Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Tocks Island Dam Site [Suggest Edits]

2 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

History buffs and naturalists alike won't want to miss a trip to the Tocks Island Dam Site. In the 1950's and 1960's, a series of floods prompted Congress to examine a variety of plans to regulate the flow if the Delaware River. Among the options was an Army Corps of Engineers study and plan to construct a dam in the river basin. It was thought that by controlling the waters of the river, flooding would no longer be an issue and that residents of the area might be spared the wrath of extreme weather.

The dam site was originally slated at the tip of Tocks Island. Construction would have created a 40-mile long lake, with a maximum width of approximately one mile. Nearly 600 permanent residents of the area were relocated, many of whom had moved unwillingly. The outcry from the former residents of the area combined with the devastating environmental effect caused the dam proposal to be shelved in the 1970's, and fully decommissioned in 1992.

Today, the southern tip of Tocks Island appears much as it always has through the ages. Protected by the National Parks Service, the island, and the 40 miles of river behind it, have become an enduring symbol of cooperation between government, citizens, and wilderness.

Taking the time to visit the area and to admire the surrounding scenery is a powerful testament to the value of untouched natural spaces.

Short Walk: Visitors can view the area from their vehicles on Old Mine Road, and can also reach the location via the McDade Recreational Trail.

Family Friendly: Located near roads and easy to navigate trails, this is a great spot for a powerful lesson in conservation.

Gem Type: Historic Site

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite The summit of Mount Tammany looks out at Mt. Minsi across the Delaware River.

Mt. Tammany Overlook

(43) Strouds…, PA

Nearby Trails

3.4 mi 5.5 km Mt. Tammany Summit
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Unknown
Update
110 
5.2 mi 8.3 km Mount Minsi Loop
Intermediate Intermediate
Stroudsburg, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Stroudsburg, PA
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
45 days ago
25 
10.9 mi 17.5 km Sunfish Pond via Mt. Tammany Fire Road
Difficult Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Difficult Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Unknown
Update
20 
7.2 mi 11.6 km Buttermilk Falls, Crater Lake, and Hemlock Pond Loop
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Crandon Lakes, NJ
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Crandon Lakes, NJ
Unknown
Update
16 
4.1 mi 6.6 km Mt. Tammany Fire Road
Intermediate Intermediate
Belvidere, NJ
Intermediate Intermediate
Belvidere, NJ
Unknown
Update
0.0 mi 0.1 km Marshall Waterfalls
Difficult Difficult
East Stroudsburg, PA
Difficult Difficult
East Stroudsburg, PA
Unknown
Update
1.2 mi 2.0 km Red Dot Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Unknown
Update
11 
1.5 mi 2.4 km Buttermilk Falls Trail
Difficult Difficult
Crandon Lakes, NJ
Difficult Difficult
Crandon Lakes, NJ
Unknown
Update
159.8 mi 257.1 km AT: New York-New Jersey Section
Intermediate Intermediate
Stroudsburg, PA
Intermediate Intermediate
Stroudsburg, PA
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy
88 days ago
13 
11.6 mi 18.7 km Mount Tammany and Sunfish Pond Loop
Difficult Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Difficult Difficult
Stroudsburg, PA
Unknown
Update
Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on Jul 14, 2016. All Page Views: 3,400. Last Month: 6.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.