Delaware River Loop - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 974

3. Walpack Center
As the most densely populated state in the country, New Jersey is perhaps the least likely
locationforaghosttown.ButWalpackCenterisjustsuchaplace.Afewfolksdolivehere,
but not many; most left in the 1960s, when the federal government briefly planned to dam
asectionoftheriverheretoformareservoir.Thoughlocaloppositionderailedthescheme,
WalpackCenterneverbouncedback.Itremainsamereshadowofitsformerself—ahaunt-
ing place in hauntingly beautiful surroundings.
Walpack Center also provides access to Buttermilk Falls, the first of three cascades
along the drive. To see them, follow Main Street past the old post office for about half
a mile; at the cemetery take Mountain Road south for about two miles and listen for the
sound of tumbling water. A short trail leads to the top of the falls, among the highest in
New Jersey.
4. Peters Valley
In times gone by, the crafts practiced in this remote farming village were simple and basic.
Folksmade cloth because theyneeded something towear; theyworkedwithwoodbecause
they needed furniture; and when they painted, it was to decorate walls, not canvases.
Today, however, Peters Valley is synonymous with the Peters Valley Craft Center,
where the handiworks on display range from basketry to photography. Classes are held
throughoutthesummer,andtoursoftheartists'studios,allhousedinrestored19th-century
buildings, are available. The Peters Valley Craft Fair, held during the last full weekend in
July, draws artists and exhibitors from all over the country.
5. Dingmans Ferry
Just hownarrow is Dingmans Bridge? Asyoucross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania,
you may hold your breath as you face oncoming traffic along this rattling wood-decked
span. But not to worry: travelers have been squeaking by safely for nearly 100 years. Once
across, reward yourself with a float trip on the river; canoe rentals are available just past
the bridge, and you'll find the Dingmans Ferry boat ramp, the site of a Colonial-era ferry
crossing, located across the road.
The Dingmans Ferry area is also blessed with a pair of magnificent waterfalls, both
accessible along the same trail. From the Dingmans Falls visitor center, just south of the
bridge on Rte. 209, a 10-minute hike through a hemlock forest passes Silver Thread Falls,