Tubing on the Delaware River - Westfall to River Beach
Tubing on the crystal-clear Delaware River is the place to be on hot summer days. Lay back, relax, and drift
along a mild whitewater adventure similar to a lazy river float. Tubing trips generally last 1.5 to 2 hours,
depending on river conditions.
You will float between Westfall and River Beach down 3 miles of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
Area, passing islands with lush vegetation along the way while enjoying a relaxing tube trip with some passing
ripples. This is the most popular tube trip since we are conveniently located in the Tri-State area.
Note: Some or all part(s) of your body will be physically in water for the duration (two to three hours) of
your float downriver. You must be comfortable floating in moving water with or without the assistance of a tube.
The ability to swim in moving water is a requirement on this excursion. You will be required to wear your PFD at
ALL TIMES while on the water. Anyone caught without their PFD properly buckled while on the water will be asked
to leave the event once they return to camp with no refunds.
- Must wear CLOSED toe water shoes
- Also wear a swimsuit, hat and long sleeve sun
shirt (to avoid sunburn), closed-toe water shoes, croakies / chums with any glasses
- Bring a Paddler’s Wallet, sunscreen, a complete change of clothing for afterward, and a water bottle that
can be tied to your tube.
- Cost: $TBD (Pre-paid per person).
- Approx. 10:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
- Limit 40 People
- Distance from camp 18 Miles | 30 Min one-way
- Click HERE for more info
McDade Trail Bike Ride - Northern
We will ride 21 miles at a slow pace between Bushkill Boat Access and Action Bikes
and Outdoor in Milford, mainly on the McDade Trail, which is a mixture of crushed stone and grass surface. The trail is NOT
flat. There will be some challenging climbs and steep downhill the second half of your ride. There are at least
five peaks of 100 feet elevation or less to go over (each). There will be a three-mile section of the ride that
will end up on Rt. 209 with wide shoulders to avoid part of the trail that is not for bikes.
There will be an early out at Dingmans Access for those who want a shorter ride. The trail between Bushkill and
Dingmans is mostly flat, 11 miles long. You may end up waiting for the rest of the group to arrive in Milford
before heading back to camp. There is plenty to do and see in Milford to spend the time waiting.
McDade Trail is a 32-mile-long multi-use trail between Milford Beach and Hialeah Trailhead in the Delaware
Water Gap National Recreation Area. The trail provides views of the river, charming streams, open farm fields,
forests, and historic landscapes. Spotting a Bald Eagle, a Black Bear, a White-Tailed Deer, and a Wild Turkey is
not uncommon. The river dominates several miles of the trail to the east and the cliffs to the west, with the
trail and US 209 squeezed between. McDade Trail has a crushed stone surface that is NOT a flat rail-trail, but
an actual bike trail. Expect a good workout going up the hills and a nice breeze on the downhill. Hybrids,
adventure bikes (cyclocross, gravel, etc.), and mountain bikes are ideal for this type of trail. Most of the
ride will be on the secluded bike path, but a two-mile section will be on a country car road.
Rentals are available from Action Bikes
and Outdoor. Contact the leader for details if you plan to rent.
Anyone bringing a personal bike will
drive it to the trailhead. You may be asked to take passengers.
After the ride, we will spend some time exploring Milford PA
- Bring a Hybrid or Mountain Bike, Helmet (required to wear), spare tire with pump and/or CO2, water, food,
bike gloves, bike lock, and change of clothing for after the ride (leave in car).
- Pack lunch at breakfast to bring with you. Snack bars for the trail would be a good thing.
- Cost of rentals: $TBD (includes ½ day Bike rental, Helmet, Delivery of bike, MOCA Credit Card Fees)
- Limit 8 Bike Rentals / 15 people
- Private Bikes must supply their own transport
- Distance: 22 Miles / 35 Min to start
- Click HERE for more info
7.5-Mile Buttermilk Falls Moderate/Strenuous Hike
Enjoy a 7 ½ miles (with approximately 1400 Ft. elevation gain) hike that highlights interesting terrain while
taking the wanderer to incredible destinations. On this lollipop loop hike, you'll enjoy the tallest
waterfall in New Jersey and climb to two lookout platforms alongside it. You will also hike a portion of the
Appalachian Trail(AT), relax at a glacially formed lake while having lunch, hike through dying hemlock groves
with a deep wood feel, and pass by several vista points with views of the surrounding Kittatinny Mountains.
