George W. Childs Park Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Travel along the George W. Childs Park Trail to see nearly all the classic features Delaware Water Gap has to offer in one location. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy this trail's lush forests and soothing cascades, as you'll surely wish you had more once you experience them firsthand.

Starting at the George W. Childs Park Main Parking Area, take the Parking Connector a short distance to the first junction with the George W. Childs Park Trail. Head right at this junction, descending gently until you reach your first of three large waterfalls along the journey: Factory Falls.

From 1823 to 1832, Factory Falls served as the power plant for a lively woolen mill. In its day, a woolen mill in a rural area was a rarity. Usually, woolen mills were only operated in large cities, where wool could be brought in from surrounding farms to be processed and eventually crafted into clothing.

Continuing on the trail from Factory Falls, keep descending (rather steeply in sections) through a densely wooded ravine to the second of three waterfalls: Fulmer Falls.

Forward in time from the days of the woolen mill at Factory Falls, this area saw yet another period of construction during the New Deal. During that time, the Civilian Conservation Core built a beautiful pavilion and picnic area along the turbulent pools at the bottom of Fulmer Falls. While their handiwork is no longer around for use today, the crumbling remains of these features can still be seen.

After lingering at Fulmer Falls, follow the trail down a few sets of stairs to the last waterfall: Deer Leap Falls.

Falling over 30 feet to the waters below, Deer Leap Falls is a great place to find a nearby rock to sit on and enjoy your lunch as you enjoy its cascading, frothy waters. While it's prohibited to swim here, this is the ideal spot to take off your shoes and cool your feet on a hot day.

When you're ready to depart from Deer Leap Falls, hop back on the trail and continue descending for a short time before crossing a bridge over Dingmans Creek and ascending the more gently graded path back to the parking area.

Eastern hardwood forests dominate this area, with white oak, red maple, shagbark hickory, and hemlock all in abundance.