Roughly 130 Miles of Recreation on the Longest Free-Flowing River in the Eastern U.S.
In total, the Delaware River flows for 282 miles from its headwaters in Upstate N.Y. to Delaware Bay. The mighty river cuts directly through the Pocono Mountains as it creates a natural border between Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Here in NEPA, the Delaware runs for nearly 130 miles along the eastern edges of Wayne, Pike and Monroe Counties.
For 152 miles the Delaware River is protected as part of the National Scenic and Wild River System in the U.S. The river consists of three separate sections: the Upper, Middle and Lower Delaware. The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in the Upper section spans Wayne and Pike County. And the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in the middle section, covers Pike and Monroe Counties.
As it winds and bends through the mountainous terrain, the Delaware feeds rural northern farmlands and dips into quaint mountain towns and villages. All along its shores, in towns and boroughs like Lackawaxen, Milford and Delaware Water Gap, the river is regarded as a natural gem for its abundant recreational opportunities. It’s also widely recognized as one of the best freshwater fisheries in the Northeastern U.S.
Scenery, Wildlife & Recreation Abound
World Class Fishing
Fishing the Delaware River is a popular pastime from early spring through late fall. With plenty of public access areas and boat launches, finding a good spot on the river is relatively easy. Every year, anglers head out on the Delaware for trout, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, Walleye and more. And every spring, thousands flock to the Delaware River for the annual migration of American Shad.
Note: PA has fishing license reciprocity agreements with both New York and New Jersey. This allows anglers from PA to fish the river only on both the NY and NJ banks without needing to obtain fishing licenses from either state. Reciprocity does not apply to ponds, lakes or tributaries within the Delaware River recreation area.
Boating, Kayaking, Rafting and More
In both the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, recreational boating and swimming are some of the most popular river activities. You’ll find over a dozen public access boat launches along the 130-mile stretch of river. Each access area is managed by both the National Park Service and the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Several rafting, canoeing and kayaking outfitters can be found along the river. In addition to public boat launches, multiple portage areas can also be found. The river is well known for its unique, free-flowing quality, class I and II rapids, deep, calm pools and stunning views from the water. The Delaware also allows use of motorized gas or electric boats. All vessels must display a valid state registration.
Milford Beach in Milford and Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap are popular for swimming and picnicking. Swimmers should be aware that none of the beaches employ lifeguards.
Outfitters & Guides Along the Delaware River
See NEPA at its Wildest Along the Delaware River
In addition to fishing, boating, paddling and swimming, the Delaware River is also one of NEPA’s best places to do a little wildlife spotting. The river’s sparsely-populated shores and long stretches of wild forests offer abundant opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
The Delaware River is home to nearly 400 migratory and nesting bird species. From bald eagles and blue herons to barn swallows, you’ll find no shortage of interesting birds. Outside of birds, the river also hosts plenty of white-tailed deer, black bear, fox, turkey, coyote and so much more wildlife along its shores.
Trails Near & Along the Delaware River
Ready to Explore?
From north to south, the mighty Delaware River outlines the eastern edge of Pennsylvania. It carves its way through the Pocono Mountains in NEPA and offers nearly limitless opportunities for adventure all year round. Read on to find out how you can discover, explore and enjoy the Delaware River in your area!
Wayne County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
The Delaware River runs through Wayne County for about 50 miles. This stretch encompasses the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. Along the river’s route, you’ll come across towns like Starlight, Equinunk, Tyler Hill, Damascus and MIlanville to name a few. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, shore fishing and wade fishing are popular river activities in Wayne County. There are also quite a few nearby trails for walking, running and biking.
Look for public access to the river at the following locations:
Parks
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Public Access/Boat Launches
Balls Eddy Access Area – 43 Penn-York Rd., Starlight, PA (on West Branch of Delaware River)
Shehawken Access Area – 6056 PA-191, Starlight, PA (on West Branch of Delaware River)
Buckingham River Access – 4857 PA-191, Equinunk, PA
Calicoon Access Area – 2490 River Rd., Damascus, PA
Damascus Access Area – 1807 PA-371, Damascus, PA
Narrowsburg Access Area – PA-652, Beach Lake, PA
Pike County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
For nearly 60 miles, the Delaware River cuts along the eastern edge of Pike County. It cruises past towns and boroughs like Masthope, Lackawaxen, Shohola, Milford, Dingmans Ferry and Bushkill. This section of the river makes up about half of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Aside from regular river activities like fishing, hiking and boating, this section of river is most notable for its long, scenic drives.
Look for public access to the river at the following locations:
Parks
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware State Forest
The Dwarfskill Preserve
Public Access/Boat Launches
Zane Grey/Lackawaxen Access Area – 128 Scenic Dr., Lackawaxen, PA
Matamoras Access Area – 1087 Delaware Dr., Matamoras, PA
Milford Beach Access Area – Milford Beach Rd., Milford, PA (Via U.S. 209)
Dingmans Ferry Access Area – 2130 Dingmans Turnpike, Dingmans Ferry, PA
Eshback Access Area – 2048 US-209, Lehman Twp., PA
Bushkill Access Area – 2692 US-209, Lehman Twp., PA
Monroe County
River Access, Boat Launches & Parks
While Monroe County only touches about 15 miles of the Delaware River, it is unmistakably some of the most beautiful scenery along its long, winding path. Stop by towns like East Stroudsburg, Delaware Water Gap, Shawnee on the Delaware and Middle Smithfield Twp. The Delaware Water Gap section, flanked by dramatic mountain rises, cliffs and dense forests, is a popular stop for tourists, hikers, cyclists, photographers and fishermen alike.
Look for public access to the river at the following locations:
Parks
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware State Forest
Minisink Park
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Public Access/Boat Launches
Smithfield Beach Access Area – State Rte. 2028, East Stroudsburg, PA
Taking Care of NEPA’s Rivers
Our rivers in Northeastern Pennsylvania provide countless opportunities for recreation, sightseeing and wildlife watching. They are the heart of the region’s bountiful ecosystem, sustaining life for humans and animals alike. And it’s important for all of us to take reasonable measures to protect them. Always practice the leave no trace principle and carry out what you carry in.
Delaware River – FAQ
- The Delaware River is one of the few major rivers in the U.S. that serves as a state border. It makes up the borders between Pennsylvania and New York and Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- The upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River consists of 73.4 protected miles of river for recreation, wildlife habitat and unique geological formations.
- The river travels 330 miles from the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York to the Delaware Bay just south of Philadelphia.
- With no dams along its main course, the Delaware River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the Eastern U.S.
- The Delaware River remains a major cultural resource for the indigenous Lenape People who have lived along the river for thousands of years.
