Delaware River Tubing and Canoeing

Floating the Delaware River is the classic summer pastime of the Poconos, and it is also the gentlest way to see the valley from the water. Outfitters on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey banks rent tubes, canoes, kayaks and rafts and run shuttle buses so that you can float downstream and be driven back to your car. The National Park Service keeps a list of authorized liveries for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and its page is the best place to start choosing. Most of the river here is mild, with gentle riffles and long pools rather than whitewater, so the experience is relaxed. The choice of craft shapes the day. Tubing is the laziest option, ideal for teens and groups who want to drift, splash and chat. Canoes and rafts carry families together, while kayaks give paddlers more control and are popular with couples. Trips vary from a couple of hours to a full day depending on the stretch of river, and outfitters usually offer routes of different lengths with scenic stretches, island picnic spots and riverside swimming areas. The valley scenery, with forested ridges and the occasional eagle or heron overhead, is a real part of the appeal.

Safety and preparation deserve attention even on a gentle river. Life jackets are required for most trips, and outfitters supply them. Water levels change with rain and releases upstream, so check the conditions on the day, and be willing to skip a trip if the river is high or fast. Children should be strong swimmers or wear properly fitted vests, and nobody should drink alcohol to excess on the water. Apply sunscreen often because reflected sun is intense, and bring a hat and sunglasses with a strap.

Logistics are straightforward but benefit from planning. Reserve ahead for summer weekends, when popular livery sites fill and the river is crowded. Arrive at the check-in time, since shuttles run on schedules, and allow extra time at the end for returning equipment and changing. Bring water shoes that stay on your feet, a dry bag for keys and phones, and a plastic bag for wet clothing. Pack out all trash, since the park service and outfitters work hard to keep the river clean.

Different stretches of the Delaware offer different moods. Some sections pass near campgrounds and beaches and have more traffic, while quieter upstream reaches feel remote and are more rewarding for paddlers who want solitude. Ask your outfitter which trip fits your group, and mention the ages and abilities involved. Experienced paddlers can also bring their own boats and use public launches within the recreation area, subject to the park rules.

The season for floating generally runs from late spring to early fall, with the warmest water and busiest crowds in July and August. Early June and September are quieter and still pleasant, and cold water outside summer makes unplanned swims dangerous. Combine a morning float with an afternoon at one of the waterfalls in the recreation area, or end the day with dinner in Milford or Stroudsburg. For a low-cost, low-stress outing that gets everyone outdoors, this is hard to beat.