Paddling the Delaware

By Kirsty Digger

Be Sure to Patronize These Fine Page Sponsors:

So you want something fun to do on the weekend. It’s hot, sunny and you are all out of ideas. So put drinks and snacks in a cooler and head for the Delaware.

Much of the Delaware River locally is encompassed by the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, a Park Service area. Beginning at Balls Eddy, near Hancock NY, the river winds its way 73 miles south to Matamoras PA. Along the way are various towns, public boating accesses and canoe and raft liveries. The river’s path is quite beautiful and for the most part the paddling (or drifting as the case may be) is very easy. Having traveled much of this section of river by kayak, two stretches have become my favorite.

If you are looking for a shorter section of river, head to the center of Port Jervis, then take Route 97 North. After you pass the Roebling Bridge (a great area to check out after your paddle), drive about 7 miles further North and look for the Ten Mile River Access. There are a variety of liveries, which can get you there if you rent a canoe or raft. This stretch will take you back to the Roebling Bridge and is a mix of flat slow moving water and some grade 1 (very easy) rapids - just enough to wet your adventurous spirit. The ride takes about 3 hours, depending on how much you paddle or float. There are ample areas to stop at and explore, but bear in mind that almost all the land along the river is privately owned, so remember not to trespass. Three sets of rapids will increase your fun, Masthope, Colang and Kunkeli. Kunkeli rapids are just above the finish of the trip and provide the most waves.

Another section of river that is great fun is Pond Eddy to Matamoras. It is about 10 miles and a great trip, taking about 4 to 5 hours. Again, the river goes between flat water with no riffles, to having some areas with grade 1 rapids. Whether you have your own canoe or raft, or you are planning to rent, check the water levels. Often water is released from the Rio reservoir down the Mongaup River to the Delaware, which can make the Mongaup rapids a little more challenging. This section of river provides a beautiful scenic tour, the highlight of which is the Hawks Nest area, where cliffs rise high way above the river. Scenic overlooks on Route 97 are worth stopping at when you drive home along the curvy S-bends. Also worth a stop at is the Hawks Nest restaurant. A small room juts out from the building and overlooks the river. Sit and eat light fare or cool off with ice cream. It adds a great ending to your fun day of paddling.

These two trips make for a great day out. Canoe and raft liveries are dotted all along Route 97, but calling ahead to book your trip is advisable. Life jackets are provided and rentals are usually very affordable. Remember that river levels change throughout the summer. Be prepared to help your craft off rocks later in the summer and read available material about river safety. Otherwise, a smile and a taste for adventure are all you need to make your day on the Delaware fun and safe.

Unless otherwise noted, all works contained on this page are
(C) Copyright 1999, SmallTown Web Works, All Rights Reserved.

SussexCounty.Com
Is Proudly Published by the Folks At:

SmallTown Web Works
928 Cedar Ridge Road, Newton NJ 07860
(973) 383-5041

Contact Us Today for A Full Range of Web Site Services