Van Campens Glen Trail Hiking Guide
Van Campens Glen is a short streamside walk on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where Van Campen Brook tumbles through a narrow rock glen on its way to the Delaware. The Park Service describes several cascades and waterfalls, a slot-like stone valley and a lush hemlock ravine, all within about a mile. It is one of the easiest ways to see a waterfall in the park, and a good stop when combined with nearby Millbrook Village.
Upper Glen or Lower Glen
The trail has a trailhead at each end. The Lower Glen trailhead is at the Van Campen Glen parking area; the Upper Glen trailhead is across Old Mine Road from the Upper Glen parking area. Both lots have restrooms. The park gives the trail as 1.1 miles one-way, rated moderately easy, with about 195 feet of elevation change. Walk it as an out-and-back from either end; mapping apps put the round trip at about 2.1 miles with roughly 255 feet of gain. Restrooms at both ends make either start easy with kids.
What the Glen Looks Like
The path stays close to the brook the whole way. Along the way it passes the cascades, squeezes through a narrow stone valley and runs through a ravine shaded by hemlocks. The cascades are at their best in spring and after a good rain. Footing is uneven and slick near the water, so take it slowly with small children, and wear shoes with grip rather than sandals.
Rules on the Brook
The park asks visitors to stay on the designated trail to protect the stream corridor. Swimming and wading in the brook are not allowed, and neither are alcohol or picnicking along the trail. Dogs are fine on a leash; the park's pet rules restrict them only at a few beaches and campsites, none on this route. No entrance or parking fee is charged.
Old Mine Road Conditions
Both trailheads sit on Old Mine Road, which the park closes or limits for construction and in winter. As of its Current Conditions page (last updated May 21, 2026), the park warned that a bridge repair over Van Campen Brook could bring one-lane traffic and intermittent closures near the glen. Each winter the section between the Worthington State Forest boundary and Millbrook Village, and the dirt stretch past the Van Campen Inn, close to cars starting January 2 or at the first big snow, reopening in spring. Check the park's conditions page before driving out.
Pairing It With More
Crossing Old Mine Road from the Upper Glen puts you on the Pioneer and Hamilton Ridge trails if you want more miles. The park also suggests pairing the walk with a visit to nearby Millbrook Village for a full day out. Ticks are active in the brushy areas from spring through fall, so check yourself and your dog afterward.
Hiking tips for Van Campens Glen Trail
- Pick either trailhead; both the Upper Glen and Lower Glen lots have restrooms.
- Look at the park's Current Conditions page first; Old Mine Road work and winter closures affect access.
- Keep out of the water; swimming and wading are banned in Van Campen Brook.
- Wear shoes with grip for wet rock and roots right beside the stream.
- Visit in spring or after rain when the cascades are running hardest.
Nearby trails to explore
- Buttermilk Falls Trail (Walpack, NJ)
- Rattlesnake Swamp and Catfish Fire Tower Loop
- Sunfish Pond Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Van Campens Glen is an easy waterfall walk that suits a relaxed group outing. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Van Campens Glen in the Delaware Water Gap. Download the TrailMates app to connect.