Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River

Become an Upper Delaware Junior Ranger

Become a Junior Ranger at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The Junior Ranger program is a great way for individuals of all ages to learn about the river, its natural resources, and the history of the Upper Delaware River Valley.

Easy: Paddle from Buckingham to Long Eddy

Paddle this calm stretch of river from Buckingham River Access to Long Eddy River Access. This stretch is approximately 9.5 river miles and takes on average 4.5 hours to paddle.

Easy: Paddle from Narrowsburg to Ten Mile River

Paddle this calm stretch of river from Narrowsburg River Access to Ten Mile River Access. This stretch is approximately 6 river miles and takes on average 3 hours to paddle.

Exciting: Paddle from Lackawaxen to Sparrowbush

Paddle this longer stretch of river with a mix of calm waters, rapids, and rifts from Lackawaxen River Access to the New York DEC river access at Sparrowbush, NY. This stretch is approximately 20 river miles and takes on average 8-10 hours to paddle.

Fishing on the Upper Delaware River

The pristine and undammed waters of the Upper Delaware River provide excellent habitat for a diverse variety of fish species such as trout, bass, walleye, and shad.

Float from Damascus to Skinners Falls

Float this short stretch of river from Damascus River Access to Skinners Falls River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float. This stretch of river has no rapids, only riffles and thus should be a relatively peaceful float.

Float from Lackawaxen to Highland

Float this short stretch of river from Lackawaxen River Access to Highland River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float. 

Float from Mongaup to Sparrowbush

Float this short stretch of river from Mongaup River Access to the New York DEC river access at Sparrowbush, NY. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float.

Hike the Bouchoux Trail to Jensen's Ledges

A difficult uphill hike leads to a dazzling waterfall and an amazing panoramic view of the Upper Delaware River Valley at the summit of Jensen's Ledges. Along the way, bluestone piles hint at the history of bluestone quarrying. This trail is managed by the New York State Department of Enviornmental Conservation.

Hike the Cobey Pond Trail

This loop trail offers a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Cobey Pond after a moderate incline through the forest from the trailhead to the pond. The trail offers hikers ample opportunities for view wildlife and waterfowl. The trail is located on Pennsylvania Game Lands 316.

Hike the Damascus Forest Trail

Enjoy the varied landscape of wetlands, uplands, and old growth forests on this easy loop trail. A large stand of old growth hemlock trees reminds us of the virgin forests that once stood here. This trail is located on land owned and managed by Damascus Township.

Hike the D&H Towpath Trail

Enjoy this easy 0.8 mile walking trail that takes you along the Delaware River and remains of the historic Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal. This trailhead is adjacent to the historic Roebling Aqueduct, Roebling Aqueduct Tollhouse, and within a few minutes' drive of the Zane Grey Museum, all managed by the National Park Service.

Hike the Minisink Battleground Park Trail System

Walk this moderately easy, moss-covered loop trail system to catch glimpses of both nature and history. Minisink Battleground Park is the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the Upper Delaware River Valley. Please note Minisink Battleground Park is closed December 1 - April 30. The park is owned and managed by Sullivan County Parks and Recreation.

Hike the Mongaup River Trail

This linear 2-mile (3.2km) trail along the Mongaup River provides a moderate hike with abundant opportunities to view eagles, waterfowl, and wildflowers while listening to the soothing rushing water of the nearby stream. Please note this trail is closed from December 1st - March 31st. This trail is located on land owned and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Hike the Tusten Mountain Trail

This moderately difficult three-mile trail takes you on a loop through historic remains of the Tusten Settlement as you climb to the summit for a magnificent view of the Upper Delaware Valley. Public access to Tusten Mountain Trail is made possible through an agreement with the Conservation Fund.

Moderate: Paddle from Ten Mile River to Lackawaxen

Paddle this stretch of river with a mix of calm waters and rapids from Ten Mile River Access to Lackawaxen River Access. This stretch is approximately 6.5 river miles and takes on average 2.5 hours to paddle.

Primitive Camping at Buckhorn Natural Area

Camp right on the Delaware River at Buckhorn Natural Area. This is a free primitive camping area, although a permit is required. There are no facilities at this campsite and this campsite can only be reached by boat. However, it is an excellent camping spot for river users interested in multi-day paddling-camping trips along the Upper Delaware.

Winter Eagle Watching at the Lackawaxen River Access

Although many eagles call the Upper Delaware River region home during all months of the year, winter is a particularly good time to go bald eagle-watching in the park. Wintering bald eagles visit, increasing the population of eagles in the area. Furthermore, during weekends in January and February, volunteer docents are available at the Lackawaxen River Access to answer questions and promote good “Eagle Etiquette.”