National Recreation Area · NJ,PA

Dogs in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendlyLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Delaware Water Gap is very pet-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed on most of its 150-plus miles of trails.

Most of the park's more than 150 miles of trails, including the McDade Trail.
Photo: Courtesy of James Hicks · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Most of the park's more than 150 miles of trails, including the McDade Trail.

Where dogs are banned

Raymondskill Falls, George W. Childs Park, the Dingmans Falls area and boardwalk trail, Valley View and Rivers Bend group campsites.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKMcDade TrailPet-friendly
No dogsDingmans Falls boardwalk trailPets not permitted
No dogsRaymondskill Falls Recreation SitePets not permitted

Seasonal closures

Smithfield Beach, Milford Beach, and Turtle Beach are closed to pets between Memorial Day and Labor Day (with limited launch and trailhead exceptions).

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Recreation Area

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

Delaware Water Gap is very pet-friendly, with leashed dogs allowed on most of its 150-plus miles of trails. Most of the park's more than 150 miles of trails, including the McDade Trail.

What is the leash rule at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: McDade Trail.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

Smithfield Beach, Milford Beach, and Turtle Beach are closed to pets between Memorial Day and Labor Day (with limited launch and trailhead exceptions).

Are service animals allowed at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.