EAST STROUDSBURG BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Pocono Spine: 16 Miles of Bushkill–Kittatinny River in a Single Day
A 5.5-hour, 16-mile canoe, kayak, tube, or raft outing through the Pocono Mountains—useful packing and safety guidance for families and swimmers.
Paddling the Pocono Spine: 16 Miles of Bushkill–Kittatinny River in a Single Day.
Set against the folded ridges of the Pocono Mountains, the Bushkill–Kittatinny run is a full-day paddling corridor—offering canoe, kayak, tube, and raft options—that delivers both quiet scenic stretches and continuous time on the water for families and groups.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pocono Mountains River Scenery
The route threads the Pocono foothills, giving prolonged time on the water to drink in wooded banks and open river views—an experience best appreciated from a canoe or kayak.
16 Miles in Roughly 5.5 Hours
Plan for a roughly 5.5-hour paddle covering about 16 miles; the outing supports multiple craft types—canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts—so groups can mix gear to match ability and preference.
Family-Friendly, Safety-First
The operator positions this as a family trip, but all participants must be able to swim and children must be at least 6 years old to use kayaks and canoes; rentals must be off the river by about 5/6pm, with times dependent on season.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a long, steady day on the water—roughly five and a half hours of paddling across a sixteen-mile corridor—where moments of easy, family-paced drifting alternate with sustained stretches that reward steady stroke work and simple navigation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should consider alternate options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Water, suntan lotion, swim gear, bug spray, dry clothes for after the trip, and coolers for snacks/drinks (no styrofoam). Do not bring glass or valuables.
Old sneakers, water shoes, Crocs, or similar—footwear that can get wet and provide traction.
Bring water and sun protection; leave valuables and glass behind. Pack swim gear and a change of dry clothes to leave in your vehicle after the trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The route covers roughly 16 miles with about 5.5 hours of paddle time.
What craft can we use?
Canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts are offered for the trip.
Are children allowed?
Yes—children are welcome, but to use kayaks and canoes they must be at least 6 years old.
Do participants need to know how to swim?
All participants must be able to swim.
When must rentals be returned?
All rentals must be off the river by about 5/6pm; exact times depend on the time of year and late fees will apply for overruns.
What should we not bring?
Do not bring glass containers, valuables, or Styrofoam coolers.