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Delaware Water Gap➤
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area contains 70,000 acres along the middle section of the Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It begins at the water gap and stretches northward to the tristate border of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
A water gap forms when water carves a path through a mountain range. In Earth’s ancient history, the North American and African continents collided, creating the Kittatinny Ridge. Streams flowing on one side of the ridge scoured a channel over the course of millions of years and became the Delaware River.
The Appalachian Trail and the Middle Delaware National Scenic River both run the length of the park. Waterfalls abound and many historic Dutch Colonial buildings sit within park boundaries, including the Montague Grange.
Montague Grange➤
Montague Grange #140 is located at the northern end of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Montague, New Jersey. Though now called River Road, it was originally Old Mine Road, the road where many of the historical buildings within the park are located.
The Montague Grange was established in Montague in 1904, and the group’s meeting house was built in 1906 (an addition to the back side of the building was added in 1993). It is a chapter of the National Grange, which is similar to an organization like the Masons or Elks except that the members are typically farmers and people living in rural areas, and the Grange’s goal is supporting rural and agricultural interests. Montague Grange #140 is an active organization and still uses the 1906 building for its business.
The organization also hosts events throughout the year for the entire community, not just members. I attended the Spring Fling event at Montague Grange #140, held in partnership with Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. I spent some time browsing the exhibits and chatting with a ranger at the seed table about what might grow well in our backyard. She recommended a few options and even gave me some seed packets to take home and plant. Afterward, I took a short walk through the garden behind the building before continuing on to the Foster-Armstrong House down the road.
Delaware Water Gap Posts➤
- Middle Delaware
- Bushkill Falls
- Silverthread Falls
- Dingmans Falls
- Raymondskill Falls
- Millbrook Village
- Montague Grange
- Foster Armstrong House
Location: 280 River Rd, Montague, New Jersey
Designation: National Recreation Area
Date designated/established: September 1, 1965
Date of my visit: April 19, 2025
