character of the designated paper mills harnessed the in the early 18th century and continuing today, downstream into the Delaware. and flushed processed effluent power river’s sbury, and Finesville, and many others. Many of the features of these of the features of these and Finesville, and many others. Many Asbury, Register of Historic Places. villages are listed in the National ubsistence agriculture took root in the lower Musconetcong valley at the in the lower Musconetcong valley at the Subsistence agriculture took root valley was rapidly cleared for The fertile limestone dawn of the 18th century. gradually evolved into commercial grain cropland—subsistence agriculture grist mills and iron and dairy farming. Villages sprang up around the many Outstanding historic features can River. forges built along the Musconetcong tanhope Borough, W villages of S be found in the river-related Cultural 42 MUSCONETCONG National WILD AND SCENIC RIVER 45 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il

Photo: Trout Unlimited Trout Photo: Assoc. Watershed Musconetcong Photo: ational W National

iver Basin • Delaware R ater Trail, a state designated and regionally a state designated and regionally ater Trail, provides visitors section A provides visitors The river’s ater Trail. While fishing, birding, camping, and hunting are the most popular and hunting are the most popular camping, birding, While fishing, passive the Musconetcong offers outstanding riverwide activities, and wildlife viewing, such as birding, recreational opportunities photography. ounty sides of the river lead hikers to outstanding areas for arren County sides of the river lead hikers to outstanding areas for

merica’s most densely most densely merica’s in A recreational opportunities variety of region. populated as the river is surrounded by state with a relative sense of solitude, development. parks with only limited shoreline The Musconetcong W to paddle paddlers opportunities significant water trail, offers The trail the Musconetcong River. through the varied landscapes of management areas found flows among the eight state wildlife Stone Bridge, to the North between the Miller Farmstead and and Bloomsbury Historic District. Interspersed among these historic stretches of river that wildlife management areas are additional shorelines. nature experiences with lesser-developed offer exist opportunities From the Route 46 bridge to Bloomsbury, variety of The on the river. for a variety of recreational activities by numerous river access recreational opportunities is augmented segment B. This segment of river, points, particularly in the river’s also provides anglers with bolstered by trout production streams, a variety of trout species. outstanding opportunities to pursue the trail networks found at Point Hiking is also a popular activity on The trail networks on the Hunterdon and mountains. and Schooley’s W viewing the river valley and beyond. Birdwatching along the Musconetcong is also a popular activity, Creek and Point Mountain overlook where especially at Merrill’s visitors can observe the state-endangered barred owl. Visitors are especially between also drawn to the Musconetcong for its scenery, Franklin and Bethlehem townships, and the historic hamlet of where the views are particularly dramatic. Asbury, onal Recreati to a wide abundant access River provides The Musconetcong river is flanked by Route 46 bridge, the From Saxton Falls to the Stephens state shoreline. Allamuchy and relatively undeveloped and natural experience, fishing visitors an outstanding parks offer for the renowned serve as an important put-in boating access, and Musconetcong W

Photo: Trout Unlimited Trout Photo: Unlimited Trout Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • The terminal moraine of the Wisconsinan Glacier, featured in the upper featured in the upper Wisconsinan Glacier, terminal moraine of the The extent southernmost the marks watershed, Musconetcong the of portion geological features of the The ice age glacial period. of the most recent and moraines, areas of glacial till, include extensive upper river valley stratified drift deposits. Delaware R The lower portion of the Musconetcong changes dramatically as it cuts changes dramatically as it cuts The lower portion of the Musconetcong gorge. Below the gorge, the river through shale to form a deep, narrow boulders, and steep gradients channel is dominated by shale ledges, the Delaware River floodplain. before leveling out as it traverses Farther downstream, the geology is dominated by limestone bedrock is dominated by limestone bedrock Farther downstream, the geology corridor formations known as karst. Limestone bedrock within the river types of bedrock. The dissolving is highly soluble compared to other depressions, caves, solution channels, limestone bedrock causes sinkholes, provides continuous base flows and irregular bedrock surfaces. Karst susceptible to making it ideal trout habitat, but highly and cool water, contamination. outh of the terminal moraine, glacial deposits from earlier ice sheets deposits from earlier ice sheets South of the terminal moraine, glacial Wisconsin exist in scattered deposits. Also, gravel outwash from the belts the length of the intermittent terminal moraine is found in narrow, River confluence. Musconetcong River valley down to the Delaware The bedrock geology of the Musconetcong watershed has ridges ridges watershed has the Musconetcong geology of The bedrock of Precambrian and consists primarily the river valley paralleling schist, gneiss and granites, contain crystalline rocks that metamorphic are not as These rocks igneous intrusions. and occasional quartzite, Sedimentary carbonate found in the river valley. erodible as the ones age underlay the river valley Cambrian and Ordovician and shale rocks of of ieglesville. This type of Hackettstown down to R floor from the vicinity is typical of the New Jersey Highlands. bedrock geology ogical Geol 44 MUSCONETCONG National WILD AND SCENIC RIVER 47 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il Photo: Musconetcong Watershed Assoc. Watershed Musconetcong Photo: ational W National

iver Basin • ownships ownships Delaware R arren Heritage Byway. arren Heritage Byway. ownships T ashington and Mansfield Riverfront villages contain numerous examples of 18th and 19th Riverfront villages contain numerous examples of 18th and 19th and commercial architecture institutional, century residential, earliest settlements. found in the area’s c Sceni scenes of features memorable River valley The Musconetcong cozy hamlets. Prominent areas, and secluded natural family farms, the define of the river unmistakably both sides ridges paralleling determining its regionally a major role in playing valley landscape, from intimate Scenic diversity ranges character. exemplary visual to sweeping vistas and its immediate surroundings views of the river glimpses of the from mountaintop overlooks and of the river valley landscape from the W river and adjacent the Bridge Saxton Falls toRoute 46 Segment A: and Stephens hills of Allamuchy Mountain The thickly forested giving the northern hug the Musconetcong River, state parks tightly more than 2,500 its remote feeling. Protecting end of this segment of a variety of habitats views offer acres of open space, these parks Lock 5, the prism and supporting critical wildlife. Remnants of function towpath of the Morris Canal are reminders of the river’s transportation corridor. as a water source for this world renowned ranges drop in elevation Approaching Hackettstown, the mountain up views of this edge, opening and back away from the river’s urban community. Segment B: W T to Franklin and Bethlehem farmland, forests, Alternating scenes of headwater tributaries, visually attractive segment. and rural hamlets characterize this symbolic of the aesthetics This pastoral cultural landscape is Views of seven state wildlife of the Musconetcong watershed. with a variety of historically management areas are interspersed such as: grist and graphite mills, significant human-made features, a steel Pony Pratt truss bridge, lime kilns, a triple stone arch bridge, with main and tenant and a preserved farm complex, complete house, and stone-walled housing, overshot bank barn, wagon family cemetery. alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R 46 Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River Lower National Park Service Pennsylvania, New Jersey U.S. Department of the Interior Delaware National Wild and Scenic River VU57

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48 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 49 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 51 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il Photo: D&L NHC D&L Photo: ational W National iver Basin • Alosa Delaware R ) to American shad ( ) to Petromyzon marinus ngland, and Piedmont provinces and Piedmont provinces New England, and alley, ) to multiple river herring species. A unifying feature throughout the full extent of the Lower Delaware extent of the Lower Delaware A unifying feature throughout the full of migratory fish, River is the broad and complete assemblage from sea lamprey ( sapidissima

