Delaware River — Upper

About

Delaware River, New York Pennsylvania New Jersey — 1609 Henry Hudson, 1787-1810s Rafting, 1978 Wild/Scenic 330-mi. From Hancock downstream 73 miles through Sullivan and Delaware counties, this Wild & Scenic corridor runs Class I-II water at 4,200 CFS average, with optimal flows between 1,500-8,000 CFS. The upper 30 miles from Hancock to Callicoon offer the best eagle viewing along with intermittent Class II drops. Below Callicoon, 25 miles of Class I water to Barryville create the main family float corridor. The final 18 miles from Barryville to Port Jervis pick up Class I-II features again through the Roebling Bridge area. Managed as the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River by the National Park Service, the corridor maintains protected status along both banks. Kittatinny Canoes operates commercial trips throughout the system. USGS gauge 01427510 tracks the flows that can swing from technical lows to pushy spring highs, though the river's size moderates most conditions into reasonable paddling water. Trout Unlimited has designated conservation sections along the drainage.