By Bill Deaton
Need a quick pick-me-up hike? Consider the network of trails outside of Milford located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The 8.2 miles of pathways south of the borough allow visitors to explore a waterfall worth a plunge, a scenic pond, and four vistas that offer great views. Furthermore, the three trailheads that allow hikers of different ability levels to equally access what the trail system has to offer.
- Those seeking an easier trek can commence from the Cliff Park trailhead 0.4mi off Milford Rd. From here visitors can explore the 0.7mi Pond Loop Trail and also access the Minisink Vista by taking the Buchanan Trail 0.2mi to the Cliff Trail and then proceed 0.3mi to the lookout. Additionally, adventurers can take the Buchanan Trail 0.4mi to the Hackers Trail and then hike another 0.5mi to the waterfall.
- Hackers Trail via the trailhead on Raymondskill Rd, 0.4mi uphill from US-209, offers a moderate incline to the falls over 1.1mi. From the same starting point ramblers can climb the Cliff Trail for 0.5mi to the Tri-State Vista and then walk the top of the escarpment to the Minisink, Riverview, and Milford Knob Vistas over the next 2.1mi.
- For more of a challenge, hikers can embark from the Milford Knob Trailhead 0.17mi south of the US-209/206 intersection and then sharply climb 1.7mi up to the knob.
Downloadable maps of the trails are available at https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/cliff-trail.htm. Plan accordingly and be mindful of seasonal closures of certain areas due to nesting raptors.