The Delaware River is the primary focus of recreational activity in the park with canoeing, kayaking. boating, fishing, and swimming. In addition, the recreation area offers more 100 miles of hiking trails, including more than 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Also popular are biking, crosscountry skiing, horsebacking riding rock climbing, and the quieter pursuits of picnicking, eagle-watching, and autotouring the scenic countryside. Hunting is permitted in most parts of the recreation area. These and other activities are detailed under More to Do Outdoors.

Within the park are many structures and landscapes that represent the history of the Delaware Valley. In summer, demonstrations and progams enliven the park's Historic Places to Go.