McDade Trail between the Jerry Lees and Eshback Access trailheads in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Note: There are mile marker posts along the McDade Trail just as there are along a highway. Trail miles are counted south to north, with Mile 0 being at the southern trailhead in Hialeah. Since this report is written from the perspective of traveling south from Jerry Lees to Eshback Access, the accounting of the trail miles covered on the trip is in reverse order.
Trail Miles Covered: 15.9 to 14.1
Length: 1.8 mile
Difficulty: Easy
River Run Shuttle: Can be flagged from Federal Road near Jerry Lees, and can be flagged from Eshback Access, but only in the northbound direction.
The Jerry Lees Trailhead in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located at the end of a side road off of Federal Road. The trail runs right through the parking lot. If you are heading south from here as I was, the terrain is flat and easy to hike and bike. In fact, the trail between Jerry Lees and Eshback Access is the first truly easily segment for those who began a trip south from Milford Beach.
Typical terrain on the McDade Trail between the Jerry Lees and Eshback Access trailheads, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The only thing of note on this section of the trail is a creek crossing about a half mile from Jerry Lees. The creek empties into the Delaware River, which is a stone’s throw away on the other side of the forest, but due to the trees there are no clear views of it.
McDade Trail crosses a creek a half mile south of the Jerry Lees Trailhead, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Much of the trail runs right along agricultural fields, so be prepared to be out in the open. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen if avoiding the sun is important to you.
Open terrain along the McDade Trail between the Jerry Lees and Eshback Access trailheads in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The McDade Trail eventually passes right through the Eshback Access parking lot. There is a boat ramp here as well. Total distance from Jerry Lees is 1.8 mile.
Eshback Access Trailhead parking for the McDade Trail in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Last updated on February 10, 2024
