EAST STROUDSBURG GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Serene 10‑Mile Float: Bushkill to Smithfield Along the Delaware in the Poconos
A guided canoe or kayak day trip from Bushkill Boat Launch to Smithfield Beach covering 10 miles with roughly 3.5 hours of paddle time — a beginner‑friendly route framed by Pocono ridgelines and frequent wildlife sightings.
A Serene 10‑Mile Float: Bushkill to Smithfield Along the Delaware in the Poconos.
This guided one‑day paddle runs the Delaware River through the Pocono Mountains, launching at the Bushkill boat ramp in Lehman Township and winding downstream to Smithfield Beach in Stroudsburg. The route is a calm, scenic float past islands and river landmarks, finishing at a grassy beach with picnic and swimming areas; it’s suited to paddlers of all skill levels and offers regular wildlife viewing opportunities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pocono ridgelines and a calm Delaware corridor
The stretch between Bushkill and Smithfield Beach delivers broad river views set against the Pocono Mountains — a landscape that rewards steady paddling with long sightlines and a persistent sense of remoteness.
Frequent encounters with river‑edge fauna
Along the float you may spot bald eagles, deer, bears and other wildlife along the banks, making the trip as much about observation as about travel.
Smithfield Beach: grassy shores and swimming
The paddle concludes at Smithfield Beach in Stroudsburg, where a grassy beach, picnic area and swimming spots provide a relaxed place to unpack lunch and dry off after the float.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a steady, unhurried day on the water: a guided put‑in at Bushkill, a roughly 10‑mile downstream paddle through broad bends and past small islands and recognizable landmarks, and a gentle arrival at Smithfield Beach. The water is calm, the scenery is broad, and the pace favors observation — birdwatching, shoreline wildlife and a picnic to close the day.
THE LANDSCAPE
Pocono ridgelines and a calm Delaware corridor
The stretch between Bushkill and Smithfield Beach delivers broad river views set against the Pocono Mountains — a landscape that rewards steady paddling with long sightlines and a persistent sense of remoteness.
THE WILDLIFE
Frequent encounters with river‑edge fauna
Along the float you may spot bald eagles, deer, bears and other wildlife along the banks, making the trip as much about observation as about travel.
THE FINISH
Smithfield Beach: grassy shores and swimming
The paddle concludes at Smithfield Beach in Stroudsburg, where a grassy beach, picnic area and swimming spots provide a relaxed place to unpack lunch and dry off after the float.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most from the float — and who might look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Adventure Sports provides the equipment and essentials you need for the day; participants can book online through the operator.
All necessary boats and gear are supplied by the operator; reservations are made online with Adventure Sports.
The route covers 10 miles and typically involves about 3.5 hours of paddle time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The trip is 10 miles with approximately 3.5 hours of paddle time.
Where does the trip start and end?
The guided float launches from the Bushkill Boat Launch in Lehman Township and finishes at Smithfield Beach in Stroudsburg.
What skill level is required?
No difficult features or rapids are present; the trip is suited for beginners and people of all ages.
Will I see wildlife?
You may see bald eagles, deer, bears and other local wildlife along the river banks during the float.
Do I need to bring my own boat or gear?
No — Adventure Sports provides everything you might need for the trip; reservations are handled online through the operator.
Is there swimming or picnicking at the end?
Yes — Smithfield Beach offers a grassy beach, picnic areas and swimming spots at the trip’s take‑out.