Flowing unencumbered by dams for its 326-mile length, the Delaware River offers rafters days of adventure exploring its diverse topography from the unique vantage of the water. Fitness enthusiasts will find their hearts pumping from more than just a cardiovascular workout while traversing the upper river's heart-pounding rapids. They will enjoy the opportunity to hone their upper body strength, as well as their rowing skills in the river's calmer sections.
High in the Hills
The Delaware River begins its journey as an eastern and western fork flowing from the Cascade Mountains in upstate New York. The western fork meanders in a calm flow before entering the state of Pennsylvania, kicking and twisting with rapids just above the northernmost access area at Balls Eddy. After its confluence with the east fork, long stretches of quiet water intermix with rapids that increase in size just north of Delaware Water Gap. Public boat ramps are available about every 10 miles, making it easy to design a trip to suit your preference. Campgrounds on this stretch of the river are privately owned and have suitable access for rafters.
Scenic Seclusion
Beyond Milford, Pennsylvania, the river widens and slows, offering small, infrequent rapids suitable for novices. Flowing through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Middle Delaware's secluded waters appear much as they did when the area's original inhabitants, the Lenape Indians, paddled the river in birch bark canoes. Primitive camping is available to rafters along the shores of the Water Gap on a first-come, first-served basis, including Minisink Island, which was sacred to the Lenape. Side hikes to archaeological and historic areas as well as swimming beaches give rafters a chance to take a break from the intense workout from rowing against the Gap's prevailing headwinds.
The Lower Leg
The Lower Delaware is the most popular stretch of the river. Rafters will find themselves sharing the water with inner tubes and personal watercraft during summer weekends. Just as diverse as its inhabitants, the river flow ranges from long, smooth stretches, where you can row for speed and cardiovascular fitness, to whitewater rapids requiring upper-body work and precision to maneuver through. Historic buildings and bridges dot the riverside, and camping along the lower stretch is limited to private campgrounds.
Camping
Primitive camp sites through the 40 miles of Delaware Water Gap are set aside for the exclusive use of boaters on a first-come, first-served basis with no permits or fees required. Campers must carry out all waste. Reservations are recommended at private campgrounds along the river's other stretches. Many offer hot showers, fire pits and picnic tables. Even in the warmer months, nighttime temperatures can drop into the 50s or below, so pack warm sleeping bags and insulating clothing, such as fleece or wool, to avoid hypothermia.
Hazards
Waters released from the depths of reservoirs on the Delaware River's tributaries keep water cold in some parts of the river. Wetsuits are recommended in spring and autumn months and offer welcome respite during drizzling summer rains. A change of warm, quick-dry clothing packed in an easy-access dry bag or double trash bags and tied to your raft can prevent hypothermia in the event of accidental immersion. Although rapids are generally suitable for beginning to average rafters, during high water, waves can swell to 12 feet in height. In addition, V-shaped rocks that point downstream, known as eel weirs, allow water to pass through and create a hazard that can pin or flip your boat.
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