Straddling the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arlington Heights, PA. Besides great hiking, camping, and fishing, this massive park also offers fantastic opportunities for off-roading. Check out this guide to discover the best Subaru models for driving through the Delaware Water Gap.
Why Subaru Models Excel for the Delaware Water Gap
Whether you’re planning to take on an easy or challenging trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, you can rely on a Subaru off-road SUV to get the job done. Featuring rugged construction, Subaru vehicles are extremely tough and capable of standing up to a lot of off-road abuse. They also have a higher ground clearance than most of their competitors, allowing them to travel over bumps, ruts, and fallen trees with ease.
The cornerstone of Subaru off-road success is the iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This revolutionary system distributes power evenly across all four wheels at the same time, resulting in superior stability and traction. From muddy paths to steep inclines, it delivers unmatched balance and control on all kinds of off-road terrains. There’s also an X-MODE traction control system that further enhances the capabilities of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for tougher terrains.
Another thing that makes Subaru SUVs excellent off-road vehicles is the availability of the Wilderness trim. Specially designed for off-roading, this model comes with an increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, dual-function X-MODE, and skid plates. With these upgrades, a Wilderness model can handle whatever the Delaware Water Gap throws at it.
Overview of the Delaware Water Gap Terrain and Driving Conditions
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area encompasses about 70,000 acres of lush forests on the banks of the Delaware River. Its main attraction is the Delaware Water Gap, a deep cleft that cuts through the Kittatinny Mountains. Around this unique geological feature, there are plenty of trails to cater to both novice and experienced off-road enthusiasts. Some popular ones include Balish Road, Greentown Sale Road, Montage Road, Ore Mine Road, and River Road.
The off-road trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area can vary greatly in terms of terrain and difficulty. Some trails are fairly well-traveled dirt or gravel roads, while others can be narrow, muddy, or rocky. Depending on which trail you choose, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of obstacles, including washouts, slippery inclines, soft sand, rock ledges, and downed trees and branches. Wet weather can cause landslides and deep puddles.
Key Features Desired in Vehicles for Exploring the Region
The car features you need to explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area depend on the difficulty level of the trail. If you’re doing a light or moderate off-road trail, a vehicle with a high ground clearance and all-wheel drive should suffice. Extreme trails require specialized off-road features, such as extra ground clearance, an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates. Additionally, a powerful engine is necessary for tackling deep mud or sand, large rocks, and steep inclines.
Top Subaru Models Ideal for Driving Through the Delaware Water Gap
Subaru off-road performance is among the best in the auto industry. While most Subaru vehicles perform reasonably well away from the pavement, there are a few standouts that deliver serious off-road chops. Let’s take a look at the best offroad crossovers and SUVs from Subaru.
Subaru Outback
The Outback is widely regarded as the best Subaru for outdoors. This midsize SUV comes standard with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, X-MODE, and hill descent control. As such, every Outback model is a capable off-roader. However, if you’re looking for the most fun Subaru to drive off the beaten path, go for the Wilderness. The off-road-focused Outback boasts a whopping 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a 260-horsepower turbo-four, among other upgrades.
Subaru Forester
If you want to get an SUV that performs well both on and off the road, the Forester is a great option. The compact crossover is equipped with a well-tuned suspension that delivers confidence-inspiring stability and control in just about any driving situation. Currently, there isn’t a Subaru Forester modified off-road model. Nevertheless, the SUV doesn’t disappoint in the dirt, thanks to its agile handling, potent engine, and standard all-wheel drive. Higher trims are fitted with dual-function X-MODE.
Subaru Crosstrek
As the smallest Subaru SUV, the Crosstrek can squeeze between trees on narrow trails and bounce around on rough surfaces at the Delaware Water Gap. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is more than enough for traveling over small rocks and shallow ruts. For more challenging terrain, there’s a Crosstrek Wilderness that can go almost anywhere. One of the most appealing aspects of the Subaru Crosstrek is its affordable price. This makes it ideal for those getting started with off-roading.
Subaru Ascent
Searching for the best family off-road vehicle? You won’t go wrong with the Subaru Ascent. This three-row SUV can accommodate up to eight passengers, allowing you to bring your entire family along on your off-road adventures. With the ability to lug up to 5,000 pounds, it’s also the best Subaru for towing.
Subaru Ascent off-road performance is ample for exploring most trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area. Like other Subaru SUVs, the Ascent offers all-wheel drive and X-MODE as standard equipment. Also, it’s available with a surround-view camera system, which can be useful in tight off-road situations.
Find Your Dream Subaru Off-Road SUV in Arlington Heights, PA
If you’re looking for a Subaru off-road vehicle that can tackle the trails around the Delaware Water Gap, visit Ertle Subaru to tour our fantastic selection of adventure-ready Subarus. With a fully stocked Subaru inventory, our dealership can provide you with a model that perfectly matches your budget and lifestyle. Moreover, we offer great prices, promotions, and financing deals to ensure you’ll get an unbeatable deal. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
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