Waterfalls and Mountains in the Delaware Water Gap

You're off out of the city for a five-day adventure in some of the beautiful natural pockets surrounding New York! For your first stop, take a quick detour off the highway to find a natural gem sitting within a densely urban area.
At Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, you'll view 77-foot-high bustling waterfalls in an usual location – the centre of a city! Connect with nature by strolling along the paths, then sit on a bench to enjoy the view and reflect on nature's place in the bustling cities around us.
Spend a bit of time enjoying the view before heading out for more natural attractions as you continue your drive.
The park is free to visit and there is a parking lot right at the entrance. Visit the park's official website to read more about the park and its closures.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

You can park in this lot if you can’t find street parking.

You'll drive through lakes, forests, and wildlife areas before reaching a delicious lunch spot in a small town in New Jersey. Located on a historic main street, The Farmer's Daughter serves up seasonal soups, salads, and sandwiches. Farm-to-table dining is embedded in the fabric of this restaurant – from its foundations to the name, to the delicious, fresh dishes. You will leave full and happy to be connected to nature through food.
Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is street parking downtown and a municipal parking lot around the corner. Call +19733830440 to make a reservation or visit the official website.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed

After you leave Newton, you'll be taking a scenic drive through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the most scenic spots in the region, which lies between the New Jersey-Pennsylvania line. You’ll drive through state forests, mountains, trailheads, and camp grounds, and alongside the Delaware River.
There are a few designated scenic outlooks coming up on the drive that you can stop off at along the way, but you can also decide to pop off to take a hike if you prefer. There is padded time here so you can decide if you'd rather hike or drive through. Many of the trails within this region include a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail if you decide to pop off on one.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This is added as a stop, so take the route alongside the river. You can drive by or decide to get out of the car for a stunning, quiet beach sitting on the expansive Delaware River. There is an entrance fee to enter the beach.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

If you prefer not to hike, take the scenic PA 611 route, which will bring you into the heart of the park with views of the mountains. Stop off at the next two overlooks to get stunning views.
The first overlook, called Point of Gap Overlook, showcases one of the mountain faces. You can park here and cross the street over to the river; just note that there are a road and train tracks to get to the river view.
The overlook is always open.

Can you find the hidden waterfall at this overlook? This overlook offers a view of the gap from an upstream vantage point. You can also take a short, sharp climb across the parking lot that brings you onto a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
The overlook is always open.

Up for adventure? Fly high in the treetops at PA's largest outdoor adventure park. Take the zipline to get some of the best views of the Pocono Mountains. You'll be suspended 180 feet in the air and travel 4000 feet alongside Camelback Mountain.
If you're not one for ziplining, you can also climb on the park's treetop course, or take a switchback UTV tour on the unseen trails of the Poconos. Whichever you choose, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. If you zipline, it’s better to take the 4:30 p.m. tour, which can be booked in advance at Camelback Mountain Adventures' official website. All other adventure activities can also be booked on their website.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

After your day exploring nature in the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountains, continue your journey north and stay the night in Scranton, PA. Many will know this town for being the setting of the widely popular hit TV show The Office.
You'll stay tonight at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, which is a former French Renaissance-style train station dating back to the early 20th century. The hotel has kept much of the character of its grand glory days, including marble columns and Tiffany stained-glass ceiling in its grand lobby. Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.

For dinner, you can dine at the bar or restaurant within the hotel, or head out into downtown Scranton to get a little bit of city walking in and enjoy a delicious rustic Italian dinner at Bar Pazzo. Known for their wood-fired pizza, they offer a classic pizza and house-made pasta. For dessert, enjoy gelato and an espresso bar.
Note: the restaurant is closed Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. If this is the case, dine at Carmen’s, which is inside your hotel, and walk the streets after or prior to dinner.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday – Tuesday: Closed

Have breakfast at the hotel – you can have room service served directly to you while you get up and get ready to start your day or, if you find yourself with more time in the mornings, head downstairs to have a full, beautiful breakfast spread at the hotel's restaurant, Carmen's. You can also grab a coffee on your way out at the cafe. Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.