Sept. 14 – 16, 2018
We chose this location as a convenient spot to spend a couple of nights while checking out the Pocono area. We didn’t anticipate blogging about our weekend here but as it turned out we had a blog-worthy adventure.
Delaware Water Gap/Poconos KOA
Our choice of accommodations was the Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA in East Stroudsburg, PA where we had a deluxe patio site. The site had a picnic table, regular table and chairs, a fire pit with additional chairs, and a grill. Too bad we only stayed a couple of nights. Signs within the campground warned of guinea hen crossings and sure enough, there they were.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
We ventured out on Saturday morning to explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area starting with the Delaware Water Gap itself.
The Delaware Water Gap is the best known feature of the park, a distinct notch cut into the Kittatinny Ridge by the Delaware River. Once touted as a scenic Wonder of the World, it is an impressive site when motoring through on Interstate 80 or viewed from the overlooks along PA 611. The Gap is about a quarter mile wide at river level and nearly a mile wide from the top of one mountain to the top of the other.
The spectacular Delaware Water Gap has inspired and fascinated people for centuries. From the mid-19th through the early 20th century, Delaware Water Gap was one of the most popular summer resorts in the eastern United States; dozens of hotels served thousands of summer visitors. — nps.gov
We first drove down PA 611, stopping at the various overlooks in search of the best vantage point. Unfortunately the view from the overlooks was mostly obscured by the encroaching foliage. We did manage a photo at Kittatinny Point when we stopped at the Kittatinny Visitor Center in Columbia, NJ.
From the Visitor’s Center we traveled north on River Road/Old Mine Road until we reached Millbrook Village in Hardwick, NJ.
In 1832, a local farmer built a grist mill along the newly-finished Columbia-Walpack Turnpike where it crossed a stream known as “Van Campens Mill Brook.” By 1875, Millbrook had reached a peak of 75 inhabitants and about nineteen major buildings. Today’s Millbrook Village does not replicate the Millbrook of 1832 or 1900. Rather, it evokes the feeling of countryside hamlets where most of the nation’s people lived until the end of the 19th century. — nps.gov
Our visit to this historic site was perfectly timed as the Millbrook Days celebration was in full swing. Not only did we get to tour the buildings, we were also privileged to experience the late 19th century lifestyles and activities common to these rural communities. We watched folks in period costumes do woodworking, press apples for apple cider, make candles and apple butter, and lots of other demonstrations. The local church also had a food tent complete with delicious homemade pies.
Needless to say, we had a great time at Millbrook Days but it was time to retrace our route back to the campground and prepare for our morning departure. We’re off to Amish country next.
