Nothing beats a kayak for getting up close and personal with a river, and the gorgeous scenery and historic riverside towns of the Upper Delaware River in New York State are certainly deserving of the kayak treatment. Guided tours are offered by area outfitters or bring your own kayak and chart your own adventure. Wildlife watching, fishing, swimming, camping and a stop at a local museum or historic site can all be part of the Upper Delaware kayak package.
Background
The Upper Delaware is the longest free-flowing river in the Northeast and part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Extending from Hancock, New York, to just north of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, the Upper Delaware is considered part of the National Parks System but most of the land is privately owned. The river is mostly flat water and gentle eddies but does have some Class II rapids. Water depths are usually in the four to 18-foot range, the notable exception being the 113-foot drop at Big Eddy in Narrowsburg, New York. Public accesses dot the shoreline at intervals that range from three to 20 miles. Boating season is from mid-April to October.
Outfitters and Rentals
Let a professional take care of the planning, including transportation to your vehicle when the fun is over. A number of private boat liveries offer kayak rentals and guided tours of the Upper Delaware River. Basic instruction in paddling and safety are usually part of the package. Most tours are day trips varying in length from three to eight hours, but some liveries offer overnight experiences, with accommodations ranging from campgrounds to cabins.
Fishing
Bald eagles know good fishing when they see it, and the Upper Delaware River in New York State is home to a growing population of these magnificent birds. But don't leave all the fish to our feathered friends--catch your own trout, muskie, shad, bass, walleye or eel. Because the Delaware is a border river, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with both the New York and Pennsylvania fishing regulations. All anglers aged 16 years or older must have a valid New York or Pennsylvania fishing license, available at sporting stores. And while nothing tops a shore lunch of fresh fish, check for any health advisories before frying up your catch.
Where to Stay
Day trips are popular on the Upper Delaware River but many kayakers choose to extend their trip overnight. Private campgrounds dot the shoreline and there is one minimally-serviced campground for river users near Pond Eddy, NY, within the Buckhorn Natural Area of Delaware State Forest. Bed and Breakfast lodgings are also popular. It's always a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, particularly for a long weekend.
River Safety
The Upper Delaware River's water can be deceptive. Although it consists mainly of flat water with only a few Class II rapids, any body of moving water should be respected. Always wear a properly-fitting life jacket, especially if you take a swim break--according to the National Parks Service, most drownings occur when swimming, not boating. Watch out for strong currents, sharp drop-offs and cold water. Even in the summer, the waters of the Delaware can cause hypothermia. When approaching rapids, stop to plan your route. Always kneel in your kayak rather than stand when going through rapids. If a boat capsizes, rescue all boaters before retrieving equipment. The Delaware River water looks clean and clear but play it safe--bring adequate water on your trip rather than drinking from the river.
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