These migratory fish contribute directly to the ecological integrity of These migratory fish contribute directly to the ecological integrity this river segment by maintaining the transfer of nutrients, energy, and biomass to and from the ocean. In addition, the unobstructed connectivity for migratory fish through the Lower Delaware River up through the Middle Delaware, the Upper Delaware, and into the vital mountainous headwaters underscores the Lower Delaware’s contribution to the ecological health and value of the entire region. important position along the Atlantic flyway is The Lower Delaware’s evident in supporting foraging and breeding habitat for rare water- dependent bird species. These include the least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), a threatened species in Pennsylvania, Louisiana waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla), and cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulean), swallows (Petrochelidon a federally listed species of concern. Cliff nest in colonies pyrrhonota), a threatened species in New Jersey, underneath several Lower Delaware bridges. Rare reptile species are associated with wetland habitats along the Lower Delaware corridor— these species include the federally threatened bog turtle (Clemmys gi cal lo Eco River Delaware Lower transition through provides the River segment The Lower Delaware V the Ridge and The Delaware River. zones for the many transition encompasses of the ecological qualities Lehigh River retain many sections above the high water Delaware River segments, with in the Upper and Middle of aquatic and riparian species including diverse assemblages quality, throughout the and strong ecological integrity freshwater mussels, quality and ecological water the Lehigh River, food web. Below large to a lesser status while still maintaining integrity both shift Compared to key riparian and in-stream habitats. components of the and is this reach has higher nutrient concentrations upstream reaches, also Island habitats are long pools and fewer riffles. warm, with very numbers, acreages, and diversity common and significant for their at least five species of species. Among the key ecological players are federally endangered dwarf of freshwater mussels, including the ) and the yellow lampmussel wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon Lower Delaware (Lampsilis cariosa), a federal species of concern. The corridors and their characteristic flora supports areas of natural riparian of native warm water fish, such and fauna, and a diverse assemblage (Micropterus dolomieu), as walleye (Sander vitreus), smallmouth bass Perca spp.), and white suckers striped bass (Morone saxitilis), perch ( status Lower Delaware River’s (Catostomus commersonii). Critical to the in the segment below the Lehigh is the primary spawning ground federally endangered shortnose sturgeon for the Delaware basin’s zone below (Acipenser brevirostrum) population, which occurs in the the Lambertville-New Hope pool and wing dam. Photo: D&L NHC D&L Photo:

k) Cree aunacussing alking alking

al on ti alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin •

The southern terminus of the Lower Delaware segment includes the the segment includes of the Lower Delaware southern terminus The park on both sides Now a state historic site. Crossing Washington commander’s War it is the location of the Revolutionary of the river, to River on Christmas Day 1776, famed crossing of the Delaware Trenton. surprise the British at

aunacussing Creek) Paunacussing ohickon Creek,and Delaware R aritan canal stops included On the New Jersey side, the Delaware and Raritan canal stops included the Stockton-Prallsville Mills and Lambertville historic districts. Fourteen bridges have served historically as important economic and cultural lifelines between communities of the two states. By the 1830s, the demand for bulk commodity transport led to commodity transport led to By the 1830s, the demand for bulk systems along both sides of the river, construction of canals. The canal Raritan Canal, helped including the Delaware Canal, and Delaware and moving coal and other goods to to fuel the industrial revolution by examples of canals in the northeast such urban centers. These are unique Landmark. The W&SR-designated as the Delaware Canal National Historic iver includes portions of the Delaware section of the Lower Delaware R in designated and Lehigh Navigational Canal National Heritage Corridor, 1988. The length of this segment is dotted with historic sites associated with river crossings, railroads, and the canal system, including the Uhlerstown, Lumberville, Point Pleasant, Centre Bridge, and New Hope districts. New Hope is significant not only for its association with the Delaware Canal, but also because artists residing and working there and in the vicinity formed the nucleus of the New Hope school of painting, River the first truly American expression of Impressionism. The Delaware and Paunacussing creeks were popular subjects. Tohickon, and Tinicum, iver, including Tinicum, Paunacussing, and Paunacussing, and including Tinicum, River, The Lower Delaware it is resources of national significance; creeks, contains historic Tohickon Lower Delaware River Sites along the a microcosm of American history. merican Indian use of the river for and its tributaries indicate early A Haven Paleo-Indian site, a rock shelter habitation. These include the Del Hendrick Island, and Eddy, Creek, and sites at Sandts along Tinicum W Penn’s Creek was the origin point of Thomas Padula. Tinicum inicum Creek, Tinicum Creek, River (including Lower Delaware T Cultural areas on all three Delaware segments. Purchase of 1737, which includes The outstandingly remarkable values that make the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River National Wild and Scenic River Delaware values that make the Lower remarkable The outstandingly on the following pages. described are the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act under worthy of protection reek, and P ohickon C Creek, T Tinicum (including lawarr De w e Lo Na e er ic Riv Scen and Wild 50 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 53 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il

Photo: Ralph Stover Ralph Photo: Stover Ralph Photo: ational W National . iver Basin • Delaware R , listed as listed as , (Acris crepitans)

alley Park is ecologically intact and has excellent intact and has excellent is ecologically alley Park The wooded wetlands and streams of Tohickon Creek provide Creek provide Tohickon of wooded wetlands and streams The and turtles, frogs, 20 species of salamanders, habitats for at least frog cricket including the northern endangered in Pennsylvania, and Fowler’s toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), (Anaxyrus fowleri), toad and Fowler’s endangered in Pennsylvania, species of concern. a Pennsylvania

Rhinichthys Rhinichthys blacknose dace ( Semotilus atromaculatus), white sucker, tate State alph Stover R through section the 4.5-mile however, creek; of the V Tohickon Park and a high- 160 feet to produce section drops some This water quality. threadfoot aquatic life. The a variety of stream that supports gradient sticks. and submerged sponge, coats rocks a freshwater riverweed, sandy where a suitable areas of the creek mussels inhabit Freshwater good Creek overall has is present. Tohickon or gravelly substrate deposition. habitats with limited fine sediment hard-bottom aquatic for this stream type. of good water quality The creek is representative due is also good, with minor fragmentation Riparian habitat quality uses along the corridor. to interspersed human for a subset of Creek provides relatively limited access Tohickon migratory fish, such as the American eel, in the Delaware basin support the creek does due to its relatively small size. However, a good indicator of stream populations of at least 24 fish species, Creek is designated as In addition, Tohickon health and water quality. Fish species include creek chub a cold-water fishery in Pennsylvania. ( ), fallfish (Semotilus atratulus), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae ), smallmouth and corporalis), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus and salmoides, respectively), largemouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu ). and redfin pickerel (Esox americanus Paunacussing Creek riparian habitat and ecological communities Paunacussing Creek’s a good representation of native are relatively intact, and support species. The creek has good hard- riparian and warm water aquatic fine sediment deposition. The bottom aquatic habitats with limited creek is representative of good water quality for this stream type. Riparian habitat quality is also good, with some fragmentation due Due to the creek’s to interspersed human uses along the corridor. the relatively small size, it provides only limited access for a subset of migratory fish in the Delaware basin. Paunacussing Creek is classified as a high-quality cold-water fishery in chapter 93 of title 25 of the to Pennsylvania Code, which means that water quality sufficient support a cold-water fishery should be maintained (i.e., trout species). The creek is high-quality habitat for the brown trout and historically native brook trout. The creek also includes some state listed species, a but these are noted as not necessarily rare in the region. There is to relatively high diversity of amphibian and reptile species compared similar watersheds. This segment has unique and some good quality ecological values overall, the ecological values on a local or statewide scale. However, of this segment do not possess rare, unique, or exemplary qualities. RV Therefore, Paunacussing Creek does not qualify as an ecological O Photo: D Bales MD Dept of Natural Resources Natural of Dept MD Bales D Photo:

. alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Tinicum Creek supports an array of diverse plant communities, significant significant of diverse plant communities, Creek supports an array Tinicum amphibians, creek-inhabiting and animal species, numbers of rare plant special concern. species—13 of which are rare or of and more than 70 bird ohickon Creek Delaware R T Creek watershed is designated a critical Creek, Tohickon Similar to Tinicum USDA treasure within the Pennsylvania portion of the Highlands by the reek watershed sustains hundreds of species Creek watershed sustains hundreds of species Forest Service. The Tohickon of these of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Many eastern are species of concern or considered rare or threatened, such as the small-footed bat (Myotis leibii), which is threatened in Pennsylvania and a a federal species of candidate for federal listing, and the cerulean warbler, habitat and ecological communities are riparian Creek’s concern. Tohickon and relatively intact and support a good representation of native riparian warm water aquatic species, including the yellow lampmussel (threatened in New Jersey), eastern floater (Pyganodon cataracta) (species of concern ) in Pennsylvania), and threadfoot riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum A dam exists at the upper end of the designated (threatened in New York). processes reach, which alters some of the natural ecological and hydrologic This segment has unique and some good quality ecological values on a good quality ecological values on a This segment has unique and some overall, the ecological values of this local or statewide scale. However, or exemplary qualities. Therefore, segment do not possess rare, unique, Creek does not qualify as an ecological ORV Tinicum The creek has good hard-bottom aquatic habitat with limited fine aquatic habitat with limited fine The creek has good hard-bottom conditions for a good representation sediment deposition that creates The creek has no federally listed of native warm water aquatic species. of state listed species, including the species, but does support a variety ) (threatened in New Jersey) near the yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa ) (threatened in mouth, the redbelly turtle (Chrysemys rubriventris creek’s ) (threatened in Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania), the osprey (Pandion haliaetus (Bidens discoidea) as small beggar-ticks and wetland/riparian plants such pineland pimpernel (species of concern (endangered in Pennsylvania) and seven species of in Pennsylvania). At least nine species of salamanders, turtles can be found here. Tinicum frogs and toads, and six species of of access and habitat for a subset of Creek also provides a moderate level the Delaware River basin. The riparian the migratory fish assemblage in with some fragmentation due to habitat quality is generally very good, corridor. interspersed human uses along the ), a state ), a state the pineland pimpernel (Samolus parvifloris Forests dotted with flank the Rapp Creek watershed. endangered plant, inicum Creek Tinicum a values that support riparian habitat aquatic and Creek possesses Tinicum wildlife and quality of The exceptional intact natural community. relatively Agriculture (USDA) resulted in the U.S. Department of plant habitat has Rapp Creek, as Creek and a tributary, of Tinicum Forest Service designation within the Highlands region. a “critical treasure” ), a threatened ), a threatened ( insculpta turtle Glyptemys the wood ) and muhlenbergii New Jersey. species in 52 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 55 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R Among the volcanic features, Tinicum Creek has “ringing rocks.” “ringing rocks.” Creek has Tinicum features, Among the volcanic and sills intrusion of diabase dikes rocks are part of an igneous These boulder This musical notes. that when struck with a hammer produce Pennsylvania Feature of field is listed as an Outstanding Geological and is a potential National Natural Landmark.

inicum Creek Tinicum of an unusual combination includes reek watershed C The Tinicum processes. volcanic, and glacial erosional, features that express geologic of the Piedmont Lowlands the Triassic lies entirely within The creek the primarily reflects the geology Province, and Physiographic Atlantic Ocean during and the formation of the separation of Pangaea about 200 million years ago. Sedimentary Triassic the Mesozoic era and Stockton, include the Lockatong, Brunswick, rocks in this area sediment-bearing lakes inland valleys were filled with originating when thick. In the Tinicum deposits are 4,000 to 10,000 feet and rivers. These are the Brunswick red shale and Lockatong argillite Creek watershed, the primary outcroppings. wild and scenic tributaries Rapp and Beaver creeks, the designated area. After Creek, originate in the diabase geological to Tinicum and wet forested area, meandering through this boulder-strewn enter the Lockatong Formation, these creeks continue south and 200 feet deep. In this area incising a valley that eventually becomes

Photo: DE & Lehigh NHC Lehigh & DE Photo: Photo: D&L NHC D&L Photo: alues alley region. alley region. iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • The dramatic curve in the river at Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, is is Pennsylvania, in the river at Upper Black Eddy, dramatic curve The created when molten material the result of hard diabase intrusions and cooled—evidenced by the 300- pushed up into the older lakebeds intrusion of lowlands and The foot dark cliffs towering above the river. as the the separation of Pangaea molten material were formed during forming. Atlantic Ocean was alley formations created by colliding tectonic plates and the rising and the rising created by colliding tectonic plates alley formations Delaware R The Monroe Triassic Border Fault in Durham Township, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Border Fault in Durham Township, The Monroe Triassic is a National Natural Landmark. It is one of only a few exposed rifts in the eastern United States, most of which are buried deep beneath the continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean. It represents an outstanding geologic feature associated with the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland section of the Piedmont. The Devil’s Tea Table is an outstanding geologic feature that is rare in geologic feature that is rare in is an outstanding Table Tea The Devil’s perched on the Milford rock layer, the northeast region. This Triassic sedimentary rock beneath a was caused by the erosion of softer Bluffs, Milford Bluffs the “table” effect. harder upper layer of rock, creating that expose Triassic cliffs are nearly vertical, 300-foot south-facing red Brunswick shale and border conglomerates. They represent the best On the opposite side of the river, community in New Jersey. shale cliff shale support alpine-arctic of red the north-facing Nockamixon Cliffs are part of flora that is rare in the Continental United States. The cliffs a state-designated natural area within Delaware Canal State Park. The as an Pennsylvania Geological Survey has designated Nockamixon Cliffs Outstanding Scenic Geological Feature of Pennsylvania. ew Jersey, where river islands become prominent where river islands become prominent It is at Frenchtown, New Jersey, to the valley by ice age glaciers of features, built of materials brought years ago. Just north the Pleistocene Epoch between 11,000 and 500,000 Stockton lies a classic example of the Triassic of Stockton, New Jersey, outcrops and some of the best Arkose. These are well-developed Delaware V examples visible anywhere in the iegelsville, Pennsylvania, the river enters the rolling hills of the hills of the the river enters the rolling South of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, Lowland section). (specifically the Gettysburg-Newark Piedmont Province and by hard Brunswick Lowlands begin, characterized Here, the Triassic that are rich in dinosaur fossils. Lockatong shales elaware River Delaware Lower geology through by the varied River is shaped The Lower Delaware end At the northern to the Atlantic Ocean. has carved its way which it it cuts through the foldedRidge and River, of the Lower Delaware V of the river The hydro-geomorphology modern Appalachian Mountains. boulders, deep runs, and huge glacial riffle/pools, is characterized by rapids, and ledges. ogical Geol 54 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 57 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National

