Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River between Long Eddy and Kellams Bridge, New York
Length: 2.6 miles
Water Level at Time of Trip: 2.5-3 feet
Average moving speed: 3.8 MPH with two paddlers
Time: 45 minutes
This river review covers the Delaware River from the Long Eddy Boat Ramp to the Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch, a span of 2.6 miles. The Long Eddy ramp can accommodate motorboats and hand-paddled watercraft. It is a convenient place from which to launch a paddling trip because you can drop your boat and gear right at the water.
Long Eddy Boat Ramp, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Before starting a trip on the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, it is a good idea to check the water levels so that you have an idea of the river conditions. Levels of 2.5 to 4 feet are average and provide plenty of water for a trip down the river with conditions suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. On the second day of my late-October trip down the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, the USGS water level gauge at Lordville claimed the water was 6.3 feet deep, though this certainly was not the case six miles downriver at Long Eddy. I’d estimate that the water was 2.5 to 3 feet deep between Long Eddy and Kellams Bridge, which is perfect for those with young children or anyone seeking a relaxing day on the river. Just for reference, the gauge at Callicoon, New York, the next one south of Long Eddy (12 miles away), measured 1.4 feet on the same day. While this was well below the actual conditions between Long Eddy and Kellams Bridge, it was certainly closer to the truth than the 6.3-foot reading at Lordville.
The water at the Long Eddy Boat Ramp is as still as a lake, which makes it easy to launch your boat. However, within sight distance is a piece of land that juts out into the river, narrowing the channel significantly. It is here that I came across the first instance of white water since launching a trip from Hancock, New York, the previous day. It wasn’t much more than some chop, but it was better than mirror-like surfaces of still water. I was moving at 5 MPH through the channel, one of the fastest stretches of river yet on my trip.
Delaware River at the Long Eddy Boat ramp, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Patch of choppy water just south of the Long Eddy Boat ramp, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The swift water didn’t last long, ending as soon as the Delaware River widened past the bulge of land (.75 mile from the Long Eddy ramp). At that point it was back to slow moving and calm water with a 1.3 MPH current. I ran into a couple of fishermen, only the second group of people I had come across on the trip. Of course it was 45°F and overcast.
Fishermen on the Delaware River between Long Eddy and Kellams Bridge, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The National Park Service’s brochure for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River shows a fishing access point at Basket Creek. Per another website, it is possible to launch a kayak or canoe from here, but I did not see anything despite looking for it. Once at home, I looked over satellite maps are realized that it is located at the downstream end of the land bulge, which is where the current came to a crawl. Being just a stone’s throw from Long Eddy—albeit one hell of a throw—there would be no reason whatsoever to start a river trip of any type from here when the Long Eddy ramp is so convenient.
The ramp at Kellams Bridge is easy to spot because it is at the bridge, the only one you will come to on this stretch of the river. Just be aware that about a mile prior to Kellams Bridge is something that looks like a bridge but is actually a viaduct carrying NY 97 along the mountainside. This comes just before the Delaware River makes a big curve to the south just east of Long Eddy.
NY 97 viaduct along the Delaware River just east of Long Eddy, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The Kellams Bridge Canoe Launch is on the New York side of the Delaware River (left side). To access it, go under the bridge. The ramp is for hand-paddled watercraft only, and it is very difficult to launch from or take out at. I suggest beginning or ending your river trip at Lordville or Callicoon and only use this ramp when those options are not feasible.
View of Kellams Bridge from the Delaware River, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
View of the Kellams Bridge Watercraft Launch, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
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Last updated on January 28, 2024
