Friday Main Event Daytime Activities

Note: Below is a tentative list of activities.
The final schedule is subject to change, and activities may be added, removed, or adjusted as necessary.

Paddling on the Delaware River

PaddlingEnjoy an 11-mile section of the Delaware River from Kittatinny’s River Beach Base in Milford, PA, to Dingman’s Access. The river is a calm water destination with few notable rapids. It is ideal for beginners to develop paddling and river reading skills and perfect for the experienced paddler who enjoys the untamed peaceful beauty of the Middle Delaware. You will arrive at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area four miles into this trip. Paddle through forested mountains in long deep pools and brief stretches of shallow riffles with barely a house in sight. Paddlers of all skill levels appreciate Middle Delaware's peaceful beauty, wildlife sightings, and high water quality. You will see stunning scenery with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife—a good possibility to see bald eagles, osprey, and occasionally whitetail deer. You will notice primitive campsites on both sides of the river and some of its islands, offering overnight stays. Canoe, Kayak, Double Kayak, and Solo Canoe Available. This is a long novice-level trip.

 

  • Bring Water, Food, Sunscreen, Lotion, and Paddlers Wallet
  • Wear: Swimsuit, Hat, Long Sleeve Sun ShirtPaddlers Wallet, and Croakies / Chums for any eyewear 
  • Closed-toe water shoes are mandatory
  • Cost $TBD per person
  • Time: 8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
  • Limit 30 people
  • Distance from camp: Put-In 9 Miles/25 Min | Takeout 15 Miles/30 Min
  • Vehicle: Vendor Supplied Bus
  • Click HERE for more info

Port Jervis Watershed Park Mountain Bike Ride

Port Jervis Watershed ParkCut through "virgin forest," the Port Jervis Watershed Park’s hiking and biking trails offer a great combination of single-track, cross-country, and excellent downhill riding. These very scenic trails offer tranquil moments along the three reservoirs and spectacular views over the Delaware River, Port Jervis proper, and the borders of three states. It’s a vast tract of land boasting varying terrain and old-growth tree areas. There are over 30 miles of trail built into the encompassing 1,868 acres in Port Jervis and an adjoining 370 acres in neighboring Deer Park for hikers, bikers, and walkers, but not for motorists of any kind. “It’s strictly a motor-free environment,”

This is a full-on mountain bike ride, with intermediate MTB biking skills required. You can choose an 8-mile or 11-mile route around the park for three to four hours. Part of the park is on a Mountain, and parts are in the valleys around three lakes, with ups and downs in between. A suggested route will be provided, but the group is welcome to adjust as needed. Rentals are available from Action Bikes and Outdoor Shop. You are welcome to bring your own mountain bike in your own vehicle.

Bushkill Falls Hike

Bushkill FallsThe “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is among Keystone State’s most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails, walkways, steps, and bridges, which afford fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest. The drop of the Main Falls is approximately one hundred feet. The drop is about three hundred feet from the top of the first falls to the bottom of the lower gorge. In addition to the beautiful views of the falls, there are plenty of places to marvel at the rock formations and plant life. Rhododendrons, hemlocks, wild asters, maidenhair ferns, lichen & moss are just a few of nature's wonders to enjoy. It is not your typical nature walk-- it is a sightseeing adventure!

The group will take the two-mile Red Trail, which has a lot of flights of stairs up and down along the water's edge. Most of the trail (but not all) is decked, and many of the steps are also decked. 


Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes that have good traction on slippery, mossy, rocky areas. Hiking poles are not recommended. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Pack lunch at breakfast and $$$ for the gift shop. Carry all your belongings with you on the trail. 

  • Please wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes that have good traction for slippery/ mossy rocky areas.
  • Bring $$$ for purchases at the gift shop, trading store, and concession stands.
  • Cost: $18 Transportation Fee  + $22 Entrance Fee = $40
  • Time: 8:00 am~ 1:30 pm
  • Limit 40 People
  • Distance from camp: 21 Miles / 45 Min
  • Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
  • YouTube: Video 1 / Video 2 | Video 3
  • Facebook / Vendor Website
  • Vendor Trails / AllTrails of the area
  • Click HERE for more details

Hike to Stairway to Heaven on the Appalachian Trail

Pochuck Valley to Pinwheel VistaPochuck Valley to Pinwheel Vista is a gorgeous and diverse section of the Appalachian Trail through northern NJ.

Discover the Appalachian Trail's stunning and diverse part in northern New Jersey. Hike along boardwalks, across a suspension bridge, through hardwood forests, past fields of wildflowers, alongside train tracks, near a cow pasture, and over a boulder field before steeply ascending more than 1,100 feet up the “Stairway to Heaven” to reach one of the best viewpoints in NJ: Pinwheel Vista. At the top, you can see the Kittatinny Mountains in the distance, farms in the valley below, and the High Point Monument on clear days. Then, turn around and retrace your steps.

This is a moderate hike, with the trail surface varying from easy boardwalks to flat, hard-packed areas, dirt, and some challenging rocky sections. The “Stairway to Heaven” includes rock slab steps with switchbacks leading up Wawayanda Mountain.

This is an out-and-back hike covering 7.4 miles. We will proceed at a moderate pace of about 2 miles per hour, slowing down on the uphill sections with occasional breaks. Hiking shoes or trail runners are required. We may stop at Heaven Hill Farm for ice cream, depending on the group's time and interest.