iver Basin • Delaware R ounty, and trails and trails arren County, ew Jersey, the trail the trail in New Jersey, alley Trail ew New ashington Crossing State Park in reek alley County Park, Merrill Creek ater Trail that connects all three NPS ater Trail ater Gap and W rea. Together ashington Crossing State Park Natural Area. Together outes 32 and 611 of the alley Scenic Byway and State Routes 32 and 611 of the ddy and Frost Hollow access areas including the Sandts Eddy and Frost Hollow access areas Jersey, the Delaware Canal north of Easton and various access points along Raritan Canal (New Jersey) state (Pennsylvania) and Delaware and parks. ower Delaware, there are two On the Pennsylvania side of the L provide access to scenic state-designated scenic byways that destinations almost the entire resources, parks, and recreational Delaware These include the 17-mile length of the river corridor. River V 35 In New Jersey, Delaware River Scenic Drive, totaling 86 miles. and state scenic byway— miles of Route 29 is designated a national Paralleling these scenic byways the Delaware River Scenic Byway. side, is the 60-mile-long Delaware and the river on the Pennsylvania on the New Canal system from Easton to Bristol, Pennsylvania, and and Raritan feeder canal from Jersey side the 70-mile-long Delaware The Delaware Canal and the Delaware Frenchtown south to Trenton. A and Raritan Canal are both designated national recreation trails. unique part of the Delaware Canal experience is a mule-drawn canal boat ride at New Hope, Pennsylvania. along the Lower Delaware River provide entrée into the Trailheads vast regional trails network beyond the canal towpath trail system, including the 27-mile Paulinskill V system within Marble Hill Natural Area in W through W with the Delaware River W onal Recreati River Delaware Lower experiences is variety of outdoor River’s The Lower Delaware between intimate interrelationship because of the significant The range of cultural resources, and nature. outdoor recreation, because recreational experiences is augmented active and passive through a alike can access the river corridor visitors and residents drive along the options, including a leisurely wide range of travel and horseback scenic byways; bicycling, hiking, national and state and various multiuse canal towpath trails riding on the extensive Road cyclists can follow side of the river. hiking trails on either In Atlantic Coast route. Adventure Cycling’s the river south along public the river is available through numerous addition, entry to access points. access points along the There are 28 state and locally managed approximately 70 miles of the Lower Delaware mainstem between Delaware W multiple ways in administered areas, the trails and byways offer In addition which to enjoy the natural beauty of the river valley. to trails, numerous public parks and recreational facilities such as Theodore Roosevelt State Park, Ralph Stover State Park, Nockamixon V Lake State Park, Tohickon Environmental Preserve, and Giving Pond Recreation Area, to name a eathering eathering alley Park provide alley Park provide alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • ohickon Creek Delaware R ockatong formations are generally reddish brown The Stockton and Lockatong formations are generally reddish brown These sandstones, also containing conglomerates, shale and mudstone. shales are moderately resistant to erosion and weathering. W shales directly forms the reddish parent material from these Triassic brown soils that characterize the area. Near the confluence, the elevation drops 300 feet from the top of the palisade to the level of the Delaware riverbed over a relatively short distance of less than 1,000 feet. Paunacussing Creek remarkable geologic Paunacussing Creek does not contain outstandingly rare, unique, or exemplary geologic values because it does not possess Creek watershed is a good qualities. Despite this, the Paunacussing the Delaware River example of the Northern Piedmont landscape within Newark basin portion of the Triassic basin. The landscape is within the Lowland Province. This broad basin is defined by its relatively “young” sedimentary shale bedrock geology (about 220 million years old)— namely the Lockatong Formation and Stockton Formation. owland section the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland section Creek is entirely within Tohickon Creek cuts Physiographic Province—Lower Tohickon of the Piedmont and argillites shales, sandstones, bands of Triassic through 12 alternating The result is a striking and Lockatong formations. of the Brunswick sheer rock walls. forested slopes interspersed with landscape of steep, in the southeastern portion of the There is a narrow band of diabase is part of a larger formation that watershed near Point Pleasant, which This dense igneous rock is River. extends eastward across the Delaware that intruded and metamorphosed the associated with dikes and sheets has directed the course of the streams rocks. The resistance of the rock streams and ridges in the area are in the area such that most of the rather than cutting across the beds. parallel to the strike of the bedding creek. Lockatong geology is form a chute along the These vertical cliffs look of the creekbed in some responsible for the distinct pavement-like formations such as Sentinel Rock. places. There are also unusual rock V and Cedar Overlooks in Tohickon Argillite, Balcony, T access to these geological formations. the streambed consists of a series of slightly inclined red and gray rock gray rock red and slightly inclined of of a series consists the streambed appear to that they so angular and square ledges are ledges. These scenic low in a series of formations result The rock be human-made. confluence Rapp creeks the Beaver and and pools. Below waterfalls red Brunswick streambed is predominately Creek, the with Tinicum channel striking bedrock creating a and mudstone, shale, siltstone, are to a flashy hydrologic system. Steep, vertical cliffs that contributes Formation. streambed and within the Brunswick exposed along the 56 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 59 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National . . iver Basin • alley Park, alley Park, Delaware R alley Park is a 200-foot rock wall known as known as alley Park is a 200-foot rock wall . Tohickon Creek offers some of the best kayaking opportunities in the in the of the best kayaking opportunities Creek offers some Tohickon typically periods and dam releases, During high-flow northeast corridor. river. Creek turns into a raging class 3 and 4 whitewater Tohickon quiet ohickon Creek

Paunacussing Creek the While Paunacussing Creek has low recreational value regionally, scenic setting does contribute significantly to its local value. The forested hills lining both sides of the Paunacussing below Carversville and cliffs and the natural setting in many locations contribute to a sense of time period, yet it is relatively accessible isolation and being in a different from nearby canal towns through the Delaware Canal towpath trail. The and pools drops in elevation revealing large clear water with its riffles boulders, distinctive red shale outcroppings, and a wealth of historic Dale resources, which draw visitors from around the area. From Fleecy Road and Old Carversville Road along Paunacussing Creek, a visitor the enjoys views of the creek with steep drops, historic farmsteads, and hand-crafted rock features scattered along the roadways. The historic districts of Mechanicsville and Carversville include stone arch bridges scenic and exceptional examples of period architecture. Because of these features, the reputation of the Paunacussing with artists is noteworthy. access is nearly nonexistent due to the large public recreation However, is tracts of privately owned land along the creek; therefore, recreation not considered an ORV reek contribute to a sense of isolation isolation sense of to a contribute Creek of Tinicum sides lining both hills because of limited period. However, time in a different and being recreation or exemplary rare, unique, a lack of regionally access and ORV not contain a recreation Creek does Tinicum opportunities, T come for the recreational opportunities, valley Visitors to the Tohickon Creek. The in the public lands lining Tohickon which are plentiful geology offer and shale bands of the underlying alternating argillite and unusual rock with the surrounding greenery striking visual contrast include as Sentinel Rock. Recreational opportunities formations such and kayaking. fishing, rock climbing, creek to paddle travel to Tohickon Paddlers from as far away as Maine the stretch from Ralph Stover State Park to Point Pleasant. Creek. The park Tohickon Ralph Stover State Park includes 45 acres along water fishing and kayaking, and easy access to the creek for warm offers V easy walking paths. Adjacent to the state park is Tohickon 612 acres of county parkland that includes a playground, picnicking, includes a playground, picnicking, 612 acres of county parkland that tent and cabin camping. Also hiking, fishing, restrooms, and both V contained within Tohickon valley visit Tohickon “High Rocks.” Climbers from throughout the region Mill In addition, Stover-Myers for this challenging climbing experience. fishing, and tours of the 26 acres with picnicking, County Park offers by the early 1800s mill, which is historic mill. The park is distinguished listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo: DE & Lehigh NHC Lehigh & DE Photo: Maschek DJ Photo: alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National arious challenges are available for boaters with different boaters with different arious challenges are available for iver Basin • Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania and its counter- in Pennsylvania Crossing Historic Park Washington tourist are major in New Jersey, Park Crossing State Washington part, December re-enactment of destinations that include the annual River. crossing of the Delaware Washington’s General George Delaware R rwinna Historic District with its covered bridge is memorable for Erwinna Historic District with its covered bridge is memorable for dramatic views of Swamp Creek as it zig zags over a series of stepped bedrock shelves. Frankenfield is one of the best loved and photographed stone covered bridges in the area. Masonry walls of the distinctive local red. form buttresses that support the wooden structure painted a deep Creek. The The covered bridge spans a serene and still section of Tinicum pony truss bridge over Geigel Hill Road allows views of a swiftly moving Creek and historic building built into the rock ledge on section of Tinicum Park, at the confluence with the Delaware one side of the creek. Tinicum for its expansive view framed by the river is enjoyed by visitors River, Lush greenery on one side and a steep mountain ridge on the other. contrasts with the deep reds of the historic John Stover House and the and distinctive red barn, which are framed by trees. The forested cliffs Tinicum Creek public recreation Creek and its tributaries is limited, Access to Tinicum the area is relatively rural and undeveloped. In spite and facilities are few, diverse recreational Creek can offer of these limiting factors, Tinicum Creek watershed experiences. Throughout the seasons, people visit Tinicum historicto experience the unusual geologic features, wildlife, historic villages, structures, and covered bridges that make the area distinctive and scenic. slow-moving waters suitable for beginners levels of experience, from class I slow-moving waters suitable for II rapids like those at Foul Rift andsuch as Upper Black Eddy to class the boaters. Lambertville wing dam for more experienced From Portland, Pennsylvania, south to Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, several From Portland, Pennsylvania, south are available to organize the visitor’s outfitters provide boat rentals and and canoeing to from tubing, rafting, kayaking, experience on the river, sports fishing. V ambertville, such as New Hope, Lambertville, The historic river towns and hamlets, unique to the region and draw Stockton, and Frenchtown, are also and New Jersey, area of New York, visitors from throughout the tri-state Pennsylvania. long with outdoor recreation, there are long-running cultural events cultural events recreation, there are long-running Along with outdoor held Annual shad festivals connected to the river. that are intimately the Delaware iver Shad and the Forks ofR ew Jersey, in Lambertville, N are examples of how in Easton, Pennsylvania, Fishing Tournament resources are interconnected. recreation and natural few, are available for outdoor activities. These parks offer environmental environmental offer parks These activities. for outdoor are available few, workshops, photographic nature walks, education programs, and history wildlife skiing, and camping, cross-country rock climbing, picnicking, River some of the Delaware encompass The parks, which observation. Bulls Island. The Island, and Island, Treasure Marshall islands including such as activities water-related many options for islands present parks and boating, and bird-watching. fishing, swimming, 58 LOWER DELAWARE National Wild and Scenic RIVER 61 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d

