The Delaware Water Gap, a natural wonder tucked between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, feels like a hidden playground for landscape photographers like me. The area has it all: rugged cliffs, deep forests, winding rivers, and views that stop you in your tracks. Every inch of this place feels like a scene out of a nature documentary, with serene waterfalls pouring over mossy rocks and towering overlooks that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

For those of us chasing the perfect shot, the Delaware Water Gap is more than just beautiful scenery—it’s a canvas where you can capture nature’s raw, untouched magic. In this post, I'm thrilled to share my seven favorite photo spots in the Gap, each with its own unique feature that’s bound to elevate your photography (and look incredible on social media). And after a day of hiking and shooting, I’ve got you covered with some local dining gems where you can kick back and recharge.

Key Takeaways

Best time to shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for soft, natural lighting.
Top scenic spots: Expect a mix of waterfalls, overlooks, and trails perfect for landscape shots.
Dining options: Several local restaurants offer unique eats, adding to the experience.

Fascinating Stats About the Delaware Water Gap Area

The Delaware Water Gap is a remarkable destination, not just for its natural beauty but also for its impressive size, biodiversity, and popularity. Here are some unique facts and figures that highlight what makes this region a favorite for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

Expansive Area: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers an impressive 70,000 acres along the Delaware River, stretching across both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This vast expanse of protected land offers countless spots to explore, photograph, and enjoy, from serene woodlands to rugged cliffs and panoramic river views.
Waterfall Wonderland: With over a dozen waterfalls cascading throughout the park, the Delaware Water Gap is a dream come true for waterfall enthusiasts. Among these, Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls stand out. Raymondskill Falls, the tallest in Pennsylvania, reaches 178 feet, while Dingmans Falls provides easy access and stunning views for visitors. Each waterfall offers a unique scene that shifts with the seasons, making it a hotspot for both amateur and professional photographers.
Incredible Biodiversity: The Delaware Water Gap is teeming with life, home to a wide array of wildlife and plant species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. Here’s a snapshot:
- 89 Species of Fish: The Delaware River and its tributaries support a rich fish population, from native trout to migratory shad, making it a favorite spot for anglers and aquatic life enthusiasts.
- 40+ Species of Mammals: Deer, black bears, beavers, and bobcats are just some of the mammals that inhabit the forests and fields here, offering exciting (and sometimes surprising) encounters for wildlife photographers.
- 200 Species of Birds: From majestic bald eagles and ospreys to colorful warblers and woodpeckers, the Water Gap area is a haven for birdwatchers. During migration seasons, the skies are filled with a variety of species, creating a photographer’s paradise for capturing birds in flight.
Hiking Trails Galore: With over 100 miles of trails, the Delaware Water Gap offers something for every type of hiker. The renowned Appalachian Trail runs through the park, drawing thru-hikers and adventurers from all over the country. Other trails, like the Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi hikes, provide rewarding views with varying levels of difficulty, making them popular among both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Scenic River Views: Spanning over 40 miles of the Delaware River, the park provides breathtaking river views from both high cliff overlooks and calm riverbanks. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, offering unique perspectives and quiet moments to capture the beauty of the river and its surroundings.

Dingmans Falls

Feature: Majestic Waterfall with Boardwalk Access

Dingmans Falls is a must-see for waterfall photography fans visiting the Delaware Water Gap. Located in Dingmans Ferry, PA, it’s Pennsylvania’s second-highest waterfall, with a stunning 130-foot drop that attracts nature lovers and photographers alike. One of the best parts about Dingmans Falls is its accessibility—unlike many other waterfalls, you can reach it via a flat, well-maintained boardwalk trail that meanders through a lush forest. This easy access makes it an ideal spot for photographers with heavier gear, and it’s friendly for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the falls up close.

