Visitors to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area can enjoy a free shuttle service this summer, thanks to a partnership between the National Park Service and the Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA). The service, known as the River Runner Shuttle, operates on Saturdays and Sundays from May 24 through August 31, excluding holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

The shuttle aims to reduce congestion and provide easy access to various points along the park, including Pennsylvania river access points and Kittatinny Point in New Jersey. Each shuttle is equipped to carry up to 10 kayaks or canoes and four bicycles, making it ideal for paddlers and cyclists planning one-way trips.

According to NJ Herald, the shuttle service begins at the Kittatinny Point parking lot with departures at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Northbound service starts from the Park and Ride lot in Delaware Water Gap borough and runs hourly until 1:15 p.m. Southbound service begins at Milford Beach at 10 a.m. and runs hourly until 3:05 p.m. Visitors can board the shuttle at several "flag stop" locations along the route, including McDade Trail parking areas.

Park Ranger Chance Babish, who coordinates river safety education for the park, said, "Using this service allows solo paddlers or people looking for a one-way trip to do so without issue." Visitors simply load their paddle craft or bike on the trailer, enjoy the northbound ride, and then paddle or pedal back to their starting point.

For more information on shuttle routes and schedules, visitors can check the MCTA website at gomcta.com.

Steve Andrews