Delaware River in New Jersey

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Our daytrip started at the Bushkill access on Rt209 in PA a few miles north of the south entrance to the Delaware Water Gap NP. The access has toilet, parking and excellent canoe and kayak launch facilities. The access is at river mile 228.Two nights before there was a storm and heavy rain which added one foot to a normally high early May flow. Once in the river there is a small rapids at the mouth of a creek entering from the PA side. One mile down river Bush kill enters from the PA side and you start a left U-turn into the Walpack Bend, a great S-turn through a small rock river gap. Once through this U-turn there is about a one mile calm section and you enter the right U-turn taking you out of walpack bend as the current increases. Sambo Island, a small gravel bar, is to the right of the channel. Stay in the channel to the left and here comes the fun. Enter Mary and Sambo Rift, three sets of class 1+ rapids extending .6 miles. At high water it's a great ride with all the boulders well submerged, producing 2 foot standing waves(a wet suit is advisable).About 1.5 miles down river you approach Depew island. Stay in channel to the right and enter a class 1 rapids with 2 foot standing waves. At southern end of island enter another class 1 rapids and after rapids cross river to Depew access area. This is where we had lunch. There is a wide beach, picnic tables and portable toilets. The next 6 miles are calm flowing river with an abundance of wildlife, scenery and a feeling of serenity with nature. Our take-out was at Worthington SP campgrounds for a relaxing evening around the campfire and guitar by "Kool Daddy", the founder of "Kool Daddy Kayak Club".

The trip took 5 hours.

Accommodations:

Toilets at Bushkill access, Depew access, Worthington campgrounds.

Fees:

Out of season, no fees. In season small launch fee at Bushkill access. At Worthington campsite $10 per night fee for campsite.

Directions:

Take I-80 across bridge to PA. Go to 2nd exit-Rt209 North. Drive about 12 miles to Bushkill Access for put-in. For take-out take I80 west to "last exit in NJ". At bottom of ramp turn right onto "Old Mine Rd" drive 3 miles to Worthington Campgrounds on left.

Resources:

10 map set of maps from Hancock, NY to Trenton, NJ published by "Delaware River Basin Commission" P.O.Box 7360, West Trenton, N.J.08628

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location