Scenic & Recreational River · NY, PA

Things to do in Upper Delaware

The National Park Service lists 18 things to do at Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River. 18 have no extra fee, 17 need no reservation, and 18 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

A toy axolotl with a paper ranger hat/badge next to Upper Delaware Junior ranger badge, patch, book
Photo: NPS

Become an Upper Delaware Junior Ranger

Become a Junior Ranger at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The Junior Ranger program is a great way for individuals of all ages to learn about the river, its natural resources, and the history of the Upper Delaware River Valley.

30-90 Minutes Pets allowed

Junior Ranger Program

Blue river bends around tall forested hills in colors of orange, red, yellow, and green.
Photo: NPS

Easy: Paddle from Buckingham to Long Eddy

Paddle this calm stretch of river from Buckingham River Access to Long Eddy River Access. This stretch is approximately 9.5 river miles and takes on average 4.5 hours to paddle.

3-5 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

A set of 2 canoes with 2 paddlers in each canoe paddle towards the Narrowsburg Bridge.
Photo: NPS

Easy: Paddle from Narrowsburg to Ten Mile River

Paddle this calm stretch of river from Narrowsburg River Access to Ten Mile River Access. This stretch is approximately 6 river miles and takes on average 3 hours to paddle.

2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

Group of rafts and canoes paddle on river in between forested two mountains/hills.
Photo: NPS

Exciting: Paddle from Lackawaxen to Sparrowbush

Paddle this longer stretch of river with a mix of calm waters, rapids, and rifts from Lackawaxen River Access to the New York DEC river access at Sparrowbush, NY. This stretch is approximately 20 river miles and takes on average 8-10 hours to paddle.

8-10 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

Man fly fishing while wading in knee-deep water in river. Rafters in water in distance.
Photo: NPS

Fishing on the Upper Delaware River

The pristine and undammed waters of the Upper Delaware River provide excellent habitat for a diverse variety of fish species such as trout, bass, walleye, and shad.

Year-round Pets allowed

Fishing

man in life jacket and blue inner tube floats through white-water rapids
Photo: NPS

Float from Damascus to Skinners Falls

Float this short stretch of river from Damascus River Access to Skinners Falls River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

River Tubing

Group of people in life jackets floating on inner tubes and inflatable swan in river with rapids.
Photo: NPS

Float from Lackawaxen to Highland

Float this short stretch of river from Lackawaxen River Access to Highland River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

River Tubing

Three visitors stand next to sign with a stack of inner tubes. A park ranger speaks to them.
Photo: NPS

Float from Mongaup to Sparrowbush

Float this short stretch of river from Mongaup River Access to the New York DEC river access at Sparrowbush, NY. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

River Tubing

View of lush river valley with azure blue river snaking through trees
Photo: NPS

Hike the Bouchoux Trail to Jensen's Ledges

A difficult uphill hike leads to a dazzling waterfall and an amazing panoramic view of the Upper Delaware River Valley at the summit of Jensen's Ledges. Along the way, bluestone piles hint at the history of bluestone quarrying.

2-5 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

View of pond with lush green trees along shore, aquatic plants blanketing clear water near shore.
Photo: NPS

Hike the Cobey Pond Trail

This loop trail offers a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Cobey Pond after a moderate incline through the forest from the trailhead to the pond. The trail offers hikers ample opportunities for view wildlife and waterfowl.

1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

Gravel path flanked by grass, trees. River on 1 side, remains of partially-filled canal on other.
Photo: NPS

Hike the D&H Towpath Trail

Enjoy this easy 0.8 mile walking trail that takes you along the Delaware River and remains of the historic Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal.

15-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Front-Country Hiking

dirt/grass trail surrounding by towering hemlock trees
Photo: NPS

Hike the Damascus Forest Trail

Enjoy the varied landscape of wetlands, uplands, and old growth forests on this easy loop trail. A large stand of old growth hemlock trees reminds us of the virgin forests that once stood here.

30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

Park rangers and visitors walk on winding mossy trail through forest.
Photo: NPS

Hike the Minisink Battleground Park Trail System

Walk this moderately easy, moss-covered loop trail system to catch glimpses of both nature and history. Minisink Battleground Park is the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the Upper Delaware River Valley.

30-120 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

View of a lush, forested river. Water is clear and reflects blue sky. Rocks dot the riverbed.
Photo: NPS / Joe Miles

Hike the Mongaup River Trail

This linear 2-mile (3.2km) trail along the Mongaup River provides a moderate hike with abundant opportunities to view eagles, waterfowl, and wildflowers while listening to the soothing rushing water of the nearby stream.

45-90 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

View overlooking lush river valley. Clear river cuts through rolling green tree-covered hills.
Photo: NPS

Hike the Tusten Mountain Trail

This moderately difficult three-mile trail takes you on a loop through historic remains of the Tusten Settlement as you climb to the summit for a magnificent view of the Upper Delaware Valley.

1-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Backcountry Hiking

person in yellow kayak paddles in river with aqueduct-converted bridge in background.
Photo: NPS

Moderate: Paddle from Ten Mile River to Lackawaxen

Paddle this stretch of river with a mix of calm waters and rapids from Ten Mile River Access to Lackawaxen River Access. This stretch is approximately 6.5 river miles and takes on average 2.5 hours to paddle.

2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Paddling

Forested camping area surrounded by trees with view of river. Yellow tent in foreground.
Photo: NPS

Primitive Camping at Buckhorn Natural Area

Camp right on the Delaware River at Buckhorn Natural Area. This is a free primitive camping area, although a permit is required. There are no facilities at this campsite and this campsite can only be reached by boat.

1-3 Days Year-round Reservation required Pets allowed

Canoe or Kayak Camping

Winter Eagle Watching at the Lackawaxen River Access

Although many eagles call the Upper Delaware River region home during all months of the year, winter is a particularly good time to go bald eagle-watching in the park. Wintering bald eagles visit, increasing the population of eagles in the area.

Winter Pets allowed

Birdwatching

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Upper Delaware. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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