il

Photo: DE & Lehigh NHC Lehigh & DE Photo: Photo: DE & Lehigh NHC Lehigh & DE Photo: ational W National iver Basin • ashington ashington Delaware R inicum ributaries (including Tinicum ohickon Creek,and Paunacussing Creek) ohickon Creek,and Particularly notable are the forested islands, the renowned rock the renowned rock notable are the forested islands, Particularly and steep ravines, tumbling streams, features of cliffs and falls, but Dramatic features include, spectacular seasonal foliage. Falls, Tumble Table, Tea Devil’s Milford Bluffs, are not limited to: and Cuttalossa Falls. Nockamixon Cliffs, iver offer a dramatic a dramatic River offer The tributaries along the Lower Delaware rolling landscape of fields and woods, with north-facing slopes of hemlock. Compared to the mainstem of the Delaware, the by formed Cliffs ravines along these tributaries are notably steeper. pronounced outcrops of Stockton bedrock are accessible by narrow winding roads. The area includes high gradient rocky creeks and include a mix of smaller historic farms and The valleys clear water. villages linked by stone-arch and covered wooden bridges. This area is the focus of the New Hope School of Pennsylvania impressionistic red rock Creek’s painting. Distinctive features include Tinicum Creek, including outcrops and Erwinna Historic District; Tohickon at Ralph Stover State Park; Doans 200-foot-high sculpted cliffs Aqueduct Cave; Cabin Run and Loux covered bridges; Tohickon as part of the Delaware Canal; striking alternating argillite and shale bands and unusual rock formations such as Sentinel Rock; and Paunacussing Creek – Mechanicsville and Carversville historic Scenic Corridor Fleecy districts, stone arch bridges, and Township Dale Road and Old Carversville Road. c Sceni River Delaware Lower for its unique is recognized River corridor The Lower Delaware trail, by road, river, that are accessible of scenic resources diversity of which are designated scenic and canal. Narrow roads, some The the entire Lower Delaware River corridor. byways, parallel the Lower National Historic Landmark, parallels Delaware Canal Delaware and Raritan Easton, while the Delaware River south of linear features river on the New Jersey side. These Canal follows the by wooded landscapes are narrowly framed and their associated the river provide numerous glimpses of and cliffs steep slopes and and opposite shore. numerous are interspersed with rapids, pools, and riffles The river’s Island. Island and Bull’s forested islands, including Marshall with their associated bridges Many of the historic canal towns giving complement the scenery, are national historic districts and a flavor of earlier times. Notable features include, but are not Riegelsville, W limited to, Roebling suspension bridge at Lambertville Bridge and historic Crossing and Bridge, New Hope / districts, Uhlerstown Village and rural historic district, Frenchtown / Raven Rock Bridge. Uhlerstown Bridge, Lumberville – T Lower Delaware T Creek, alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R 60 Free-flowing Condition

62 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 63 FREE-FLOWING CONDITION 65

alues Main iver V iver Purpose Diversion to Diversion to NYC Diversion to NYC Hydro- electric generation Hydro- electric generation

cenic R cenic

S of and 99 88 11 150 d il gallons) (billions Capacity

454 372 228 116 (mi²) Area ational W National Drainage Drainage iver Basin • 1926 Date Date of First of First Jan. 1930 Operation Sept. 1963 Sept. 1954 Delaware R 330 330 278 261 River River Mouth Mile at Mile at Tributary Tributary

Tributary allenpaupack allenpaupack est Branch est Branch W Delaware River ast Branch East Branch Delaware River W Creek to Lackawaxen River Mongaup River (3 reservoirs) Table 1. Reservoirs Upstream of the Upper Delaware River of the Upper Delaware 1. Reservoirs Upstream Table State NY NY PA NY allenpaupack Reservoir Name Cannonsville Pepacton Lake W Rio System

Due to its proximity to large metropolitan centers and because Due to its proximity to large metropolitan centers and because of the Delaware River Compact, the Delaware River basin is well 2 provides a list of existing USGS gauges of the Upper gauged. Table Delaware. ince the 1954 decree, reservoir releases have been managed been managed have releases reservoir decree, the 1954 Since on unanimous programs based a series of evolving through Program Management The Flexible Flow by the parties. agreement and diversions for managing the current framework provides the was designed by This program from NYC reservoirs. releases including objectives, flow management support multiple states to protection mitigation; flood mitigation; water supply; drought habitat needs in fishery; a diverse array of of the cold tail-water and salinity and bay; recreational goals; the mainstem, estuary annual precipitation The region’s Delaware estuary. repulsion in the challenging the Flexible Flow from year to year, can vary greatly flow formulas and release In drought years, Management Program. protect river reservoirs may not adequately patterns from upstream ecology. USGS) as the the U.S. Geological Survey ( The decree designates of the 1954 decree. In River Master to implement the provisions ommission (DRBC) was created and 1961, the Delaware River Basin C state and one from the federal includes a representative from each rmy Corps of Engineers). The government (currently the U.S. A entity Delaware River Basin Commission is the primary management The commission plans and regulates water for the Delaware River. in the basin based largely on conservation and use and distribution the 1954 decree. Photo: Jim Davis Jim Photo: eservoir Reservoir ater Gap. The ater Gap. The alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin •

In recent years, New York City has diverted an average of about 650 City has diverted an average of about 650 York New In recent years, 55% of the which is equal to about per day, million gallons of water average daily flow at the upstream boundary of the Upper “natural” York). New River (Hancock, Delaware Draining 0.4% of the nation’s land area, the Delaware River provides River provides the Delaware land area, Draining 0.4% of the nation’s for more than 16 million people—more than 5% of the drinking water population. U.S.

