Upper Delaware
Location: Southern New York (about 110 miles northwest of New York City).
Length of trips: Callicoon to Narrowsburg 13 miles in five hours; Narrowsburg to Minisink Ford 15 miles in seven hours; Minisink Ford to Port Jervis 18 miles in eight hours.
Season: Mid-April through October. The water flow usually peaks in spring.
Weather: Spring and fall can be cool, with temperatures ranging from 35° to 65°F. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 65° and 90°.
Lodging: Campgrounds in groves of trees or on grassy flats.
Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class I and a few Class II. The water is generally clear, except during heavy rainfall. The water temperature ranges from 32° to 65°.
Special features:
- Easy access from many towns along the river.
- Thick pine forests and lush pastureland make the Delaware one of the most scenic eastern rivers.
- Spring wildflowers.
- Spectacular fall foliage.
- Muskrats, minks, raccoons, beavers, snapping turtles, hawks, owls.
- Good fishing for trout (brown, rainbow), smallmouth bass, walleye, white suckers, fallfish, and American eel.
- Suitable for novice as well as experienced rafters, families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Delaware Water Gap.
- Minisink Battleground Park.
- Grey Towers National Historic Landmark in Milford, Pennsylvania.
- Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania.
For a list of outfitters and more information:
- Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, R.R. 2, Box 2428, Beach Lake, Pennsylvania 18405-9737; +1 717 685 4871, fax +1 717 685 4874. Try to book at least two weeks in advance.
- New York State Division of Tourism, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12245; +1 518 474 4116 or 800 225 5697, fax +1 518 486 6416. Try to book at least two weeks in advance.
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