Delaware River in New York

by  suntan

A self-supported trip created by suntan

Trip Overview

Upper Delaware River

I have taken this trip many times before but this is the first time I�ve taken it with the Duckheads. I was concerned about low water but, as I discovered, the Duckheads were excellent at river reading.

We put in at Skinners Falls at 9:30 and had no trouble running the mild class II. We traveled on for about an hour and stopped for a Muktuk to rest and to discuss the many eagles overhead.

Just before arriving at the Narrowsburg access, we stopped to take pictures, one being of a huge eagle�s nest high in an evergreen tree. There were two very large eagles in the nest, occasionally popping up to stretch their wings.

Past Narrowsburg, school was definitely in session for me. I watched on as the skillful Duckheads gracefully carved through the many low water riffles. I was beginning to think that Paul and Donna received special X-Ray glasses when they became Duckheads. It wasn�t the glasses, it was the skill they�ve obtained from many miles on the river. We stopped again for a Floating Muktuk and to rescue their dog, Tipper which had jumped out of Paul�s boat.

About four hours into the trip we stopped for the final Muktuk and to have a bite to eat. Here Duckheads shared their river reading secrets with me. I immediately implemented their tactics and the improvement was forthcoming.

We got back to the Ten Mile River access about 2:30 and had a nice long chat with the NPS Park Ranger stationed there.

I am very grateful to Paul and Donna for deciding to make this trip. None of us will ever become as good as we can be by paddling alone all of the time.

Accommodations:

Porta-Potties, parking and Park Ranger stations at free public access areas. Numerous commercial liveries.

Fees:

No fees

Directions:

The Upper Delaware River is 74 miles of unrestricted water. Access is at many NPS stations along the river. Beginning at the NY/PA state line and continuing to the Delaware Water Gap. The main road above Port Jervis NY is NY State Route 97

Resources:

Detailed river maps from the Delaware River Basin Commission and the local promo map.
PA roadmap

Look for a USGS river gauge reading above 3 feet at Barryville, NY

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location