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National Wild and Scenic River · Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River

National Wild and Scenic River in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Wild and Scenic River
StatePennsylvania, New Jersey
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (221 mi)
Closest airportTTN (12 mi)
A rural boat lock with a gate
Locks were used to move boats overland via canals Photo: NPS Photo/Julia Bell

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River is a national wild and scenic river run by the National Park Service in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

In the park service’s words

The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, the Delaware River runs past forests, farmlands, and villages, and it also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.

Getting there

The Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River is located between Interstate 80 (at Portland, Pennsylvania and Columbia, New Jersey) and Interstate 95 (at exit 51 in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania and exit 1 in Washington Crossing, New Jersey). In Pennsylvania, follow PA-611 and PA-32 to drive along the river. In New Jersey, follow NJ-29 south of Frenchtown for a drive along the river.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN) Ewing Township, NJ No road route 12 Regional
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) Allentown/Bethlehem, PA No road route 30 Regional
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Philadelphia, PA No road route 39 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Spring: Temperatures usually range from lows of 26 F to highs of 80 F with average rainfall of 5 inches. Summer: Temperatures usually range from lows of 55 F to highs of 85 F with average rainfall of 4 inches. Fall: Temperatures usually range from lows of 30 F to highs of 83F. Fall foliage is at its peak sometime in October as daily mountain temperatures vary frequently and influence the change. Winter: Temperatures usually range from lows of 15 F to highs of 49 F.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 221 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River?

No entrance fee.

Where is Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River?

In Pennsylvania, New Jersey. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Trenton Mercer Airport, about 12 miles away.

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