rea. ater Gap National Recreation Area. Delaware R

Definition of free flowing according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, “…existing or flowing in a in “…existing or flowing Rivers Act, the Wild and Scenic to flowing according of free Definition or other modification rip-rapping diversion, straightening, impoundment, without natural condition of the waterway.” ion Con dit wing Flo Free- egulated releases also provide a critical buffer to prevent saltwater to prevent saltwater critical buffer Regulated releases also provide a of the Schuylkill and Delaware intrusion downstream of the confluence protecting the municipal water rivers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Four dams exist on New Jersey. supplies of Philadelphia and Camden, River (table 1), impounding water tributaries to the Upper Delaware in pper Delaware watershed. Flows from approximately 38% of the U section—are the Upper Delaware River—especially in the uppermost annonsville City (NYC) reservoirs: the C impacted by two New York Pepacton the and Delaware the of branch west the on Reservoir on the east branch of the Delaware. Flows in the lower section of the Flows in the lower section of the on the east branch of the Delaware. Middle Delaware Upper Delaware River and the upper section of the a hydroelectric generating facility River are impacted by releases from lesser and to a much (not a NYC reservoir) on the Lackawaxen River, extent by releases from the Rio hydroelectric generating facility (not A third NYC reservoir on the a NYC reservoir) on the Mongaup River. Neversink River impacts flows downstream of its confluence with the from the Delaware W just upstream Delaware River, iver Basin drains 12,756 square miles across the states of of 12,756 square miles across the states The Delaware River Basin drains flows unimpeded and Delaware and New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, The Delaware to Delaware Bay. Hancock, New York, for 330 miles from The headwaters river east of the Mississippi. is the longest undammed a highly regulated by of impoundments and flows are contain a number the Decree Parties of Court Consent Decree between 1954 U.S. Supreme Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of New Jersey, Delaware, New York, to some extent in the headwaters, Although altered City. and New York Delaware continues to provide the undammed mainstem of the scenic, recreational, geologic, unimpeded flows that support ecological, s. and cultural ORV decree provides for the diversion of up to 800 million gallons of Middle Delaware River water per day (annual average) to the NYC metropolitan area and requires a minimum daily flow of 1,750 cfs (in nondrought conditions) at Montague, located at the northern end of the Delaware W 64 FREE-FLOWING CONDITION 67 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R Y; river mile 322 A, and Lordville, NY; Y; river mile 313 A, and Kellams, NY; eir; river mile 293 eir; river mile 288 illage of Hancock sewage treatment plant outfall; river mile 330.5 outfall; river mile treatment plant Hancock sewage Village of points; river mile 258–330.5 State Route 97 berm, various New York points; river mile 322–330.5 Pennsylvania Route 191 berm, various various points along Central (former Erie) Railroad line berm, New York river mile 258–330.5 either side of river; owned and private unimproved public, commercially approximately 50 258–330.5 the corridor; river mile accesses exist throughout stairways and other decks, former bridge abutments, several buildings, 258–330.5 structures; river mile cross the river at approximately 15 communications and powerlines locations Lordville Bridge connecting Equinunk, P talker, P Kellams Bridge connecting Stalker, Callicoon Bridge; river mile 304 river mile 303 of Delaware flood diversion channel; Town Damascus/Cochecton Bridge; river mile 299 Milanville/Skinners Falls Bridge; river mile 295 Eel W Conservation State Department of Environmental Narrowsburg New York (DEC) Boat Launch and bulkhead; river mile 290 Narrowsburg Bridge; river mile 289.7 outfall; river mile 289.5 Narrowsburg sewage treatment plant Eel W No. 9 Railroad Bridge; river mile 284 Aqueduct (Roebling Bridge); river mile 277 Delaware Roebling’s Delaware and Hudson Canal berm, walls and appurtenances, various points; river mile 258-277.5 Crib Dam Remnants; river mile 277.5 D&H Canal Timber Shohola/Barryville Bridge; river mile 273 Pond Eddy Bridge; river mile 265.5 of the No. 2 Railroad Bridge at Millrift; river mile 258 (Southern Terminus Upper Delaware River) Corporation; river mile 258.6 Columbia Gas Transmission • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • pper Delaware River: within the Upper Delaware modifications aterway iver. The The River. Delaware on the exist the waterway to of modifications A number River. pper Delaware exist within the U modifications following W 5 4 99 99 66 37 71

Record

Years of of Years NHC D&L Photo: 1912- 1912- 1946- 2006- 1975- 1940- 2007- Record Period of Period of

784 595 589 56.3 (mi²) Area 1,590 1,820 2,020 Watershed Watershed (ft) 956 946 890 842 735 600 670 Elevation Elevation alues NA NA NA NA 322 304 279 Mile River River iver V iver cenic R cenic

S and d A il Upstream of / Within the Upper Delaware River Delaware the Upper of / Within Upstream Gauge Name est Branch Delaware est Branch Delaware ational W National ast Branch Delaware East Branch Delaware River at Fishs Eddy W River at Hale Eddy Equinunk Creek near Equinunk, P iver at Delaware River at Lordville iver at Delaware River at Callicoon iver above Delaware River above Lackawaxen River Near Barryville iver at Lackawaxen River at Rowland Table 2. USGS Discharge Gauges on the Delaware River and Tributaries River and Gauges on the Delaware USGS Discharge 2. Table iver Basin • 01421000 01426500 01427200 01427207 01427510 01428500 01432110 Station No. USGS Gauge USGS Gauge Delaware R 66 FREE-FLOWING CONDITION 69 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National shore; river A shore; river A; river mile 214.7 A; river mile 238.6 A; river mile 238.6 iver Basin • A; river mile 218.1 A; river mile 227.6 uthority ater Supply Authority Delaware R J; A; City of Phillipsburg, NJ; rea at ater Gap National Recreation Area at NJ; river mile 246.2 A and Montague, A shore; river mile 212.6-209.5 ; river mile 246.4 A; river mile A shore; river mile 213.2 orthington State Park, NJ, paved access area; river mile 214.8 W river island, P Shawnee Inn and paved ramp, golf course on channel along P Shawnee Inn golf course, small bridge spans mile 214.4 Private docks along P Interstate 80 Bridge; river mile 212.2 211.5 Kittatinny Point NPS Visitor Center with boat ramp; river mile Railroad embankment along P Line, mile 248.3 Gas Transmission Tennessee rea, a paved access and boat ramp, P Area, a paved access Dingmans Access and boat ramp, P rea, a paved access Bushkill Access A lines cross river at mile 222.6 Power transmission river at 3 other locations. and power lines cross the Smaller communication J; river mile 219 Poxono Access, N Beach, NJ; river mile 218.9 Turtle P Smithfield Access Area, paved access and boat ramps, Milford Beach Access Area, P Milford Beach Milford, P Rt. 206 Bridge connecting P at Dingmans Ferry, Bridge, a private bridge Dingman’s • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • aterway Modifications within the Middle Delaware River: within the Middle Modifications aterway river mile 209.5, the river enters an eligible but undesignated segment of river in eligible but undesignated segment of river in river mile 209.5, the river enters an The next wild and scenic designated river the vicinity of Portland, Pennsylvania. Martins Creek generating station at river mile segment starts just below the PPL tributary flow regime is modified by reservoirs in 193.8. The Lower Delaware River’s ower Delaware: watersheds (table 5). Numerous water diversions are within the L Merrill Creek pumped storage intake; City of Easton water supply; Point Pleasant Creek and Diversion (public supply and power generation); Portland, Martins Gilbert power generating stations; and the New Jersey W wastewater water diversion. There are also numerous municipal and industrial dischargers to the Lower Delaware and its tributaries. Those that discharge directly Station; to the Lower Delaware include Portland Borough; Portland Generating Martins Creek Generating Station; City of Easton, P of Frenchtown, NJ; and City of Lambertville, NJ. There are also a few small Town industrial dischargers and some abandoned industrial facilities. Passing downstream from the Delaware W Passing downstream from the Delaware iver as as River Delaware Middle the exist within modifications of waterway A number listed below. W 62 75 98 73 11 89 104 Record Years of of Years Main Purpose Diversion to Diversion to NYC

1908- 1950- 1937- 1904- 1939- 2001- 1923- Record Period of Period of 34.9 gallons) Capacity (billion of (billion of

64 mi) 117 259 307 92 3,070 3,480 3,850 Area Area (sq (sq Area (sq. mi.) Watershed Watershed Drainage Drainage (ft.) Date Date 1954 of First of First 415.35 369.93 293.64 301.84 347.73 421.13 459.66 Operation Elevation Elevation NA NA NA NA alues Mile River River 254.8 246.4 214.7 River River 253.6 mouth Mile at Mile at tributary tributary rea Recreation Area ater Gap iver V iver A* cenic R cenic S A and d ater Gap, P Tributary il Neversink River Gauge Name ational W National State reek at Brodhead Creek at Minisink Hills, P iver at Port Delaware River at Port Jervis, NY Delaware River at Montague, NJ Flat Brook Near Flatbrookville, NJ Bush Kill at Shoemakers, PA Delaware River Near Delaware W iver at Neversink River at NY Godeffroy, NY Table 3. Reservoir that modifies the flow of the Middle Delaware River the flow of the Middle Delaware 3. Reservoir that modifies Table

