The post Barryville and Minisink Ford, NY: A Travel Guide appeared first on Footloose.
The 70 plus mile Scenic Route 97 begins in Port Jervis, New York and takes intrepid motorists on a meandering road trip bursting with opportunities for year round adventure.
Route 97 makes its way through such towns, communities and hamlets as Barryville and Minisink Ford, which are roughly just 5 miles apart.
What follows are suggestions on what to see, where to dine and spend the night while in the Barryville and Minisink Ford area.
Barryville
Travelers making their way along Scenic Route 97 will start to see signs for Barryville shortly after they pass through Pond Eddy.
Known as a premier Eagle watching destination, Barryville is home to the Eagle Institute, which runs guided eagle watch tours during the winter months.
It is also home to several white water rafting bases, Kittatinny Paintball, a good size Farmer’s Market, several shops like Until Next Time Antiques and a few quaint eateries.
Dining
Before departing Barryville, travelers may want to consider stopping by the Chocolate Mousse Café and Bakery for a hot cup of coffee and a slice of Aunt Butchie’s Chaos Cake.
While there it might also be a good idea to order a few club sandwiches or wraps to go as there are no restaurants of note in Minisink Ford but plenty of ideal, Delaware River front, picnic areas to choose from.
Travelers approaching Minisink Ford will first notice the unmistakable outline of the Roebling Bridge.
Roebling Bridge
A true feat of engineering, the 535 foot long Roebling Bridge is the oldest wire suspension bridge in America still in existence today.
Consisting of dual, 8 ½ inch round, wrought iron suspension cables that were spun on-site, it connects Minisink Ford to Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania and was created under the tutelage of John Roebling, who later went on to design the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
In addition to its historic construction, the bridge is located near the site of the Revolutionary Battle of Minisink, the D & H Canal Towpath, a tollhouse museum and the Zane Grey Museum on the Pennsylvania side.
Minisink Battlefield Park
Known as the site of the only Revolutionary battle waged in the Upper Delaware River Valley, Minisink Battlefield Park will be of immense interest to history buffs.
The Minisink Battlefield Park is located just a short distance off Route 97 on County Route 168 near the town of Highland.
It contains a visitor’s center replete with informative, interactive displays as well as three hiking trails of varying length and difficulty; the Battleground Trail, the Woodland Trail and the Old Quarry Trail.
Particularly noteworthy locations along the trails include Hospital Rock, Sentinel Rock, Indian Rock and the Minisink Battlefield Monument.
Some may question the idea of a trio of rocks being deemed noteworthy, but they truly are due to the history and legends surrounding them. All three were reputedly sites of uncommon valor and death in battle at the hands of the notorious Brandt’s Raiders.
In addition to the above, Minisink Battlefield Park also features clean, public restrooms and ample picnic areas for those travelers that would like to sit and enjoy a snack before getting back onto Route 97.
Travelers should also note that the Minisink Battlefield Park is seasonal and as such is only open from May through early October. Travelers should call the park staff to verify admission fees and hours of operation prior to trip departure.
Roebling Tollhouse
Located on the New York side of the Roebling Bridge is a toll house turned museum that is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
The toll house museum’s exhibits include old photographs and relics from the days when both the area’s canals and railroads were thriving. Presently there is no admission fee and tours are self-guided.
Delaware and Hudson Canal Towpath
The 1 mile Delaware and Hudson Canal Towpath begins at the base of the Roebling Bridge and spreads outward along the Delaware River affording visitors an opportunity to experience what it was once like to work along the famed canal. There is no admission fee to access the towpath and it is open daily, year round.
Zane Grey Museum
As Zane Grey’s first published article was about a “Day on the Delaware” it is only fitting that a museum honoring his writing career be located near it.
A former resident of Lackawaxen, Zane was an avid fisherman who enjoyed living, fishing and writing on the Delaware River.
Visitors who decide to venture over the Roebling Bridge to tour Zane Grey’s home and museum may also want to consider a stop at the Lackawaxen Cemetery where he and his wife were interred.
The Zane Grey Museum is open on the weekends from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm September through Mid-October and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Travelers should allow at least one hour of exploration to fully appreciate what exhibits the Zane Grey Museum has to offer.
Due to the small amount of people allowed on each 20 minute, guided museum tour at one time advance reservations are also strongly encouraged.
Lodging
Travelers enamored by the Roebling Bridge and the Delaware River’s commanding views may want to consider spending the night on the Pennsylvania side of the bridge at the Roebling Inn on the Delaware.
Located between the Roebling Bridge and the Zane Grey Museum, the 1870 clapboard home turned Inn use to be owned by the Delaware Hudson Canal Company, as were many of the buildings in the area.
It features expertly appointed guest rooms with such quaint amenities as fireplaces and antique claw-foot tubs that are perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration. Overnight accommodations at the Roebling Inn on the Delaware are also easy on the wallet with double occupancy rates starting at $99 per night.
Advance reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Inn’s staff directly.
Eagle Watch Institute
845-557-6162
Until Next Time Antiques
845-557-0597
Barryville Farmer’s Market
845-932-8348
Chocolate Mousse Café and Bakery
845-557-3622
Minisink Valley Historical Society
845-856-2375
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
570-685-4871
Zane Grey Museum
570-685-4871
Roebling Inn on the Delaware
570-685-7900
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