For photographers, the early morning hours are ideal. The soft morning light brings out the natural beauty of the falls without harsh shadows, and it’s quieter, giving you time to set up and experiment with different angles. If you’re aiming for that smooth, silky water effect, bring a tripod and set your camera to a long exposure (about 1-2 seconds). This technique softens the water’s movement, contrasting beautifully with the rugged rocks and the forested background.

An interesting fact about Dingmans Falls is that it’s part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s conservation efforts. The forest and waterways around the falls are protected to preserve native species like salamanders, frogs, and numerous bird species. As you photograph, take a moment to appreciate the thriving ecosystem—knowing you’re capturing a place that’s both beautiful and carefully preserved for future generations can add even more meaning to each shot.

Key Photography Tips:

Go Early: Morning light is softer, and fewer crowds mean a peaceful setting for your shots.
Bring a Tripod & ND Filter: For long exposures (1-2 seconds), use a tripod to capture a smooth, misty effect in the water. An ND filter helps manage bright daylight for long exposures.
Use Foreground Elements: Frame shots with trees, moss, or rocks to add depth and guide the viewer’s eye to the falls.
Try Different Angles: Explore various viewpoints from the boardwalk, capturing side angles or close-ups for unique perspectives.
Seasonal Beauty: Each season offers something unique—vibrant autumn foliage, fresh spring greens, or dramatic winter ice formations all add character.
Experiment with Shutter Speeds: Slow shutter speeds create a soft water effect, while faster speeds (around 1/250s) freeze the water’s motion, each giving a different feel.
Lens Cloth & Rain Cover: Protect your gear from mist by bringing a microfiber cloth and rain cover to prevent moisture buildup.

Mt. Tammany

Feature: Iconic Overlook with Panoramic River Views

Mt. Tammany stands as one of the Delaware Water Gap’s crown jewels, offering landscape photographers an iconic and unforgettable vista. Perched on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, Mt. Tammany’s summit reveals sweeping, panoramic views of the river carving its serpentine path through the densely forested valley below. This overlook is most breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, when the golden hour light envelops the landscape in warm, soft tones and casts dramatic shadows over the cliffs and hillsides. These moments not only enhance the natural textures of the valley but also bring an ethereal, almost painted quality to the scenery, making each shot feel like a masterpiece.

Getting to the top of Mt. Tammany requires a bit of stamina, but the climb is absolutely worth it. The Red Dot Trail, known for its steep and rocky terrain, leads you to the summit in about 1.5 miles. While challenging, this short distance makes it manageable for most hikers in good condition. Along the way, you’ll encounter several scenic vantage points offering partial views of the valley, providing excellent spots for taking breaks, capturing the journey, and warming up your camera for the summit shots to come.

For those aiming to capture the grandeur of Mt. Tammany, a wide-angle lens is essential. The scale of the valley, combined with the river’s winding path, truly comes to life when framed with a wide lens, allowing you to capture the vastness of this landscape. For even more depth, try including foreground elements, like a boulder, branch, or nearby foliage, which not only anchors the scene but adds layers that guide the viewer’s eye through the image, creating a sense of scale and immersion.

Many visitors to Mt. Tammany don’t realize that this summit is part of the Kittatinny Ridge, an essential migratory corridor for birds. From mid-September through early November, the sky above Mt. Tammany comes alive with the sights of hawks, falcons, and even bald eagles soaring along their migratory paths. For wildlife photographers, this is an unexpected bonus: capturing these majestic birds in flight against the backdrop of the Delaware River Valley adds an extra layer of drama and interest to your shots.

Autumn transforms Mt. Tammany into a kaleidoscope of colors. The rich reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage create a striking contrast against the deep blue-green of the river below, offering some of the most picturesque and dynamic compositions in the Water Gap. This season is extremely popular, so plan to arrive early for unobstructed views and to set up for those perfect shots before the trails fill up. The lighting and colors during this time make each image come alive with warmth and texture, highlighting the peak’s natural beauty.

