Tucked away in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation, Van Campens Glen is a very scenic and unique hiking destination. A short and easy trail takes hikers along Van Campens Brook and past multiple impressive waterfalls. Continue reading to learn how to explore this excellent waterfall destination.

Background

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a large National Park located along the Delaware River in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, the park stretches from the area of Interstate 80 at the Delaware River and continues north just short of the New York border. The park is best known for the Delaware Water Gap itself, a large geologic formation where the Delaware River cuts through the Kittatinny Mountains. This formation creates Mount Minsi in Pennsylvania and Mount Tammany in New Jersey. The park is most popular for hiking and water activities on the Delaware River.

The National Recreation Area was created after the proposed damming of the Delaware River at Tocks Island, a small island upstream of the Delaware Water Gap itself. The dam would have flooded the valley, which resulted in the federal government forcing residents out through eminent domain. About 15,000 residents were relocated, and many buildings were demolished. As you drive through the park, you will see many buildings that were abandoned when the government bought the land.

Van Campens Glen was named after the prominent Van Campen family of the 1800s. Directly south of Van Campens Glen along Old Mine Road are the remains of the Van Campens Farmstead. It features the homes of multiple family members, including Abraham Van Campen and Benjamin B. Van Campen.

The Hike

Begin in the lower parking area off Old Mine Road. (Note: alternately, you can park at the upper parking area slightly further up Old Mine Road. This reverses the hike, and results in finishing the hike uphill.) From the parking area, take the obvious trail beginning behind the park directory. The trail hugs Van Campens Brook along the stream bank for the first part of the hike.

After a short distance you will reach a set of wooden stairs leading away from Van Campens Brook, as well as the first waterfall.

Lower Van Campens Falls

About halfway up the stairs, you will reach a small landing with an excellent view of Lower Van Campens Falls. Lower Van Campens Falls, is only about 12 feet, but it is extremely scenic as it tumbles down. Van Campens Brook makes a 90-degree turn directly above the waterfall. This turn creates the illusion that the water is emerging from the ground as you cannot see the top of Van Campens Brook from this location.

After continuing to the top of the wooden stairs the trail loops back towards Van Campens Brook. There is a small unmarked trail to the top of Lower Van Campens Falls. However, the view is better from the stairs that were previously passed.

From Lower Van Campens Falls continue on the trail again. The trail continues to follow the path of Van Campens Brook, but not as closely as the upper portion. A half mile into the hike, you will reach a wooden bridge crossing Van Campens Brook. The main Van Campens Falls are located a few hundred feet past the bridge.

Van Campens Falls

Van Campens Falls is the main attraction of Van Campens Glen. The waterfall consists of two distinct sections. First, there is a near-vertical plunge of about 10 feet. This is immediately followed by a smooth, gentle slide down about 15 feet. Below the waterfall, Van Campens Brook opens up into a large pool. Van Campens Falls is easily one of the most unique waterfalls in New Jersey due to the two distinctly different drops it features. The trail surrounding the waterfall features multiple vantage points from below and along the side.

Upper Van Campens Falls

Just above Van Campens Falls is the significantly smaller Upper Van Campens Falls. You can reach the waterfall by taking the trail up to the top of Van Campens Falls. From there, look down into the glen just above the waterfall. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get a good view of this waterfall for a couple of reasons: First, the waterfall itself is located below the trail in the “glen” itself. This means that visitors need to look down below to see anything. Additionally, the view is partially obstructed by the natural geography of the glen and by a few downed trees.

It is possible to climb down slightly to get a better view of the falls, but be careful as it is a steep drop.

Unnamed Waterfall on Van Campens Brook 1

Slightly further upstream from Upper Van Campens Falls is the first of two interesting, but unnamed, waterfalls. This waterfall cascades down a set of natural steps in the glen. As with the previous waterfall, this one is located below the trail itself. Fortunately, this waterfall can be easily viewed from the trail above by looking down into the glen.

Climbing into Van Campens Glen

For those comfortable, the view of the unnamed waterfall inside Van Campens Glen itself is excellent. While the view is great, do not enter during high water. The descent into the glen is not easy, but hikers are rewarded with a very unique view for New Jersey. I found the easiest path was by entering near the overlook for Upper Van Campens Falls. Here you will find a thin ledge leading into the glen. Right at the beginning of this ledge, there is a very tight space between a tree and the walls of the glen. Hikers must squeeze between them to enter. From there, the ledge guides you into the glen. You can make your own path below. Use the layers of bedrock as makeshift steps.

To leave the glen, I find it easiest to climb up the unnamed falls. This is possible as long as the water level is not too high. If the water level is too high to safely climb up the falls, you should not enter the glen to begin with.

Unnamed Waterfall on Van Campens Brook 2

Slightly further upstream of the first unnamed waterfall, is another interesting but unnamed waterfall. Just below the waterfall, there is a small clearing on the edge of the stream bank. Go to this clearing a look upstream where you will be able to see the waterfall. This waterfall is a thin drop along a thin section of Van Campens Glen. A short ledge takes hikers closer to the waterfall. The ledge is bordered by a cliff wall that extends over the ledge creating a unique waterfall view.

Van Campens Brook narrows significantly through this section of the glen, and it is easy to hop over the brook to get an alternate view of the falls if desired.

The Remainder of the Hike

Just past the second unnamed waterfall, the trail begins to work its way uphill and away from Van Campens Brook. The remainder of the trail past this point is not particularly interesting. You may just want to turn around at this point. For those who wish to continue on the trail, it is a quarter mile to the upper parking area where the trail ends. Whichever option you choose, return to the parking area the same way you came.

GPS Route

Additional Information

• The pool below Van Campens Falls is a popular swimming hole. However, the National Park Service prohibits swimming and park rangers do patrol the area, especially on weekends. From the National Park Service regulations:

Swimming is not permitted within 50 feet of a boat launch, a canoe launch, or the top of any waterfall. Additionally, swimming is not permitted at the following areas:

• Kittatinny Point, NJ
• Van Campens Glen, NJ
• Dingmans Falls, PA
• George W. Childs Recreation Site, PA