Brandywine River in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Four of us drove from down state Delaware to the Delaware River Museum in Chadds Ford with our kayaks on top. We parked in the River museum lot for free, but we were told in a few weeks they will begin charging $20 a car. it's a fair price for a secure clean gravel lot. We loaded our boats with the gear and carried them down under the over pass to put in.

The Brandywine is my absolute favorite River. Crystal clear cool water with a sandy or smooth rock bottom. It's breathtaking right from the start. The water move you along with little paddling required. It was a weekday so we were the only ones on the river this trip. Weekend it's pretty well used. When we came upon a rope swing, my son gladly climes the bank and took a few swings in. We saw Eagles, heron, water snakes, beaver, carp, small mouth bass, and a number of wild flowers in bloom.

The air was fresh and smelled of honey suckle and orange blossom. Most of the calm water we all had our feet dangling in the cool water. The are several patches of level one Rapids, easily maneuvered if you avoid the big boulders and area where you can see a water disturbance. There were multiple stone beach areas where we banked for our lunch and to stretch out legs.

We floated for about 3 hours maybe a little more until Smith Brigde in Delaware. This is a big red covered bridge, just beyond that is a small state parking area where ppl swim, boat and picnic. We had a ride but next time we will drop a second car at the landing point.

All of us were sad when our leisurely paddle was over to soon. Many people float down in tubes . They also have a shuttle If you rent there canoes or kayaks. This river is definitely great for amateur paddlers of all ages & familys!

Accommodations:

This was a day trip. The River Museun offers rentals of boats vests and paddles , as well as a shuttle.

Fees:

There are fees for rentals and parking if you stay in the museum lot. You need an individual fishing listener for each state to fish.