Table 4. Existing USGS Gauges in and Tributary to the Middle Delaware River to the Middle Delaware 4. Existing USGS Gauges in and Tributary Table iver Basin • 01439500 01440200 01442500 01434000 01438500 01440000 01437500 Station No. USGS Gauge USGS Gauge Reservoir Name Neversink Delaware R ______* 01440200 discharge period of record 1964–1996; only gauge height recording has been maintained since 2001 * 01440200 discharge period of record 1964–1996; (table 3). cenic and and Scenic Delaware Upper of the terminus southern the Between Delaware, of the Middle the northern boundary River and Recreational of the Middle the flow regime modifies tributary reservoir an additional W the Delaware into and through Delaware, stream gauges also exist on the Middle Delaware Middle Delaware A number of USGS stream gauges also exist on the existing USGS gauges in and 3 provides a list of and its tributaries. Table River (table 4). tributary to the Middle Delaware 68 FREE-FLOWING CONDITION 71 alues 7 7 1 5 7 6 4 4 2 of 10 90 46 77 90 91 46 91 109 Years Years Record iver V iver

cenic R cenic 2005- 2005- 2011- 2002- 2007- 2005- 2006- 1922- 1966- 1903- 1935- 2008- 1922- 1921- 2008- 2010- 1966- 1921- S Record Period of Period of and d il 141 106 126 31.1 9.59 22.9 26.6 97.4 36.7 5.34 6,420 4,717 6,328 1,359 6,656 4,535 6,680 6,735 Area (mi²) Area Watershed Watershed ational W National

(ft) 99.9 80.0 54.0 49.0 155.4 125.1 335.0 164.3 243.2 274.8 100.0 226.4 398.8 26.14 303.4 335.9 606.8 258.96 Elevation Elevation iver Basin • NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Mile River River 165.1 184.0 175.0 152.0 197.8 148.7 141.7 Delaware R A . A ashington ashington of/within the Lower Delaware Recreational River* Recreational Delaware of/within the Lower Gauge Name In those cases, only the gauge nearest to the Delaware River is listed . only the gauge nearest to the Delaware In those cases, A . arren, NJ

J J Delaware River at Frenchtown, N (gh) 2017 Bridge Bushkill Creek Below SR2017 Bridge P at Tatamy, Delaware River at U.S. Route 22 Bridge Phillipsburg, NJ Lehigh River at Glendon, P Lopatcong Creek at Strykers Road at Port W Musconetcong River near NJ Bloomsbury, Delaware River at Riegelsville, NJ (gh) Creek near Pipersville, P Tohickon Lockatong Creek at Raven Rock, NJ Wickecheoke Creek at Stockton, NJ Delaware River at Stockton, NJ (gh) Pequest River near Pequest, NJ Delaware River at Belvidere, NJ Delaware River at Lambertville, NJ (gh) J Belvidere, NJ Beaver Brook near (Pequest River Tributary) Delaware River at W Crossing, NJ (gh) Paulins Kill at Blairstown, NJ Paulins Kill at Blairstown, NJ Creek nr Blairstown, Yards (reservoir outlet) Table 6. USGS Discharge Gauges on the Delaware River and Tributaries Upstream Tributaries River and Gauges on the Delaware USGS Discharge 6. Table USGS USGS Gauge Gauge 01458500 01446995 01454700 01457000 01459500 01461300 01461500 01446776 01455090 01457500 01460880 01462000 01445500 01446500 01462500 01446000 01443500 01443900 Station No. (gh) USGS gauge measures continuous gauge height only, not discharge (gh) USGS gauge measures continuous gauge height only, ______* Some tributaries have multiple USGS gauges ower Delaware and its tributaries are also well gauged. Table 6 6 Table gauged. also well are tributaries and its Delaware Lower The to the Lower in and tributary USGS gauges a list of existing provides River. Delaware Main Purpose Decree Decree Party flow augmentation Recreation; Decree Party flow augmt. Hydropower Hydropower generation Flood Control, Decree Party flow augmentation

15.0 21.7 33.8 Gallons Capacity Unknown Billions of Billions of 3.7 73.3 96.4 (mi²) Area Area 177.0 Drainage Drainage Reservoir Reservoir Date Date 1973 1971 1988 of First of First Unknown Operation alues River River 157.5 207.2 183.6 182.0 Mouth Mile at Mile at Tributary Tributary iver V iver cenic R cenic S

and d il Tributary Tohickon Creek Tohickon Paulins Kill Pohopoco Creek, Lehigh River Lopatcong Creek ational W National State PA NJ PA NJ Table 5. Reservoirs that Modify the Flow of the Lower Delaware River of the Lower Delaware the Flow Reservoirs that Modify 5. Table iver Basin • Reservoir Name Reservoir ake Lake Nockamixon Columbia Lake Beltzville Reservoir Merrill Creek Reservoir Delaware R 70 FREE-FLOWING CONDITION 73 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R ), the Musconetcong ), the Musconetcong arren Glen) remain in the lower in the lower arren Glen) remain arrant Glenn alter the river’s flow, which is why is why which flow, the river’s arrant Glenn alter lub included excavations and arren County Rod and Gun Club included excavations and iver drains northeast to southwest and drains drains and to southwest drains northeast iver R Musconetcong The than 6 miles not more valley is narrow, miles. The river 157 square flooding is prone to flash The Musconetcong widest point. wide at its altered Flow has been and narrow width. karst geology due to the 18th century. settlers in the early arrival of European since the fish them, built Delaware Nation before and possibly the Europeans, Development impacts are still along the river. weirs at various places River at dams existed on the Musconetcong seen today; 11 known in late 2006. Since 2006, four dams designation the time of the river’s Gruendyke, Riegelsville, and Finesville). (Seiber, have been removed and W larger dams (Hughesville Two between the and serve as the dividing lines segment of the river B and C. designated segments the two at left on the Musconetcong, only Of the seven dams W Hughesville and in the upper part of segment C was not designated. Penwell Dam, paddlers must portage. One project segment B, is large enough that at the W projects involved Three other river. the placement of boulders in the measures to improve riparian habitat excavation and bio-stabilization at Gruendyke and Seber Mill dam sites. (141 mi² Based on the gauge at Bloomsbury of segment B average 250 cfs. River flows at the down-stream end and August, and averaged 160, 151, Low flows typically occur in July in 2010/2011. High flows typically occur in and 157 cfs, respectively, 354, and 272, respectively, March, April, and May and averaged 350, were a marked departure from in 2010/2011. The floods of 2011 The highest flow on record flows seen at any time in the past. event. of 8,230 cfs occurred August 28, 2011, during a hurricane sustained and residential wells Substantial property damage was the area of Bloomsbury. were contaminated, especially in by drawdown releases Flows of the Musconetcong River are affected Lake Hopatcong is drawn down year, at Lake Hopatcong. Every fifth in the fall, 26 inches for and annually 60 inches in late September, The Lake dock and marina maintenance, increasing flows temporarily. Hopatcong management plan requires certain flows at various times of boat ramps and bridge crossings of the The dozens of the year. Musconetcong River were all present at the time of designation. ; river A; river A; river mile 148.7 alues A; river mile 157.7 iver V iver J; river mile 168.3 A, and Milford, N A, and Frenchtown, NJ; river mile 165.1 cenic R cenic S A and NJ state parks; river mile 155.7 and d J shores for defunct paper mill raceway, P A and NJ shores for defunct paper mill raceway, A and NJ shore for NJ diversion; river mile 156.2 il ational W National ommission Access; river mile 189.1 A Fish and Boat C iver Basin • ashington Crossing Bridge; river mile 141.8 industrial outfall, NJ; river mile 167.5 river mile 167.0 Superfund site, NJ, extensive rock bank stabilization; NJ; river mile 165.5 wastewater or stormwater outfall, bridge connecting Uhlerstown, P railroad bridge; river mile 190.6 railroad bridge; river or stormwater outfalls, NJ; river mile 189.7 industrial wastewater Sandts Eddy P NJ; river mile 164.9 wastewater or stormwater outfall, wastewater outfall, NJ; river mile 164.5 164.2 Kingwood access area, NJ, improved boat ramp; river mile center channel on private island; river mile 160.7 commercial hot dog stand along landing, P major canoe and tube outfitters municipal wastewater discharge outfall, river mile 148.2 wing dams extend from P pipeline crossing; river mile 189.0 pipeline crossing; P Upper Black Eddy, bridge connecting Bulls Island Foot Bridge links P Raritan Canal; river mile 154.2 Lockatong Creek overspill from Delaware and Raritan Canal; river mile 152.5 Wickecheoke Creek overspill from Delaware and bridge at Stockton, NJ; river mile 152.0 pipeline crossing; river mile 150.1 bridge linking Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, P J, improved boat ramp; river mile 156.5 Byram access area, NJ, improved boat ramp; river mile wing dams extend from P mile 148.0 W • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • aterway modifications within designated segments of the Lower Delaware: within designated segments aterway modifications Delaware R W number of waterway modifications listed below exist within designated segments segments designated within exist listed below modifications of waterway A number reaches there are extensive to facilities listed, In addition iver. R of the Lower Delaware of Some sections canal embankments. road, railroad, and within of river confined boat launch facilities Private docks and urbanized. are relatively the Lower Delaware active and abandoned and various towns, quarries, as well as homes, are common, industries. Downstream from the southern terminus of the designated wild and scenic segments, scenic segments, Downstream from the southern terminus of the designated wild and Trenton, NJ, at river mile 134.3. the Delaware River flows free to the head of tide at 72 Water Quality Photo: David B. Soete

