McDade Recreational Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail is named after a former member of Congress from the area known for his dedication to public lands. The trail, located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offers diverse views of the river and picturesque streams, open farm fields, forests and historic landmarks. The route is mostly complete with a few short missing sections. When complete, it will extend for 32 miles.

Although mostly flat, the terrain varies in difficulty. The first section, along River Road from the Hialeah Trailhead to the Turn Farm Trailhead, is fairly level with a few gentle rises. Further north, between Owens Trailhead and Bushkill, the trail is more challenging with a steep hill and a section where you will have to travel on the roadway for a few tenths of a mile. With that exception, you can travel solely on the trail from the Hialeah Trailhead to the White Pines Trailhead, a distance of more than 24 miles.

The 10-mile distance between the Eshback Trailhead and the White Pines Trailhead is flat and the best section for cross-country skiers. Note that north of the White Pines Trailhead, some sections are designated for hiking only. The most northern segment, between Pittman Orchard and Milford Beach, offers views of rural landscapes and a glimpse of the old Snyder Farm silo.
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Parking & Trail Access:
From I-80 westbound, take the first PA exit. Get onto River Road going north and then turn right to reach the Hialeah Trailhead (or continue north to another trailhead; there are many access points for this trail).

Avoid Route 209 as it tends to get very congested. Also, note that some trailheads with boat launches have fees, which are indicated on the National Park Service's trail map.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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really nice trail.
By geoff11 in November, 2011
We rode this trail on 2 warm November days. Starting in Dingmonds Ferry at the corner of State route 739 and State rt. 209, the trail goes up a long grade but is very do able. There are many places to park all along rt 209. (The trail north from here is closed at this time going to Milford due to the floods over the fall. Hopefully it can get repaired soon). From there we traveled south for about 8 miles the first day and enjoyed the scenery and the ride. The trail goes through fields and forest that are beautiful and quiet. Most of the ride is on flat gravel terrain that has slight inclines for the first 16 miles. Our bikes are hybrids that handle the terrain just fine. There are many places to stop for a picnic lunch that you bring on your own. Only place to buy some snacks is at the Dingmonds Ferry campground that was not open in November. We rode down to Bushkill Falls and stayed on the trail for about 2 more miles. At this point in Bushkill falls the trails gets more challenging with steep hills and a little rougher terrain. Some of the hills we walked up the hills but the ride down is always fun. This is a beautiful trail that brings nature closer to you. The Delaware River is in view most of the ride and the sound of the flowing water is tranquil and soothing during your breaks from the ride. Many hikers along the route this time of the year and not many bikers which make the ride very enjoyable. This trail has become one of our favorites and we will be hitting this trail many more times this spring and summer.
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Pretty but a bit more challenging ride
By dhoerl in July, 2011
I tripped on this trail while poking around Google Maps, and its a great find! I took the trail from its southernmost point at Hialeah Landing up to the Bushkill Landing on one Saturday, then from Bushkill to the road to Dingman's Bridge.

There are a few hills at the start of the tail, then a big one between Owen's Landing and Bushkill, then its mostly flat or minor hills to the end of the biking section. Note: at Owen's Landing you hit a fork where hikers go straight and you must go right (on a road). A hundred feet up the road is a marked parking lot that you MUST enter to get on the trail again (ask me how I know this - 5 miles north to a dead end). At the top of the hill, you must get on the road for a few tens of a mile to get back on the trail.

This trail has varied terrain; some in deep forests, some skirting fields, some skirting the river. The hills give you a better workout than a pure rail trail does (some of the trail follows an old wagon road from many years ago).

Bikers can go about 24 miles before the trail turns into a hiker-only section, and hikers can go over 30 miles. I made the excursion to Dingman's Bridge so I could cross over to NJ - it's half a mile on a road with no shoulder to speak of - but not much traffic either.

The trail has a consistent crushed gravel surface - the first Saturday I was on road tires (1.65x26) and had no trouble. Several rest areas and one general store provide creature comforts.
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