Anybody have any news about the water situation along the trail between Lehigh Gap and Delaware Water Gap in PA? I’m supposed to meet a friend along the trail for a 4-day hike tomorrow, but just got a mysterious message from him on my answering machine asking me to bring 4 gallons of water. He has a filter. Are the water sources all dry?
Susan Schwartz
I’ll tell you what I know, which is mostly what I’ve HEARD from other hikers. I was a NJ ridgerunner, so keep in mind I didn’t hike this section, just heard a lot from the PA ridgrerunner and NOBO’s.
I know for a fact the kirkridge shelter spigot is turned on and running though hikers report it to taste funny. It is behind the shelter near the retreat center.
Ialso remember hearing the third sping at Leroy Smith Shelter is running which is the farthest from the shelter.
I remember hearing the “Metallica” spring is running well, but this was a month ago. I assume it would still be good.
Lastly, the RR in PA told me locals near Smith Gap had been religious about leaving water every day at the trail, but that was during the summer heat and steady thru-hiker season. I wouldn’t rely on it now.
Basically, I would carry a lot of water in this section, because none of this is 100% reliable and confirmed, just heresay. You should be fine, but I’d carry an extra liter if you can afford the weight.
Lastly, you can fill up at Wind Gap, by asking at the Motel in the gap, or in an emergency, hitching into town to one of the many restraunts/businesses.
Good luck and have fun. The trail is cooler now, and a lot less crowded and very pleasant.
A-Train
I’m in central PA near the Susquehanna. We’re not exactly having a drought summer but the river and feeder streams are running low.
It’s always more convenient to fill your bottles from jugs as opposed to filtering or looking for a spigot. Have a good hike!
Stalking Tortoise
That area is dry. At almost all of the shelters there is no water and most of the springs are dry. I just hiked that section and for water you either have to go into town or use a spigot some where. Dont be dependent on jugs. They are few and far between and normally empty.
Stringbean