Bushkill to Delaware Water Gap

Canoe or Kayak Bushkill to Delaware Water Gap

Join us for a beautiful one-day trip down the Delaware River from the Bushkill boat launch, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, all the way down river to the Delaware Water Gap. Take in the beautiful sites of the Pocono Mountains while you float down through this scenic national recreation area.

Look for local wildlife as you paddle, like deer, bears, bald eagles, and much more. Your trip takes you past many points of interest along the river, including the Tocks Island damn controversy of the 60’s and 70’s and the Historic Shawnee Inn, a gorgeous riverside resort whose roots date back to the 1890s.

And you can’t miss the ‘jumping rock,’ located on the Pennsylvania side (right-hand side) of the river, 6 miles south of your starting point. Further down river past Shawnee you can also see the remains of the Old Karamac Resort and train crossing as you float along toward the Delaware Water Gap.

This trip usually has calm and easy-going water with several class 1-1+ rapids, but please be aware that six hours of paddling can be strenuous, so this trip is generally popular with more experienced paddlers. Spring and fall (when the water is higher) are the best seasons to enjoy this fantastic paddle, but you’re in for a great time no matter when you visit!

Plan on arriving early and finishing later in the day, although this trip can be done in 5-6 hours of paddle time, most people take longer. One benefit of this trip is that you can pull out after ten miles, at Smithfield Beach, if you realize you “bit off more than you can chew”!