Paddling on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River runs for approximately 52 miles from its northern boundary just south of Belvidere, New Jersey, at river mile 193.8 and its southern boundary at Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Of this, only 39 miles are actually part of the park. Some sections have been omitted due to excessive development or because the municipalities along the river do not want to be part of the park for various reasons including having to impose stricter regulations on businesses. For simplicities sake, National Park Planner provides details on paddling trips and boat launches for the entire 52-mile stretch of river.
Boat ramps are located on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Delaware River. While no ramp has an actual fee, many require fee-based launch permits for all types of boats including canoes, kayaks, and other hand-paddled watercraft. Even out-of-town vacationers must obtain a launch permit. Some permits can be purchased online in advance and some are only available at local park offices.
Observations made in the river trip reports on National Park Planner are based on specific water levels. These levels are measured at various U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauges along the river, and links to the relevant gauges are given in the river reports. If you do the trip when the levels are significantly lower, you may be dragging your boat to deeper water in some places and probably won’t experience the same degree of rapids as reported. If the water levels are significantly higher, you may experience more intense rapids, and more of them. Also be aware that regardless of water levels, extreme winds can cause turbulent conditions that require advanced skills on water otherwise suitable for all paddlers.
In general, other than at the Lambertville Wing Dam, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River is suitable for all paddling skills, although absolute beginners should go down the river with someone who has at least basic skills. And always wear your US Coast Guard approved life jacket. One life jacket per passenger must be aboard the boat. Children under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket. Everyone in a boat less than 16 feet in length must wear a life jacket between November 1st and April 30th.
PADDLING REPORTS BY RIVER SECTION
Martin’s Creek to Sandt’s Eddy 5.2 miles
Sandt’s Eddy to Phillipsburg / Easton 5.4 miles
Phillipsburg / Easton to Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area 6.0 miles
Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area to Riegelsville Boat Ramp 3.0 miles
Riegelsville Boat Ramp to Upper Black Eddy 6.9 miles
Upper Black Eddy to Tinicum Park 4.9 miles
Tinicum Park to Byram Boat Ramp 6.9 miles
Byram Boat Ramp to Virginia Forrest Recreation Area 2.8 miles
Virginia Forrest Recreation Area to Lambertville Boat Launch 4.9 miles
Lambertville Boat Launch to Washington Crossing Historic Park 6.8 miles
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Last updated on October 5, 2024
