Virginia Forrest Recreation Area Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River

See the Boat Launches web page for an interactive location map.

TYPE

Hand-launched watercraft only.

LOCATION

Virginia Forrest Recreation Area is part of Delaware Canal State Park. It is named for conservationist Virginia R. Forrest, who is associated with Bucks County. The park is located off of River Road in New Hope, Pennsylvania. If using Google Maps for directions, search “VIRGINIA FORREST RECREATION AREA.”

FEES

While there is no specific fee to use the canoe launch at Virginia Forrest Recreation Area, a fee-based launch permit is required by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). This requirement is for all types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, rafts, and sailboats without a motor. This applies even to out-of-state paddlers who are in Pennsylvania on vacation unless their home state already requires launch permits for non-motorized boats and their boat has one attached. Those from states that do not require such permits must get one from the PFBC. If you have three months before your vacation, you can get a permit by mail. There are also retail stores in Pennsylvania where launch permits are sold. See the PFBC’s Registering / Titling An Unpowered Boat web page for details (scroll to the bottom for Launch Permits).

BOAT RAMP DETAILS

The canoe launch at Virginia Forrest Recreation Area is not an easy place to start or end a paddling trip on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River. It is located at the bottom of a steep hill that is accessed via a dirt path or stairs; neither is fun. Furthermore, there is no gradually sloping shoreline where you can ease your boat into the water. Depending on the water level, the river can be a few feet below the launch area, so you must drop your boat into the water and then hold it parallel to the shore so you can jump or slide in. The water at the launch is knee to waist deep, and the bottom drops off quickly, so wading into the water to launch or take out your boat is not really an option unless it is summer, and only if you don’t mind starting a paddling trip a little wet. Getting out of the boat is the process in reverse, only you must grab onto a root or something to pull yourself out of the boat and onto land. Be sure you have hold of a rope tied to the boat just in case it kicks away as you get out. Having two people helps when it comes to holding the boat steady.

There is a large parking lot right next to the canoe launch, so at least you don’t have far to walk with your gear and boat.