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.
Adventure brief
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.
Stretching over a serene 10-mile stretch of the Delaware River, this Bushkill to Smithfield Beach paddle invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains from an entirely refreshing perspective. Located near East Stroudsburg, this drift down the tranquil river is framed by rolling forested hills, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the gentle sounds of wildlife, making it an exceptional day trip for paddlers of all skill levels.
Launching near Bushkill, a small village that taps into the Pocono’s outdoor legacy, adventurers glide along water that mirrors the surrounding greenery and sky. The Delaware here is celebrated for its clean, slow-moving flow, ideal for a relaxing yet invigorating 3.5 hours on the water. As you paddle, be on the lookout for bald eagles perched above, snapping turtles basking on driftwood, and occasional deer drinking at the river’s edge.
The route showcases unique geological features such as Shawangunk conglomerate rock formations—weathered and layered—along with abundant hemlocks and maples that compose the lush riverbank forests. This section of the river offers a glimpse into the natural history of the region, part of the greater Delaware Water Gap area established as a National Recreation Area in 1965. The river corridor has long been a native route and a modern haven for conservation and recreation.
Smithfield Beach marks a perfect end to this leisurely journey. The well-maintained picnic areas and sandy swimming spots provide a rewarding rest after your paddle. Families and solo adventurers alike revel in the peaceful setting, where gentle river breezes stir the trees overhead and local trout dart just beneath the surface. Rentals and shuttle services are available to streamline logistics, making it easy for visitors based in East Stroudsburg or other nearby towns.
This trip stands out in the Pocono region for its combination of accessible river paddling, diverse natural sights, and convenient shoreline amenities. It’s a chance to explore an iconic waterway while immersing yourself in the slower rhythms of the outdoors, whether you’re aiming for a peaceful solo escape or bonding time with friends and family.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops and landmarks you’ll pass on the 10‑mile float from launch to beach.
Bushkill Boat Launch (put‑in)
The guided trip departs from the Bushkill boat launch in Lehman Township, the official launch point for the downstream float.
Jumping Rock (right/Pennsylvania side)
A locally noted river feature passed on the righthand (Pennsylvania) side of the river, one of several visual markers along the route.
Sambo Island
One of the islands you paddle past as the river broadens and the landscape opens.
Poxano Island
Another river island marker en route downstream toward Stroudsburg.
Smithfield Beach (take‑out)
The trip ends at Smithfield Beach in Stroudsburg, where grassy shores, picnic spots and places to swim await.
This float contains no difficult features or rapids and is explicitly suited to beginners and people of all ages, making it accessible to paddlers with minimal experience.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:35.131Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.