Delaware Water Gap (PA) Rock Climbing

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is administered by the National Park Service. On the Pennsylvania side of the river, Mount Minsi is the main trad climbing destination. Ice climbing is possible on waterfalls around the recreation area some winters, depending on conditions. This area was first climbed in the early 1900's going by documented information. The Princeton Mountaineering Club used this area from 1949 until the late 1950's for weekend rock climbing trips. In 1974 Packshack Adventures opened up and started offering guiding here. Doug Greene, brother of the owner of Packshack, Hugh Dougher and Henry McMahon did many first ascents here during the 1970's into the 1980's. Michael Steele, Mark ROnca and others put up harder routes here in the late 1980's into the 1990's. There were many others involved in route development here but the most active are listed above.

Guidebooks: Garden State Climbing 2018 by Joseph Vulpis is the most detailed for this area. The Falcon Guide NJ Rock Climbing by Neil Sloane has some great information.

Helmets should ALWAYS be worn in this area due to loose rock and hiking trails above the cliffs. This area is closed most years from March until June due to nesting Peregrine Falcons.

For the many climbs on the east side of the river, see Delaware Water Gap NRA, NJ (Mt.Tammany) .

See www.nps.gov/dewa for the park service map of the area.