CYCLING THE DELAWARE RIVER
It’s early morning. The first warm glows of a rising sun dance across the magnificent waters of the Delaware River, glistening with a radiance that will only increase as the day goes on.
The fresh air fills your lungs, leaving you energised, enthused, eager to hit the trails and pathways, not wanting to waste even a single moment of your cycling vacation in Bucks County.
You put foot to pedal and with one last smile at your travel partner, you set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
As you go, you take in awe-inspiring scenery full of dramatic cliffs, acres of lavish forests and vistas sweeping out as far as the eye can see.
You hear the rush of the mighty Delaware River, you hear laughter and joy from the groups enjoying whitewater paddling, kayaking, and tubing, and you get up close and you get a front-row seat to see some of the United State’s most spectacular creatures in their natural environment...
Sounds like a dream vacation?
Making that dream a bright reality is easier than you think.
At the historic 1740 House in New Hope, PA, our prime location close to a number of the area’s best cycling routes makes us a popular choice for those planning a two-wheeled adventure of their own.
Here, we combine our own expert local knowledge with advice and top tips from some of our regular cycling vacation guests to provide you with this:
Where to Ride
Whether you’re a novice cyclist or a seasoned veteran, the area boasts a plethora of different routes to suit all abilities and all ages.
It would take us an entire book (or several!) to cover them all, so we’ve done the next best thing:
Rounded-up some of the top cycling spots that are essential for any vacation in the area.
Bull’s Island Recreation Area
We start our adventure close to home, with a unique that takes us from Lumberville, PA into one of New Jersey’s best-loved recreational areas.
to the famous Lumberville–raven Rock Bridge, where you’ll have to dismount and walk your bike across into NJ.
The bridge, one of two pedestrian footbridges crossing the Delaware River, is an attraction in its own right. Year in, year out, it attracts scores of visitors who come not only for the novelty of walking from one state to the other via a footbridge, but for the truly spectacular views you’ll encounter as you cross.
Reaching the other side of the bridge, you’ll find yourself at Bull’s Island Recreation Area.
From there, take the towpaths along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and journey off along a trail which takes you into the heart of those very same forests you saw from the bridge earlier.
There, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lofty sycamore trees and ancient silver maples, passing acres of unblemished tulips and all manner of rare fauna.
A gentle ride along the towpaths and surrounding areas before heading back up and over the bridge can prove to be the perfect day out for those who prefer to take things easy.
Meanwhile, more advanced riders will enjoy venturing off into the hills and tackling some of the tougher terrain surrounding the area.
Delaware Water Gap
Ask any experienced cyclist for their favourite cycling routes around Delaware River, and we’d be surprised if the answer was anything other than Delaware Water Gap.
Hugely popular among more advanced cyclists, the area offers exhilarating rides for both road bicycles and mountain/hybrid bikes alike.
For the latter, The Mcdade Recreational Trail covers almost the entire length of Delaware Water Gap, running alongside the river for 32 miles.
Whether it’s an adrenaline-charged rush through the forests you’re looking for, or a leisurely ride taking in delightful streams, vast fields and grand, sweeping vistas, the trail truly does offer it all.
If you prefer road biking routes, Old Mine Road on the New Jersey side of the park is just the thing.
Uhlerstown to Frenchtown Loop
The towpath trails along Delaware Canal State Park and Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park run parallel to the Delaware River itself and create a number of exciting loops.
Of these, it’s the Uhlerstown to Frenchtown loop that gets our vote as a must-try for your next cycling vacation.
Clocking up a total of 18.9 miles, the round trip may not be the longest cycling route in the area, but it’s certainly one of the most enchanting.
Crossing the Uhlerstown–frenchtown Bridge (remember to dismount and walk your bike!), you’ll again encounter truly stunning scenery at every turn, and all with the added bonus of being back in time for dinner.
What to See and Do
Sure, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the saddle, but what about those moments when you want to give your legs a rest or simply try something different?
Luckily, the area is packed full of things to see, do and explore.
Water Sports at Bull’s Island
You can’t come all the way up to the Delaware River without experiencing the thrill of taking to the open waters.
Several areas offer a wealth of opportunities to do just, but few quite beat Bull’s Island Recreation Area.
Boating, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and rafting are all popular here. With equipment (including canoes, kayaks and tubes) available for hire in nearby Point Pleasant, a quick 12-minute bike ride from 1740 House.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
If you’re planning to cycle around the Delaware Water Gap, you’ll be delighted to find a number of leading attractions right at your feet.
If you only have time to do one of them, however, make it this one.
Situated less than four miles beyond the Gap itself, this is your chance to get up close and personal with some truly magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Take note, however, that this isn’t the kind of attraction you can simply ride up to whenever you feel like.
To see the wolves, you’ll need to join one of the twice-daily tours that run seven days a week.
Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
Sticking with all things wild and wonderful, we next head to Pocono Snake and Animal Farm which you’ll find a little over two miles from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Perfect for those of you bringing your young ones with you on vacation, the park features a huge collection of rare and exotic animals.
A 14-foot King Cobra and 23foot Python are among some of the highlights, though younger visitors may simply enjoy feeding the monkeys and petting rabbits.
Where to Eat
All that cycling can work up quite an appetite.
The good news is that no matter where your cycle ride along the Delaware River takes you, you’re never too far from some seriously good eats.
The Landmark Restaurant
After taking on the trails around Delaware Water Gap, take a 1.5-mile detour to the acclaimed Landmark Restaurant in East Stroudsburg.
Serving up a truly mouthwatering menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Landmark frequently earns rave reviews for its generous portions of delicious food, reasonable pricing and wonderful hospitality.
Village Farmer and Bakery
Prefer a sweet treat as a reward for all that cycling?
As renowned for their exceptional apple pie as they are for a tantalising collection of cakes, cookies and other scrumptious goodies, dining here is definitely a can’t-miss experience for your vacation.
Nina’s Waffles and Ice Cream
The Village Farmer may be ideal if you’re over the Delaware Water Gap area, but what about elsewhere?
Closer to the Bull’s Island region, Nina’s is the place to go for hand-crafted ice cream and wonderful waffles. As you tuck in, the aromas of freshly cooked waffles and the charming atmosphere will ensure the whole experience is the perfect end to a long day of riding.
The Club @ 1740 House
Last but by no means least, guests staying with us are always more than welcome to join us at our exclusive bar and restaurant, The Club @ 1740 House.
The Club is typically a members-only establishment, but hotel guests can join us Wednesdays-sundays to enjoy a regularly-changing menu which offers modern takes on traditional dishes with a local feel, all served in beautiful, riverside surroundings.