EAST STROUDSBURG GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Calm 6-Mile Float from Smithfield Beach to the Delaware Water Gap
A guided, family-friendly 6-mile paddle from Smithfield Beach to the Delaware Water Gap — this guide explains the route, timing, and what the operator provides so you can plan a relaxed day on the Delaware River.
A Calm 6-Mile Float from Smithfield Beach to the Delaware Water Gap.
This short, scenic float carries paddlers six miles down the Delaware River from Smithfield Beach in East Stroudsburg to the dramatic notch of the Delaware Water Gap. The guided outing — offered by Adventure Sports — is an easy, beginner-friendly excursion through a national recreation area dotted with islands and wildlife, ending at one of the region’s most famous geological landmarks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A slow, island-strewn float
The six-mile run from Smithfield Beach threads past multiple river islands — including Tocks, Labar, Depue and Shawnee — offering a relaxed downstream cruise rather than technical paddling.
Big mammals and raptors along the banks
Keep an eye ashore: the corridor is known for deer, bears and bald eagles that can appear as you float between islands and under mountain views.
The Delaware Water Gap
The trip finishes at the Delaware Water Gap, an obvious notch in the Kittatinny Ridge long admired as a scenic wonder and once the site of popular summer resorts — a fitting payoff after a short, restorative paddle.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is one of Adventure Sports’ shorter guided outings: launch from the grassy beach at Smithfield, settle into a canoe, kayak or raft, and spend roughly two hours drifting and paddling downstream (longer if you choose a raft) through a slow-moving, scenic stretch of the Delaware River before arriving at the Water Gap.
THE ROUTE
A slow, island-strewn float
The six-mile run from Smithfield Beach threads past multiple river islands — including Tocks, Labar, Depue and Shawnee — offering a relaxed downstream cruise rather than technical paddling.
THE WILDLIFE
Big mammals and raptors along the banks
Keep an eye ashore: the corridor is known for deer, bears and bald eagles that can appear as you float between islands and under mountain views.
THE DESTINATION
The Delaware Water Gap
The trip finishes at the Delaware Water Gap, an obvious notch in the Kittatinny Ridge long admired as a scenic wonder and once the site of popular summer resorts — a fitting payoff after a short, restorative paddle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip works for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This guided trip is a single-day outing; Adventure Sports runs this shorter six-mile float year-round and supplies the necessary equipment, so you plan around availability and weather.
Light day-gear, sun protection, a change of clothes if you plan to swim — Adventure Sports provides boats and essential equipment for the trip.
Choose canoe or kayak for roughly two hours of paddle time for the six-mile run; raft trips are longer (approximately 3.5 hours).
The put-in is Smithfield Beach Canoe Launch in East Stroudsburg; follow Adventure Sports’ booking and check-in instructions when you reserve.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
Paddle time is approximately two hours in canoes or kayaks; raft trips take about 3.5 hours.
What is the trip distance?
The guided float covers six miles from Smithfield Beach to the Delaware Water Gap.
Where do we put in and finish?
The launch is at the Smithfield Beach Canoe Launch in East Stroudsburg; the trip finishes at the Delaware Water Gap.
Is this trip suitable for beginners or children?
Yes — the operator describes the trip as suited for beginners and whole families; there are no difficult features or rapids on this route.
What wildlife might I see?
Paddlers commonly see deer, bears and bald eagles along this stretch of the Delaware River.
Do I need to bring boats or gear?
Adventure Sports provides the equipment you need for the trip, including choices of canoe, kayak or raft.