Key Photography Tips for Mt. Tammany:

Best Light: Sunrise or sunset are the ideal times for golden hour lighting that softens the landscape and highlights depth, casting warm hues over the valley and cliffs.
Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: The expansive views of the Delaware River winding through the valley are best captured with a wide-angle lens, showcasing the landscape’s full scale and beauty.
Compose with Layers: For a sense of depth, position elements like the river, cliff edges, and distant hills in the foreground, midground, and background. This layering adds dimension, guiding the viewer’s eye naturally into the scene.
Focus on Textures: The summit’s rugged cliffs and rocky features are rich with texture. Consider close-up shots that frame these natural details against the distant valley for contrast and interest.
Safety First: Mt. Tammany’s summit can be windy and uneven. Keep your tripod stable during long exposures, and be mindful of the cliff edges when setting up. Safety should always come first to ensure a successful, enjoyable shoot.

Raymondskill Falls

Feature: Highest Waterfall in Pennsylvania

Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, is a breathtaking destination for photographers drawn to the power and artistry of cascading water. With its dramatic 178-foot drop over three distinct tiers, Raymondskill Falls offers multiple perspectives, each with its own character and beauty. Unlike most waterfalls, Raymondskill has two designated viewing platforms, allowing photographers to choose between a sweeping panoramic view of all three tiers or a closer look at individual sections. This flexibility in viewpoints makes it easy to experiment with composition and framing, capturing the falls from unique angles that reveal its scale and intricacies.

The trail to Raymondskill Falls is short, well-maintained, and accessible for visitors of all fitness levels, but the sight of the falls—with its misty, rushing waters—evokes a feeling of wild, untouched nature. One of the best parts of photographing Raymondskill Falls is seeing how it transforms with the seasons. In spring, the snowmelt feeds the falls, creating a powerful, thunderous cascade that fills the air with sound and mist. The fresh, bright green foliage frames the water perfectly, adding a sense of renewal to your shots. In summer, the falls are surrounded by a lush canopy, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves casts soft, natural light on the water. Autumn is perhaps the most magical time to visit, as the surrounding trees burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The colorful foliage adds depth and warmth to every shot, contrasting beautifully with the white, rushing water—a photographer’s dream for capturing the beauty of fall in the Delaware Water Gap.

Key Photography Tips for Raymondskill Falls:

Capture All Three Tiers: Each tier of Raymondskill Falls offers a unique perspective. Visit both viewing platforms to capture the entire cascade in one shot, or focus on individual tiers to highlight different angles and textures.
Long Exposure for Water Movement: Use a tripod and a long exposure (1-2 seconds) to achieve a smooth, flowing look in the water. If the light is too bright, an ND filter will help control exposure.
Best Light: Early mornings or overcast days provide soft, even lighting that reduces harsh shadows and glare on the water and rocks, making for well-balanced photos.
Add Foreground Elements: Trees, rocks, and moss surrounding the falls make excellent natural frames. Including these in your shots creates a sense of depth and immerses viewers in the scene.
Experiment with Angles: Don’t limit yourself to the main viewing platforms. Explore different points along the trail to find unique angles, close-ups, and other details that reveal the character of each tier.

Sunfish Pond

Feature: Serene Glacial Lake Surrounded by Forest

Tucked deep within Worthington State Forest, Sunfish Pond is a hidden gem and one of the most rewarding spots for photographers in the Delaware Water Gap. This pristine glacial lake, with its tranquil, mirror-like surface, offers unparalleled opportunities for capturing serene, reflective landscapes. The journey to reach it—a 9-mile round-trip hike along the Appalachian Trail—is an experience in itself, winding through lush forest trails alive with the sounds and scents of nature. The pond’s secluded beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal canvas for capturing nature’s still, undisturbed majesty.

