Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Highlights

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches for more than 70,000 acres along the Delaware River where forested…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 13-15 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the recreation area offers a small but scenic selection of designated horseback riding routes, including the Conashaugh View Trail system and the Upper Ridge Road Trail. These trails travel through wooded hillsides, old farm roads, and peaceful forest corridors, offering riders a chance to experience the park’s remote interior landscapes away from the more heavily visited river recreation areas. The terrain is generally moderate with rolling hills, forest footing, and occasional ridge views overlooking the surrounding valley.

Rideable terrain

13-15 miles

Trailer parking

Conashaugh View Trailhead (Flatbrookville / Walpack Area) Primary staging area for riders accessing the Conashaugh View Trail system within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This trailhead sits in a quiet rural section of the park and provides direct access to one of the longest designated horseback riding routes in the recreation area. Why riders use it Direct access to the Conashaugh View equestrian trail network Gravel parking area commonly used by horse trailers Located in a quieter section of the park with low traffic Upper Ridge Road Trailhead (Millbrook Village Area) This trailhead provides access to the Upper Ridge Road Trail on the New Jersey side of the recreation area. Riders often stage here for shorter rides along the historic ridge road that travels through wooded hills above the Delaware River valley. Why riders use it Access to the Upper Ridge Road horseback trail Convenient parking area near Millbrook Village Good option for shorter rides with scenic ridge views Walpack Center Parking Area Walpack Center provides an additional staging option for riders exploring the remote interior sections of the recreation area. This quiet historic area offers access to nearby park roads and trails used by equestrians. Why riders use it Quiet location with light visitor traffic Access to interior park roads and trails Good alternative staging area when main trailheads are busy

Horse regulations

Horseback riding at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is permitted on a limited number of designated trails and park roads and is managed to protect the park’s forests, historic landscapes, and wildlife habitats along the Delaware River corridor. Equestrian use is concentrated on specific routes such as the Conashaugh View Trail system and Upper Ridge Road. Riders should review park guidelines before visiting and plan accordingly, as horse access is limited to certain areas. However, several core regulations and best practices apply for riders in the park. Riding Is Only Allowed on Designated Trails Horses and other pack animals are permitted only on designated equestrian routes, including the Conashaugh View Trail system and Upper Ridge Road. Riding on hiking-only trails, off established routes, or in closed areas is prohibited in order to protect natural resources and historic sites. Trail Access and Conditions Equestrian trails in the park travel through forested hills, old roads, and ridge-top terrain. Trails may become muddy or slippery after rain, and riders should avoid riding during wet conditions to help prevent trail damage. Feed and Invasive Species Control To help protect native ecosystems, riders must bring: Certified weed-free hay or feed Clean trailers, tack, and hooves before entering riding areas These measures help prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Stock Control and Trail Courtesy Riders are expected to: Maintain control of horses at all times Ride single file where trails are narrow Yield appropriately to hikers and other trail users Avoid damaging vegetation or creating new trails Sensitive Areas and Wildlife Horses should remain on designated routes and avoid wetlands, riverbanks, and other sensitive habitats unless the trail specifically crosses these areas. Camping With Horses Horse camping facilities are not provided within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Riders planning overnight trips with horses should arrange accommodations outside the park and return for day rides on the designated equestrian routes.

Getting here

Use 6414 Milford Rd, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Conashaugh View Trailhead (Flatbrookville / Walpack Area) Primary staging area for riders accessing the Conashaugh View Trail system within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This trailhead sits in a quiet rural section of the park and provides direct access to one of the longest designated horseback riding routes in the recreation area. Why riders use it Direct access to the Conashaugh View equestrian trail network Gravel parking area commonly used by horse trailers Located in a quieter section of the park with low traffic Upper Ridge Road Trailhead (Millbrook Village Area) This trailhead provides access to the Upper Ridge Road Trail on the New Jersey side of the recreation area. Riders often stage here for shorter rides along the historic ridge road that travels through wooded hills above the Delaware River valley. Why riders use it Access to the Upper Ridge Road horseback trail Convenient parking area near Millbrook Village Good option for shorter rides with scenic ridge views Walpack Center Parking Area Walpack Center provides an additional staging option for riders exploring the remote interior sections of the recreation area. This quiet historic area offers access to nearby park roads and trails used by equestrians. Why riders use it Quiet location with light visitor traffic Access to interior park roads and trails Good alternative staging area when main trailheads are busy

Planning your visit

Riding within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is limited to designated equestrian routes such as the Conashaugh View Trail system and Upper Ridge Road. Horses are not allowed on hiking-only trails or in closed areas of the park. Riders must remain on marked routes at all times. The park’s horse trails travel through wooded ridges, old park roads, and forested mountain terrain along the Delaware River valley. Trails may become muddy or slippery after rain, and riders should avoid riding during wet conditions to help protect the trail surface. Horse trailer staging is commonly done at trailheads such as the Conashaugh View Trailhead and Upper Ridge Road access areas. These locations provide access to the park’s primary horseback riding routes, though parking space for larger rigs may be limited. Horse facilities within the recreation area are minimal. Riders should plan to be self-sufficient and bring water, feed, and all necessary supplies for both horses and riders. Use certified weed-free hay or feed to help prevent the spread of invasive plant species. Cleaning trailers, hooves, and tack before entering riding areas is recommended to help protect the park’s ecosystems. Keep horses on designated routes and away from wetlands, riverbanks, and other sensitive habitats unless the trail specifically crosses these areas. Horse camping is not available within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Riders planning overnight trips should arrange accommodations outside the park and return for day rides on the designated equestrian routes.

Where to stay

Bushkill Meeting Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near East Stroudsburg before heading deeper into federal-land access points.