This river flows, through a series of shallow riffles and quiet pools, 41 miles through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities abound.

The Delaware River is one of the last large free-flowing rivers left in America (not including Alaska) - one of the last major rivers without any dams or control structures on its main stem. The diversity of the Delaware River watershed, and the human settlement patterns within it, is due to geology and topography.

The 41 miles of the Delaware National Scenic River lie within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This portion of the river was designated Wild and Scenic in 1978 and is famous for its folded mountains and water gaps. Unique geologic and natural features form some of the best-known scenic landscapes in the northeastern United States, and illustrate the characteristic landforms and biotic areas of the Appalachian Mountains.