One of the standout features of Sunfish Pond is its incredible reflective quality. On calm, windless days, the lake’s surface transforms into a glassy mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees with near-perfect symmetry. When photographing Sunfish Pond, reflections are essential to maximize its visual potential. Try positioning your camera low and level to the water to accentuate the symmetry, placing the horizon line perfectly centered for a surreal, doubled effect. A wide-angle lens works beautifully here, capturing both the pond’s surface and the dense forest surrounding it. For a minimalist composition, consider focusing on a single section of the lake’s edge—a lone tree, a boulder, or a small group of stones emerging from the water. This simplicity highlights the quiet beauty and stillness of the scene, allowing viewers to connect with the natural tranquility of the pond.

In autumn, Sunfish Pond transforms into a breathtaking display of color, making it one of the Delaware Water Gap’s most picturesque fall photography locations. The bright reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves provide stunning contrast against the deep blue of the lake, making the reflections even more vibrant and captivating. The scene becomes a vivid tapestry of color, with the pond reflecting the foliage in a way that doubles the visual impact—a rare and striking effect that’s hard to match.

Sunfish Pond is a setting where minimalist compositions truly shine. The simplicity of the still lake, a single tree, or a few stones at the water’s edge can create images with a powerful visual impact. Whether you’re capturing the expanse of the surrounding forest or focusing on the calm, glassy surface of the pond, Sunfish Pond’s isolation and natural beauty provide a unique setting that encourages creativity and rewards patient observation.

Key Photography Tips for Sunfish Pond:

Reflections Are Key: On calm days, the pond’s surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the trees and sky. Shoot low and level to the water to capture this symmetrical, serene effect.
Best Times to Shoot: Early morning light creates soft, clear reflections on the pond, while late afternoon adds a warm glow that brings out the natural colors of the landscape.
Minimalist Compositions: Embrace the simplicity of the scene. Frame shots to focus on the pond and a single element, such as a lone tree or rock, for a tranquil, elegant composition.
Zoom in for Detail: The rocky shores and edges of Sunfish Pond have unique textures. Use a telephoto lens to capture these interesting patterns or to isolate ripples and floating leaves for close-up shots.
Pack for a Hike: The 9-mile round-trip hike to Sunfish Pond requires preparation. Bring only essentials to keep your load light and energy focused on capturing the best shots.

Millbrook Village

Feature: Historic Village with Unique Rustic Charm

Millbrook Village, a lovingly preserved 19th-century settlement, offers photographers a unique opportunity to step back in time and capture the charm and simplicity of a bygone era. Nestled within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this historic village is filled with rustic buildings, charming details, and artifacts that vividly tell the story of rural life in the 1800s. The site includes a variety of structures—from the general store and blacksmith shop to the village church and farmhouse—all offering endless inspiration for compositions that celebrate the craftsmanship and character of a simpler time.

One of the greatest joys of photographing Millbrook Village is capturing the beautifully weathered textures of its buildings. The aged wood, rusty metal hardware, and traditional whitewashed walls give each structure a distinct personality. Close-up shots of details like iron door hinges, wooden shutters, and stone foundations reveal the rugged craftsmanship and functionality that defined the architecture of the 19th century. Using a macro or telephoto lens, you can focus on these small elements, creating images that bring out the richness of textures and tell the story of lives lived long ago.

Millbrook Village’s timeless simplicity also makes it an ideal location for black-and-white photography. By removing color, black-and-white photos allow you to highlight the composition, textures, and tones of the village’s historic buildings. This approach not only emphasizes the rustic details of wood and stone but also adds a nostalgic, almost haunting quality to your shots. Try photographing the general store or blacksmith shop in monochrome to capture the essence of the past without modern-day distractions. Black-and-white images can transform the village into an even more authentic snapshot of history.

Key Photography Tips for Millbrook Village:

Textures and Details: The village’s historic buildings are rich with textures like worn wood and rusty hinges. Focus on these close-up details to emphasize the rustic charm and vintage character of the setting.
Natural Frames: Use doorways, windows, and even fences to create natural frames within the buildings, adding depth and a sense of story to your shots.
Play with Black & White: Millbrook’s vintage appeal shines in black-and-white photography, emphasizing the textures and creating a timeless quality that immerses viewers in the past.
Fall Foliage: Visit in autumn to take advantage of the colorful foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the muted tones of the buildings. This season lends a charming, nostalgic feel to your photos.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Interiors: If you’re able to photograph inside the buildings, a wide-angle lens will help you capture the space and atmosphere of the interiors, highlighting the simple architecture and period furnishings that define Millbrook’s historic character.

