Explore Over 70 Miles of Wild, Scenic River on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in the Pocono Mountains
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is regarded as one of the premier outdoor destinations in the Pocono Mountains. Designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River Systems, this protected section of the Delaware River runs approximately 70 miles along the Pennsylvania-New York border.
The river and surrounding region, known for top-notch bass and trout fishing. Public river access points and boat launches on the PA side are available in Matamoras, Port Jervis, Lackawaxen, Masthope, and Beach Lake. The National Park Service manages the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and recognizes a reciprocal fishing license agreement between PA and New York, allowing licensed residents of either state to fish freely along both shores.
The convenient river access also encourages popular activities like kayaking, canoeing and rafting along with plenty of outdoor adventures. Beyond river recreation, the region is rich with remnants of cultural heritage and local history. Visitors can even enjoy rustic, backcountry hikes at nearby Cobey Pond Trail, the Damascus Forest Trail and Van Scott Nature Reserve. And during the winter, the region also serves as NEPA’s premier destination for bald eagle watching.
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is open year-round. To start planning your visit, check out some of the region’s highlights below.
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River contains over 70 miles of shoreline along the Delaware River in Pike and Wayne Counties. This area along the river also features several public access points for boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Learn More
Shohola Falls, located less than 9 miles west of the Delaware River in Shohola, features two separate trails leading to different views of the beautiful waterfall just before Shohola Creek enters the Shohola Marsh Reservoir. Each trail offers parking and leads to direct views of the falls.
Learn More
Plan for a stop along the Delaware River in Lackawaxen to check out the Zane Grey Museum. The idyllic riverside home, once owned by the famous American novelist and avid fisherman features self-guided tours and a recreation of Grey’s writing space. There is also a popular public access and boat launch named to honor Grey just across the street.
Learn More
In the winter months, take to the 18 snow-covered trails at Ski Big Bear in Lackawaxen, PA. The popular Pocono Mountains’ ski resort offers beginner to double black diamond trails, 3 freestyle terrain parks, snow tubing, 7 ski lifts and 2 Magic Carpet lifts.
Learn MoreThe Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River spans over 70 miles of the Delaware River in Wayne and Pike Counties. Access to the river for recreational fishing and boating on both the Pennsylvania and New York shores is available at several public access points. Visitors can also find numerous opportunities nearby for hiking and wildlife watching. While much of the land along the river in this region is privately-owned, the river and its shores are managed by the National Park Service.
Some stretches of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are considered prime NEPA fishing spots. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, from shore or with an experienced guide, the Delaware River offers ample opportunity for a full day of fun on the water. Common sport fish include, trout, bass, muskie, striped bass, American shad, walleye and American eel.
Nothing beats the views from the middle of the Delaware River. Launch your own canoe, raft or kayak from one of the many access points. Or you can connect with outfitters like Kittatinny Canoes in Dingmans Ferry or Indian Head Canoes & Rafts in Matamoras for unique, guided excursions and daily rentals.
Cobey Pond Trail in Lackawaxen and the Damascus Forest Trail in Beach Lake offer a true backcountry hiking experience. Enjoy old-growth forests with giant Hemlock trees and wetland landscapes teeming with wildlife all within a few miles of the Delaware River. The popular Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake also features 3 miles of hiking trails.
While the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River does not own or manage any public campgrounds, a few privately-owned campgrounds can be found along both the NY and PA shorelines.
Learn More
If you’re looking to capture some of that famous NEPA foliage, the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River provides some of the best leaf peeping you can find throughout the Pocono Mountains. Parks, trails and river access points offer stunning views of the leaves along the river.
The upper Delaware River played a major role in the transportation of raw materials like anthracite coal, timber and steel from interior locations in NEPA to larger, coastal cities in the eastern U.S. Remnants of many old canals and locks and unique historical sites still exist in towns along the river.
Learn MoreRiver Recreation on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
A safe, family-friendly river
The longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi, the Delaware River offers a serene and picturesque setting within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The generally calm waters, interspersed with gentle rapids, make it an ideal location for various water activities.
Canoeing and Kayaking – The river offers 73 miles of pristine water, perfect for paddlers of all skill levels. Outfitters in the area provide rentals and guided tours.
Fishing – Known for its excellent trout and bass fishing, the Upper Delaware is a favorite destination for anglers. The cool, clear waters are especially suited for fly fishing.
Hiking – Numerous trails in the surrounding Delaware River Highlands and state forests provide scenic hikes, including views of the river valley and wildlife observation.
Wildlife Watching and Photography – The region is home to bald eagles, river otters, deer, and many bird species, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Camping – Both developed campgrounds and primitive riverside campsites are available, offering immersive overnight experiences in the river’s natural beauty.
Outfitters & Guides:
The bald eagle, one of NEPA’s most majestic birds of prey makes its winter home along the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. Every year, during NEPA’s colder months, close to 200 bald eagles migrate to the upper Delaware River in search of open water with healthy fish populations.
In January and February, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy hosts an annual Eagle Watch. The watch features self-guided tours than can be arranged using the Conservancy’s map, tips and designated observation areas. They also run guided Eagle Watch Bus Tours to popular viewing spots along the river in PA and New York.
Plan Your Visit to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures at the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Whether you’re in search of family-friendly fun or adrenaline-pumping thrills, there’s a little something for everyone on the Upper Delaware. Just always remember to be a responsible visitor to NEPA’s great outdoors. Always practice the carry-in / carry-out principle. And leave it like you found it.
Check out the National Park Service for additional trails, activities, trail closures and safety alerts within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.
