Walpack Center
The preserved village is one of the most distinctive historic landscapes in northwest New Jersey. Buildings generally open during scheduled Historical Society programs rather than functioning as everyday commercial establishments.
Walpack Township
One of New Jersey's smallest municipalities by population and one of Sussex County's most remarkable historic landscapes — a 24-square-mile township along the Delaware River where preserved villages, waterfalls, forests and centuries of local history are now closely intertwined with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
24.9 square milesA geographically large township despite its extremely small population.
7 residentsNew Jersey labor data reports a 2024 municipal population of seven.
1731Walpack traces its municipal history to the early 18th century and identifies itself as Sussex County's oldest municipality.
Why Walpack is different: This is not a conventional town-center guide with dozens of shops and services. Most of the township is protected landscape within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The strongest reasons to visit are history, scenery, hiking, waterfalls, rural roads and the Walpack Inn.
History & Walpack Center
Walpack once served surrounding farms as a rural commercial and social center. The National Park Service describes the preserved center as a short village street lined with a church, schoolhouse, country store and white-frame houses. Today, the Walpack Historical Society works with the National Park Service to interpret the village, Rosenkrans House and nearby Van Campen Inn.
Rosenkrans House
One of Walpack Center's oldest buildings and the museum/headquarters of the Walpack Historical Society.
Van Campen Inn
A colonial-era “yaugh” house on Old Mine Road that historically provided shelter to travelers. The one-mile Military Road Trail connects it with Walpack Center.
Old Mine Road
The historic road corridor links centuries of Delaware Valley settlement, farming and travel. Portions remain an important scenic route through the national recreation area.
Historic church in Walpack Center.
Walpack Center's historic post-office / general-store setting.
2026 Historical Society programming: Walpack Center, the church, schoolhouse, barn, Rosenkrans Museum and Van Campen Inn are opened on selected dates for tours, presentations and special programs. The 2026 schedule includes September 19 Sussex County History Day / “Return of the Spirits,” October 11 Heritage Weekend, and December 12–13 Walpack Christmas.
Visit & Explore
Current access conditions — September 2026: The Main Street bridge between Walpack Center and Mountain Road remains closed because of structural damage. Vehicle access to Buttermilk Falls is currently from Struble Road through Stokes State Forest to Mountain Road. Mountain Road also has closures beyond the bridge and at its south end, and Route 615 between Flatbrookville and Pompey Ridge is closed because of landslide activity. Check National Park Service conditions immediately before driving into the area.
Buttermilk Falls
New Jersey's tallest waterfall and one of Walpack's signature destinations. The cascade is beside Mountain Road, and a staircase trail climbs alongside it toward the ridge and Appalachian Trail.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hiking, fishing, paddling, scenic roads, historic sites and protected Delaware River Valley landscapes surround and define much of Walpack Township.
Military Road Trail
A roughly one-mile historic trail linking Walpack Center with Van Campen Inn across Walpack Ridge.
Flat Brook & Walpack Valley
Known for trout water, forested roads, wildlife habitat and quiet scenery. Conditions are rustic, and many roads have limited services and cell coverage.
Lower Walpack Cemetery
An important local historic cemetery interpreted during Historical Society programs. It is separate from the cemetery immediately near Walpack Center.
Black / Enslaved Persons Cemetery
A cemetery near the Van Campen Inn associated by researchers with enslaved and free African Americans who lived in the valley. The Historical Society and National Park Service continue to interpret this history.
Buttermilk Falls — check current road access before visiting.
Walpack's cemeteries preserve generations of township and Delaware Valley history.
Food & Drink
Walpack has one standout current dining destination rather than a conventional restaurant district.
No currently verified listing matches this filter. Dietary badges are shown only where current menu information supports them.
The Walpack Inn
7 National Park Service Road 615
Walpack Township, NJ 07881
973-948-3890
A landmark Delaware Water Gap restaurant operating since 1949, known for its greenhouse dining room, steaks, seafood, house brown bread, salad bar and cocktails.
Current dining hours: Friday 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 4–8 p.m.; Sunday 2–7 p.m.
GFDFCurrent 2026 menu information lists vegan and gluten-free black-bean burgers on the market menu and vegan chicken as an available option. Vegan choices are dairy-free by definition, but preparation and cross-contact must still be confirmed.
Allergy & cross-contact caution: The Walpack Inn itself warns that its food may contain or come into contact with dairy, gluten, nuts or soy. GF/DF badges identify currently documented choices, not an allergen-free kitchen. Diners with celiac disease or food allergies should discuss ingredients and preparation directly with restaurant staff.
Business, Shopping & Everyday Services
Walpack does not have a conventional commercial district. Beyond the Walpack Inn, current evidence does not support a meaningful in-town directory of grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, medical offices, salons or retail shops. That absence is part of the reality of modern Walpack and is more useful to visitors than empty category lists.
Plan for services before entering the valley
- Buy fuel, groceries, medications and routine travel supplies before heading into Walpack.
- Nearby services are found in communities such as Layton/Sandyston, Branchville, Newton and other populated Sussex County towns.
- Cellular service can be unreliable in the Delaware River valley and forested sections of the recreation area.
- Do not depend on Walpack Center as a place to purchase everyday supplies.
Schools & Community Services
Sandyston-Walpack Consolidated School
100 County Road 560
Layton, NJ 07851
973-948-4450
Students from Walpack attend the shared Sandyston-Walpack district, which currently serves grades PK–6.
Outside Walpack — SandystonKittatinny Regional High School
77 Halsey Road
Newton, NJ 07860
973-383-1800
The regional district serves grades 7–12 for Walpack, Sandyston, Stillwater, Hampton and Fredon.
Outside Walpack — Hampton Township areaWalpack Township Government
Township Offices
9 Main Street
Walpack Center, NJ 07881
973-948-6861
Mail: P.O. Box 813, Sussex, NJ 07461
Township Committee
Walpack continues to operate as an independent township with a three-member governing committee.
Public Meetings
Regular Mayor & Committee meetings are generally scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month, with changes posted by the township.
Shared & Contracted Services
With such a tiny resident population, several municipal and community services are shared with neighboring municipalities or provided through county, state and federal agencies.
Plan Your Walpack Visit
Check Roads First
Road and bridge conditions in the national recreation area can change. NPS current-conditions information should be checked the day of your trip.
Bring What You Need
Carry water, food, fuel and basic supplies. Walpack is not a service-center destination.
Historic Buildings Have Limited Hours
Walpack Center's museum buildings and Van Campen Inn are generally opened for scheduled events and docent days rather than regular daily hours.
Respect the Landscape
Much of Walpack is federally protected land. Follow National Park Service parking, trail, river, wildlife and historic-site rules.
Best way to experience Walpack: Treat it as a history-and-outdoors destination rather than a conventional town-shopping trip. A day built around Walpack Center, Buttermilk Falls, Old Mine Road, Van Campen Inn and dinner at the Walpack Inn captures what makes the township distinctive.