Buttermilk Falls

Feature: Less-Traveled, Stunning Waterfall with Quiet Ambiance

Buttermilk Falls, nestled on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, is a hidden gem that offers a quiet and secluded setting for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of waterfalls without the crowds. Unlike the more popular Dingmans and Raymondskill Falls, Buttermilk Falls remains relatively quiet, even in peak season, making it perfect for an intimate, undisturbed photoshoot.

A unique aspect of Buttermilk Falls is the opportunity it offers for photography from both the base and the top of the falls. A short yet steep trail leads up to an overlook, allowing photographers to capture a dramatic, elevated perspective as the water tumbles down through rugged rock layers, framed by lush greenery. This overhead vantage point provides a sense of depth and scale, adding visual drama to your shots. A wide-angle lens is ideal here, helping to encompass the waterfall’s expanse and the surrounding forest, creating a sweeping scene that highlights the natural beauty of the area.

Buttermilk Falls is especially captivating in the early morning when the soft light filters through the trees and illuminates the waterfall from above. Early morning is also a quieter time, allowing you to set up your shots in peace. If you’re able to visit after a rainfall, you’ll find the waterfall even more dynamic, with an increased flow that enhances its presence and brings out the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage.

Key Photography Tips for Buttermilk Falls:

Capture Textures and Details: The waterfall’s layered rocks and the delicate flow of water make for beautiful close-ups. Use a longer exposure to capture the smooth, misty effect in the water, emphasizing the contrast with the rugged textures of the rocks.
Explore Natural Frames: The surrounding trees and rocks serve as excellent natural frames for the waterfall, adding depth and drawing the viewer’s eye toward the falls. Experiment with positioning branches or leaves in the foreground to create layers.
Play with Angles: Photograph from the base for an immersive view or take the trail to the top for a unique overhead perspective. The varied viewpoints provide multiple ways to capture the waterfall’s character.
Early Light Advantage: Visit in the early morning for soft, even lighting that enhances the waterfall’s natural colors without casting harsh shadows. Early hours also bring tranquility, allowing for uninterrupted shooting.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens works well to capture the full scene, including the surrounding forest. This lens also helps convey the scale of the falls, especially from the top overlook.

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Feature: Diverse Ecosystem with Wetlands, Meadows, and Abundant Wildlife

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for photographers who thrive on capturing the diversity of natural landscapes and the excitement of wildlife photography. Located in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap area, this expansive refuge spans wetlands, meadows, forests, and rolling hills, creating a vibrant patchwork of habitats that support an impressive range of flora and fauna. For photographers, each of these unique ecosystems presents its own set of creative possibilities, making Cherry Valley an ideal destination for capturing the beauty and complexity of nature in all its forms.

One of the most magical times to photograph Cherry Valley is at sunrise, when the wetlands come alive with golden light. As the dawn breaks, mist often rises from the water, creating an ethereal, dreamlike quality that amplifies the tranquil beauty of the landscape. The soft, warm morning light illuminates the reeds, water lilies, and grasses along the wetlands, adding depth and a serene glow to your images. A tripod is essential here for capturing the subtle details of early morning light and for long exposures that enhance the misty atmosphere. A wide-angle lens can help you capture the full expanse of the wetlands, bringing together the foreground’s intricate details with the distant glow of the sky.