74 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values 75 WATER QUALITY 77 alues iver V iver cenic R cenic S and d il ational W National iver Basin • Delaware R

The anti-degradation policy is very important, not only for river for river not only very important, policy is anti-degradation The for water supply but also for the and aquatic life, recreation ew N Pennsylvania, people in New York, 16 million approximately is relatively River watershed The Delaware and Delaware. Jersey, its clean U.S. land area; of continental only 0.4% small, comprising the U.S. population. source for 5% of a drinking water water is quality of the Delaware River and tributary In comparing water Delaware both the Upper and Middle wild and scenic segments, Lower Delaware the cleanest and healthiest. The river segments are and farmed, and historically industrialized is much more urbanized the most is not as good, although it still supports so water quality is good, The Musconetcong River water quality stringent of uses. as good as the trout populations, but not supporting reproducing River. Lower Delaware quality streams in Creek is one of the highest water Tohickon a cold water fishery by the state’s Pennsylvania and is classified as A DRBC study of water Department of Environmental Protection. of the 18 Lower quality in the Lower Delaware in 2004 found that, Tohickon Delaware River segments and tributaries analyzed, Creek is Tinicum water quality. Creek was ranked fourth in overall stream and Paunacussing Creek is designated an exceptional value water fishery. designated as a high quality cold Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo:

Photo: David B. Soete B. David Photo: Soete B. David Photo: aters aters alues iver V iver cenic R cenic ecreation ater Gap National Recreation S aters.” This represents the longest aters.” This represents the longest and d il ational W National aters regulations. Primary regulatory protection of other aters regulations. Primary regulatory protection of other iver Basin •

ty Quali ter a Water quality in the nontidal portion of the Delaware River is perhaps River is perhaps Delaware portion of the quality in the nontidal Water and northeastern in the mid-Atlantic of all the large rivers the purest United States.

anti-degradation protection of water quality and allow quality and allow A) tier III anti-degradation protection of water rea are accorded the highest level of of ater Gap National Recreation Area are accorded the highest level aters regulations are unique in that they are monitored to determine Delaware R Because of such exceptional water quality, keeping the Delaware Delaware keeping the exceptional water quality, Because of such policy of regulatory agencies. River uncontaminated is the primary and is consistent with the This policy is known as anti-degradation, The entire 197-mile Wild and Scenic River Act anti-degradation policy. River between Hancock, New York, nontidal portion of the Delaware is classified by the Delaware River Basin New Jersey, and Trenton, W Commission as “Special Protection the additional provision disallowing Outstanding basin waters include whereas mixing zones are mixing zones for approved dischargers waters. Many tributaries in Pennsylvania, allowed in significant resource of water a similar level and New Jersey are also afforded New York, quality protection through state regulations, but only those tributaries within the boundaries of Delaware W t most times water quality exceeds federal and state criteria levels. criteria levels. quality exceeds federal and state At most times water reference condition river The Delaware River serves as a regional uses that are most and biological assessments. The for water quality water-based extraordinarily clean water are dependent on the and excellent supply that requires little treatment, recreation, water aquatic life. habitat for thriving waters in the United States. contiguous reach of anti-degradation ecreational River and the Delaware The Upper Delaware Scenic and R W Delaware River Basin Commission anti-degradation protection by the Lower Delaware River is classified by as outstanding basin waters. The waters. the Delaware River Basin Commission as significant resource to Environmental Protection Agency Both classifications are equivalent (EP water quality except toward natural “no measurable change in existing conditions.” Area are included as outstanding basin waters by the DRBC Special Protection W the tributaries within the basin is maintained by the states, although Delaware River Basin Commission does have some regulatory authority on point source dischargers to tributaries in order to protect the shared interstate waters of the mainstem. The DRBC Special Protection W if “measurable change” is occurring. This monitoring program is conducted through an informal partnership between the National Park Service and the Delaware River Basin Commission called the Scenic Rivers Monitoring Program. Both the Special Protection W regulations and the Scenic Rivers Monitoring Program are crucial to the maintaining the level of water quality in the designated waters of mainstem Delaware River. W 76 DELAWARE RIVER BASIN WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, AND NEW JERSEY

Dear friends of the Delaware River Basin,

What comes to mind when you think about the Delaware River and its tributaries?

Do you think of a beautiful river valley where one can experience solitude in nature and enjoy the incredible scenery of the meandering river and forested hillsides? A family friendly destination that provides great opportunities for boating, fi shing, and picnicking? A rare example of a large, undammed river that allows continual natural migration of native fi sh from the sea to the river headwaters and back? An intact network of aquatic and riparian habitat that supports abundance and diversity of plants, fi sh, birds, and other animals? A waterway and valley with an incredible cultural history that relays vivid stories about past inhabitants, including native people, European settlers, and early Americans?

The Delaware River basin is all of this, and much more. Because of these unique values, several segments of the Delaware River and its tributaries have been designated for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. To help us protect this river system for the benefi t and enjoyment of future generations, we have contemplated these special values to determine what makes it outstandingly remarkable.

Knowledgeable people from many agencies and organizations in the region contributed important information, insight, and perspectives on these values, including representatives from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware River Basin Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and various other river partners from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Based on this hard work and thoughtful input, we are pleased to present to you the outstandingly remarkable values of the designated segments of the Delaware River and its tributaries. The value statements that follow have been developed to provide a strong foundation for the future management and protection of this nationally signifi cant river system— to help us focus our daily attention on the river’s most important aspects.

We urge you to read these statements and to share your thoughts with us about what makes the designated segments of the Delaware and its tributaries outstandingly remarkable to you. Thank As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our you for sharing your passion for the Delaware River basin by helping to shape its future! nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fi sh, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration. 962/116359; September 2012

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78 Delaware River Basin • National Wild and Scenic River Values DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES DELAWARE RIVER BASIN | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES Photo: David B. Soete

PENNSYLVANIA • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY

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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM | US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR