Kellmans Bridge Canoe Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
See the Watercraft Launch web page for an interactive boat ramp map.
TYPE
Public boat ramp for non-motorized watercraft only. No licenses or permits are needed to launch non-motorized boats in New York.
LOCATION
New York side of Kellams Bridge on Kellams Bridge Road. This is just west of Hankins, New York.
View of the Delaware River from the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
CANOE LAUNCH DETAILS
On the National Park Service’s brochure for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Kellams Bridge is shown as a fishing access spot, not a boat ramp. However, you can launch a hand-paddled watercraft from here; it’s just not the most convenient place to do so. The river is located down a steep embankment from the parking lot. The embankment even has a rope along it that you can use to help pull yourself up or lower yourself down. The rope looked mighty thin when I visited, and I was hoping it wouldn’t break when using it to support all of my weight.
Steep embankment at the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
While I didn’t start or end a trip on the Delaware River at Kellams Bridge, I did start and end trips at similar launches along the river. I’m not going to lie to you—doing so sucks. My advice is to begin or end your river trip at Lordville or Callicoon and only use this ramp when those options are not feasible. If you do start from here, it would be easier just to toss your boat off the bridge and jump into it like a cowboy jumping onto his horse (that’s a joke, so don’t really do it).
Kellams Bridge near Hankins, New York, spans the Delaware River
From up above the river, the trail to the launch point is on the left side of Kellams Bridge at a railroad crossing gate (there are tracks prior to the bridge).
Path to the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
If you are ending a trip at Kellams Bridge, the canoe launch is on the New York side (left) of the Delaware River. The take-out comes after going under the bridge. Not many people use this launch, so the shore line is a little overgrown. You must look hard for the trail that leads through the brush to the road above.
View of the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch from the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Path to the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch parking area from the river, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
There is a dirt parking lot across the street from the railroad tracks. Drop off your boat and gear near the tracks and then park your vehicle.
Parking area for the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on August 16, 2023