Cherry Valley is also a prime location for wildlife photography, home to an array of mammals like deer, rabbits, and foxes, as well as countless bird species—from soaring hawks to delicate songbirds. Patience and a telephoto lens are invaluable tools; set up quietly near a meadow or wetland edge, and you may be rewarded with sightings of deer grazing or birds taking flight. Early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active, offer the best opportunities for spotting and photographing animals. For bird enthusiasts, the wetlands are ideal for observing herons, egrets, and other waterfowl whose reflections on the water create striking compositions, adding symmetry and a sense of calm to your shots.

A lesser-known but fascinating aspect of Cherry Valley is its role as a critical migratory stopover for birds, particularly during spring and fall migrations. This makes the refuge an essential location for bird photographers who may have the chance to capture rare or migrating species passing through. The refuge’s dedicated conservation efforts have created a thriving habitat, ensuring that Cherry Valley remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a beautiful, protected space for photographers for years to come.

Key Photography Tips for Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge:

Capture the Wetlands’ Unique Ecosystem: Cherry Valley’s wetlands offer a wealth of natural beauty, with reflections, diverse plant life, and unique lighting opportunities. Early mornings bring soft, diffused light and mist over the water, adding a mystical quality to your images.
Wide-Angle and Telephoto Lens: Use a wide-angle lens for capturing the full scope of the wetlands and surrounding meadows, while a telephoto lens is ideal for close-up wildlife shots, allowing you to zoom in on birds, deer, and other animals without disturbing them.
Best Light: Early morning light casts a gentle, warm glow over the wetlands and fields, enhancing texture and depth in your shots. Late afternoon light creates a golden, soft glow across the meadows, adding warmth and richness to the landscape.
Experiment with Foreground Elements: Take advantage of the abundance of reeds, wildflowers, and other plants to frame your shots. These foreground details enhance the depth of your compositions and guide the viewer’s eye into the scene.
Wildlife Opportunities: Cherry Valley’s wildlife is plentiful, including various bird species, deer, and smaller mammals. Set up quietly at the edge of a meadow or wetland with a long lens to capture these animals in their natural habitat. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to see and photograph wildlife in action.
Seasonal Changes: In autumn, the refuge’s forests and meadows transform with brilliant fall colors, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots. In spring, blooming wildflowers bring vibrant colors and freshness to the landscape, while winter, if snow-covered, offers a serene, peaceful scene with soft, muted tones.
Stick to the Trails: To protect Cherry Valley’s delicate ecosystem, stay on designated trails, especially around wetlands. This not only prevents disturbances to plants and animals but also keeps your gear safe from muddy areas and water hazards.

Final Thought

The Delaware Water Gap is a true gem for photographers seeking to capture nature in all its diversity and beauty. From its majestic waterfalls and sweeping overlooks to tranquil lakes and historic villages, this region offers a wealth of scenes to inspire photographers of every skill level. Each location invites you to explore and create, whether you’re framing the powerful cascades of Raymondskill Falls, capturing the ethereal reflections of Sunfish Pond, or immersing yourself in the colorful charm of Millbrook Village.

Beyond the landscapes, the Delaware Water Gap area also promises delightful dining experiences that add flavor and warmth to your journey, making each day of exploration even more enjoyable. So, pack your camera, bring a sense of adventure, and prepare to be captivated by the rich beauty and endless photographic opportunities waiting in the Delaware Water Gap.

FAQs

1. What’s the best time of year to photograph the Delaware Water Gap?
The area is beautiful year-round, but autumn provides the most vibrant colors. Spring is ideal for waterfalls, as the melting snow ensures strong flows.

2. Are there any entrance fees?
Most areas are free, but some specific parking lots or state parks may charge a small fee.

3. What camera gear should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal for landscapes. A tripod is also useful, especially for long-exposure shots at waterfalls.

4. Is there cell service in the area?
Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so downloading maps beforehand is recommended.

5. Are these locations beginner-friendly?
Yes, most of these spots offer easy to moderate trails. Dingmans Falls, for example, is accessible via a boardwalk, while Mt. Tammany requires a more challenging hike.

Best Locations For Landscape Photography In Delaware Water Gap