The first 1.4 miles of trail will be almost entirely uphill (and downhill on the return leg), climbing just
under 1100 ft. until reaching the Appalachian Trail on the top of the ridge. This early section looks quite
difficult on the elevation chart, but be encouraged, as there are wooden steps with railings for the most
challenging portions. The falls themselves are wonderful, topping out at 200 ft., the tallest in New Jersey, and
are stunning on a sunny day with the sun's rays peeking through the forest canopy above.
Once on top, you’ll trek portions of the historic Appalachian Trail. We will have lunch at Crater Lake, where
you'll find rocks to sit on and restrooms near the parking area. At points along the hike, score some
sweeping views of NJ from above. The views on this hike are limited but still beautiful. Photo opportunity?
Definitely!
This loop has a little of everything-waterfalls, ravines, and views. You’ll also engage in valley walking,
steep climbing, and ridge walking,
- Bring standard hiking gear: Hat, Walking Stick(s), Water, Food, and Good hiking boots with ankle support.
- Time: 830 am ~ 4:30 pm
- Distance from camp 18 miles / 50 min
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
- NJHiking Best Hikes in NJ
- YouTube
- Click HERE for more info
Moderate Shohola Falls and Marsh Reservoir Birding Hike
We start our hike by viewing the Shohola Falls from three sides. The constant flow of water travels an
impressive waterfall that is roughly 75 feet wide and 50 feet tall. Shohola Falls is incredibly powerful and
beautiful. The sheer amount of water that flows over this waterfall, even when others in the area are low, is
very impressive.
We will then explore parts of the State Game Area surrounding the Shohola Marsh Reservoir, enjoying views of
the lake and the surrounding habitat filled with aviaries of all types. The eight-mile hike has ups and downs,
totaling under 500 ft. elevation gain.
Shohola Marsh Reservoir has been designated a Pennsylvania Important Bird Area by Audubon Pennsylvania.
Although managed for waterfowl, this gameland provides a habitat for many wildlife species. During spring and
fall migrations, a variety of shorebirds stop to forage the marshy areas and shoreline. The wetlands are thick
with alders, sedge rushes, and buttonbush, valuable food, and cover plants for migrating and nesting birds.
When Shohola Creek was dammed many years ago, and the lake formed, low-lying stands of timber were flooded. The
impounded water left standing dead trees; many birds utilize the decaying trees. Cavity nesters, such as the
wood duck, hooded merganser, eastern screech-owl, northern (yellow-shafted) flicker, and hairy and downy
woodpeckers nest in such trees. Great blue herons, green herons, waterfowls, and osprey also perch on snags.
- Bring Standard Hiking Gear: Snack, Water, Hat, Decent Hiking Shoes, sun lotion
- Pack lunch during breakfast, but you may eat it back in camp or at the end of the hike
- Time: 9:00 am ~ 2:00 pm
- Limit 12 people
- Distance from Camp: 9:00 am ~ 2:00 pm
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
- Google Maps of variations
of hikes
- Click HERE for more info
Moderate Lenape Ridge/Minisink Trail Loop Hike (afternoon)
This loop hike follows the Lenape Ridge within the Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, with interesting vegetation
and panoramic views. This hike is a straightforward, narrow loop for a four-mile hike. Since it is a ridge walk,
it’s an easy-going journey with minimal ups and downs once you attain the ridge lines. Approx. 630+ Ft overall
elevation gain.
- Bring standard hiking gear: Food, Water, Hiking Shoes, Walking Stick, Hat
- Time: 12:30 pm ~ 4:30 pm
- Limite: 12 People
- Distance from Camp: 14 Miles/16 Min One Way
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD):
- Click HERE for information
Three Phases of Liquid Tour
Enjoy a short easy walk to see the second waterfall in PA, Dingmans Falls, with a plunge of 130 feet. Then,
spend a few hours on an easy-to-moderate 3.5-mile loop hike in a boreal conifer bog called Long Swamp. Then,
finish the day in downtown Milford, PA, with ice cream or frozen yogurt at the Milford Dairy Bar (cash only).
Dingmans Falls at Dingmans Falls Visitors Center: Dingmans Falls is the second-highest
waterfall in the state, with a plunge of 130 feet. This flat 1.4-mile boardwalk trail meanders through a
beautiful hemlock ravine. Silverthread Falls can be seen on the right almost immediately after starting the
trail. The cascade gracefully drops 80 feet in a thin ribbon through a narrow geometric chute. The boardwalk
winds through rhododendron shrubs and past tall hemlock trees on a brief walk to the waterfall. The boardwalk
ends at the base of Dingmans Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. View the falls from the
platform or trek the final tenth of a mile via the staircase for a birds-eye view from the upper falls. You then
head back the way you came to your car and make a stop at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
visitors center.
Long Swamp: This 3.5-mile hike will be mostly on narrow, single-track trails and boardwalks.