  • Bring standard hiking gear: hat, food, water, hiking stick, and sturdy hiking shoes
  • Cost: $18 Transportation Fee (bring cash with you for ice cream)
  • Time: 8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
  • Limit: 12 People
  • 8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
  • Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
  • Distance from camp: 45 Min / 32 Miles
  • Click HERE for more details

Moderate 3.8-mile Hike at Tumbling Waters and 2-Mile Scenic Gorge Trails at the Pocono Environmental Education Center

PEEC Tumbling WatersTumbling Waters Trail winds alongside creeks through hemlock ravines, leading to waterfalls and scenic views of the Delaware River Valley and Kittatinny Ridge in New Jersey. This moderately challenging 3.8-mile orange-blazed trail starts at Fossil Trail, across from the group lodges at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, about thirty yards from the dining hall.

After a mile, hikers enjoy overlooks at Hermits Hill, highlighting views of the Delaware Valley and Kittatinny Mountains. The path winds through oak and hickory forests and hemlock ravines with remnants of old farm sites.

At 1.5 miles, a series of switchbacks with stairs descends 240 feet to the waterfalls, a great lunch spot to enjoy their soothing sounds. After your break, climb back up before continuing the main trail, ascending Killer Hill for a total elevation gain of 340 feet from the falls to the summit. You will pass through hemlock forest, mixed oak forest, and pine plantation before reaching Pickerel Pond, just minutes from the trail’s end.

After a break at the main lodge for restrooms, return for about one more hour hiking the moderate to easy 2 mile Scenic Gorge, which begins with Ridgeline Trail. Explore an open hardwood forest ecosystem alongside the dark, cool hemlock canopy that lines Spackman's Creek. 
You can stay behind after the first hike to explore the PEEC grounds. They have some interesting displays in the main lodge

  • This hike repeats on Sunday.
  • Bring standard hiking gear: Hat, Walking Stick, Water, Food, Hiking Shoes
  • Cost: $18 Transportation Fee (bring cash with you to the gift shop)
  • Time: 8:30 am ~ 2:30 pm
  • Limit: 20 People
  • Distance from camp: 15 Miles /25 Min one-way
  • Vehicle: Bus
  • Cost" $18 Transportation Fee
  • Video of Tumbling Waterfall / Video of Hike 1 / Video of Hike 2
  • Pictures of the trail
  • Click HERE for more details

Moderate 4.5 Mile Ridgeline Trail and Upper Indian Ladder Falls Hike at Pocono Environmental Education Center

PEEC Ridgline

This moderate 4.5-mile trail with over 570 ft elevation gain of several ups and downs, marked with yellow blazes, features oak-hickory forests, ravines, and wetlands that lead into a mature hemlock forest along Spackman’s Creek. The Ridgeline Trail coincides with the Scenic Gorge Trail for the first and last half miles. Remnants of rock walls indicate that this area was once farmland. You will climb ridges and descend steeply using a rope to reach the gorge while exploring the remains of a cabin and an abandoned dam. The path meanders through wetlands and leads to a 15-foot waterfall on Alicia Creek before returning alongside the stream to the start. Additionally, we will visit Upper Indian Ladders Falls, a 30-foot multi-tiered waterfall along Upper Hornbeck’s Creek.

  • Bring standard hiking gear: Hat, Walking Stick, Water, Food, Hiking Shoes
  • Pack your lunch during breakfast.
  • Distance from camp: 15 Miles /25 Min one-way
  • Length: 4.5 miles, loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Blaze: Yellow
  • Elevation Change: 220 feet with 570 feet gain overall with all the ups and downs.
  • YouTube1   YouTube2
  • Click HERE for more details

Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature Preserve

Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature PreserveEnjoy a peaceful, leisurely stroll through the forest near the camp. A significant portion of the three miles of trails in the Preserve are handicap accessible, featuring gentle hills with a total elevation gain and loss of under 200 ft and primarily wide, flat paths. However, be cautious in certain areas where rocks and tree roots may pose tripping hazards. Before his recent passing, Township native Charles Bridge donated his family's 300-acre property to Dingman Township.

Charlie had two specific visions for the property: to honor his late wife's and mother's dream of preserving the land and to ensure it remains accessible for public enjoyment. Additionally, he requested that the park be named the Cornelia and Florence Bridge Preserve in their honor.

 

 

  • Bring a hat, water, Sneakers, and decent walking shoes. Some spots might get muddy if it rained recently.
  • Time:10:00 am~ 2:00 pm
  • Limit: 15 people
  • Distance from camp: The hike starts in camp
  • Facebook WebsiteHistorical Background / Park Map
  • Click HERE for more details

Grey Towers and Milford Town Tour

Grey TowersGrey Towers, the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot—the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a two-time Governor of Pennsylvania—is celebrated as the birthplace of conservation in America. It now serves as a conservation education center, offering programs highlighting the Pinchot family's legacy. We'll enjoy a one-hour private tour of the mansion and its grounds, plus some time to explore further and possibly hike in the woods.

Afterward, we'll head to Milford, PA, where you can shop at local stores or take a self-guided tour of the historic district dating back to 1733. Milford is the northern gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This significant village is known for its conservation history, with 75% designated National Historic District featuring boutiques, shops, art galleries, and antiques.

Incorporated on December 25, 1874, Milford's history dates back to 1733 when Tom Quick settled here. The village layout, designed by John Biddis in 1796, includes streets named after his children. Notable historic buildings include Forest Hall, Hotel Fauchere, the Courthouse, Grey Towers, The Columns (which display The Lincoln Flag), the Upper Mill, Community House, Callahan House, Dimmick Inn, and Tom Quick Inn. Strolling along these tree-lined streets evokes feelings of peace and nostalgia. A section of Broad and Harford Streets was designated as a National Historic District in 1999.

Milford is perched on an escarpment above the Delaware River, where waterways create a fluviarchy—an interconnected series of waterfalls that powered the mills crucial to Milford's 19th-century economy.


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