Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Things To Do Near Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

With over 73 miles of waterway, the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers visitors the opportunity to fish, canoe, and tackle the rapids along the longest undammed river in the Northeastern United States. Along the river, there are miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. The river valley is also home to the oldest wire suspension bridge in the nation and the home of western author Zane Grey. History buffs will enjoy taking the time to walk Revolutionary War battlefields and explore the remnants of long-gone settlements in the area. 

Hiking Trails

• Bouchoux Trail

  The Bouchoux Trail leads hikers on a climb to the summit of Jensen's Ledges for a stunning panoramic view of the Upper Delaware River Valley. Along the way, visitors can see large piles of bluestone, remnants of the bluestone mining operations in the area. 

  Location

  End of Bouchoux Road, Lordville, New York 13783

  Length

  2 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

• Damascus Forest Trail

  This gentle looping trail takes visitors through a variety of lush landscapes. Wetlands, uplands, and old-growth forests line this trail. Of particular note are the old-growth hemlock trees. 

  Location

  MacCubbins Road, Beach Lake, Pennsylvania 18405

  Length

  2 mile loop

  Intensity

  Easy

• Tusten Mountain Trail

  Managed in partnership with the Greater New York Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Tusten Mountain Trail is a trail loop that takes hikers through the remains of the historic Tusten Settlement. The Tusten Settlement was the first settlement in the township. Today, all the remains of the once-bustling town are the 1896 stone arch bridge and the Baptist Church, constructed in 1856. 

  Location

  Parking area on Crawford Road near Barryville, New York 12719

  Length

  3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate to Difficult

Sightseeing

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

  Located right in the heart of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River area, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Areaoffers over 70,000 acres of land to explore. Fishing and swimming are popular activities at the Delaware Water Gap, and there are over 120 miles of hiking trails running through forested mountains and alongside sparkling streams. 

  Location

  1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324

• Minisink Battleground Park

  Come and walk the battlefield that witnessed a July 1779 Revolutionary War skirmish. The minor battle was a decisive victory for the British, and 48 colonial fighters died in the fighting. Today, self-guided trails feature historical markers and monuments that commemorate those who fought and died in the battle of Minisink. 

  Location

  58 County Road 168, Barryville, NY 12719

• Steamtown National Historic Site

  Hop aboard a steam train to the past at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Steamtown explores the history of the steam-powered locomotives that helped build America. See restored trains in action and maybe even climb aboard for a ride on the historic rails. 

  Location

  350 Cliff St., Scranton, PA 18503

Museums

• Fort Delaware Museum

  The Fort Delaware Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Delaware Company Pioneers who settled the area in 1754. The museum is a reconstruction of Cushetunk, the first European settlement on the Upper Delaware River. Visitors can explore the small community while costumed interpreters offer demonstrations of life as it would have been for those early settlers. 

  Location

  6615 NY-97, Narrowsburg, NY 12764

• Museum at Bethel Woods

  The Museum at Bethel Woods preserves the legacy of the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Woodstock Festival through interactive and multimedia exhibits. In addition to preserving the site where Woodstock took place, the museum also explores the complex and shifting social and political climate of the 1960s. 

  Location

  200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY 12720

• Dorflinger Factory Museum

  The Dorflinger Glass Company produced high-quality leaded crystal for the rich and powerful during the Gilded Age at the turn of the 19th century. Dorflinger glassware graced the tables of business tycoons and presidents alike. Today, exhibits at the museum include vintage glass cutting and etching equipment from the Dorflinger Glass Company, glass table settings from the late 1800s, and even glass blowing demonstrations. 

  Location

  5 Elizabeth St., White Mills, PA 18431

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Hawley Antique Exchange

  With over 30 vendors and 8,000 square feet of shopping, Hawley Antique Exchange is a perfect place to spend an afternoon searching for your next treasure. If you visit, stop by the basement to view their extensive collection of Vaseline glass. 

  Location

  209 Bellemonte Ave., Hawley, PA 18428

• Duck Harbor Shops

  This unique shop is an 1850s era farmhouse on the shores of Duck Harbor Pond. There are 12 rooms filled with everything from collectibles to vintage furniture. The Duck Harbor Shops also offer locally crafted items like soap and homemade maple syrup. 

  Location

   617 Duck Harbor Road, Equinunk, PA 18417

• The Heron Restaurant

  The Heron Restaurant is known for its delicious foods prepared with fresh, regionally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily, but the focus is always on good American comfort food with a sophisticated flair. It's a perfect spot for brunch, and while you're there, be sure to try one of the signature cocktails. 

  Location

  40 Main St, Narrowsburg, NY 12764

• The Tusten Cup

  Need a great cup of coffee to get your adventure started? The Tusten Cup has you covered. They offer richly brewed coffee and can craft several java-based specialties. If you're not a coffee drinker, they also serve teas, hot chocolate, and even sodas. If you need something a bit more substantial to move through your day, you can also pick up sandwiches and snack items. 

  Location

  8 Main St., Narrowsburg, NY 12764

How To Get To Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

New York Scenic Route 97 runs along the length of the river corridor from Port Jervis, New York, to Hancock, New York. 

From New York City: Take I-84 to Exit 1 at Port Jervis. Then, take US Route 6W to NY 97N. NY 97N runs parallel to the river. 

From Scranton, PA: Take I-81 to exit 187/US 6E. Continue through Carbondale and Honesdale. Then, take PA 652E to Narrowsburg where you will meet up with NY 97. 

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is open for river use year-round, 24 hours per day. Public river access points are closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Address

274 River Road, Beach Lake, PA 18405

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offer visitors everything from hiking and biking to fishing and white water rafting. Nearby historical sites and unique small towns within the river valley offer travelers plenty to see and do beyond the river itself. With over 73 miles of scenic highway running alongside the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, an RV vacation is a perfect way to hit the open road and experience everything the area has to offer.