Long Swamp’s damp, dark woods offer a much different experience than most Pennsylvania forests. A relic of the
last ice age, Long Swamp is now a permanently protected haven for children worldwide seeking a unique outdoor
experience. Fifteen thousand years ago, Pennsylvania was covered in glaciers. As the climate warmed and the
glaciers receded, a massive melting formed a boreal bog. Over time, this bog became blanketed with a floating
mat of vegetation shaded by dense black spruce ferns. Upon entering the bog, visitors experience a plunge in
temperature. The thick canopy of trees above and the dense carpet of moss emulate a tropical rainforest.
Milford Dairy Bar: With over 46 flavors of homemade ice cream, Italian ice, gelato, and
sorbet, Milford Dairy Bar is your destination for frozen treats!
- Bring standard hiking gear: Hat, Water, Walking Stick, Hiking Shoes.
- Cash for Ice Cream
- Time: 8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
- Limit: 12 people
- Distance from camp: 36 Miles Round Trip / 65 Min Round Trip
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
- CLICK HERE for Detailed Information
Mines, Minerals, and Buckwheat Tour
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Take a 1/4-mile walking adventure into the fourth oldest mine in the country and the last working underground
mine in New Jersey. See the only fluorescent Rainbow Tunnel, the Museum of Fluorescence, and the most amazing
collection of fluorescent minerals anywhere on earth! Most of everything human-made has something to do with
mining.
At the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, you’ll see just how it's done, from drilling and blasting to
processing the ore. Right here in New Jersey is one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits; the area boasts
more than 354 minerals, about 88 of which are fluoresce. That's about 10 percent of the known minerals in
the world, right here in NJ, and the best fluorescent mineral.
Franklin Mineral Museum
The zinc mining district of Franklin is known worldwide for its abundance of fluorescent and rare minerals. The
Museum exhibits fluorescent, local, and worldwide minerals, artifacts, fossils, and a safe two-level mine
replica. Explore the famous "Buckwheat," a large mineral-rich rock field where you can collect your
specimens, then dig for fossils and go gem panning. There will be an optional guided tour during our visit.
- Both mines are damp at 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round -- a light jacket is recommended.
- Proper footwear (sturdy hiking shoes) is required if you plan to explore the “Buckwheat” for specimens;
collectors must also wear protective eyewear when using tools (hammers, chisels, etc.).
- The vendor does NOT supply any specimen collecting tool; you must supply your own. Claw hammers are not
allowed.
- This tour is mostly wheelchair/stroller accessible. (no rolling around in the Buckwheat)
- Costs: $TBD
- Time: 8:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
- Limit: 12 People
- Distance from Camp 70 Miles / 2 Hours Round Trip Drive Time
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
- YouTube 1
- CLICK HERE for Detailed Information
Lake Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour
Relax with a 50-minute stunning guided tour on Lake Wallenpaupack. On tour, you will learn about the history
behind this charming lake region and why this area has become a popular year-round attraction. You will see the
Lake Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Dam, spot native wildlife (Osprey, Blue Herons, Bald Eagles), learn about the
types of fish in the Lake, view the Shuman Point Natural Area & see one of the four islands on the Lake -
Epply Island. The tour includes a fully qualified captain/tour guide and life jackets.
Lake
Wallenpaupack is a freshwater lake in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is the third largest lake in
Pennsylvania, measuring 52 miles of shoreline, 13 miles in length, and 60 feet deep at points. The Pennsylvania
Power & Light Company (PP&L) created it in 1926 for hydroelectric purposes and flood control; however,
it is best known as one of several major recreational destinations in the Pocono Mountains. The Scenic Boat Tour
will only cover approximately 1/3 of the lake within the time allowed.
- Bring a sweater in case of a chill on the water, water, snack
- Cost: $TBD (Costs include Vendor Fees, Tax, 10% Tip, 10% MOCA Administration and Registration Fee)
- Time: 9:00 am ~ noon
- Limit: 12 People
- Distance from camp: 20 Miles / 25 Min one way
- Vehicle: Passenger Van or Personal Cars (TBD)
- YouTube of the tour
- Click HERE for more info
Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature Preserve
Enjoy a peaceful, easy walk through the forest near the camp. A good portion of the three miles of trails in
the Preserve is handicap accessible*, with gradual uphills and downhills (total elevation gain/loss under 200
ft.) and wide, mostly flat paths. You need to watch your step with rocks and tree roots in a few places.
Before his recent death, 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 and mother's dream of
preserving it and to honor their wish that the land be accessible for public enjoyment. He also requested that
the Park be named the Cornelia and Florence Bridge Preserve in their honor.
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