Two Days on the Delaware: A 20‑Mile Paddle from Eshback to the Water Gap

EAST STROUDSBURG GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Days on the Delaware: A 20‑Mile Paddle from Eshback to the Water Gap

A two‑day, 20‑mile guided kayaking and canoeing trip launching from Eshback Boat Access and finishing at the Delaware Water Gap, offering seasonal wildlife viewing along the Kittatinny Ridge.

Two Days on the Delaware: A 20‑Mile Paddle from Eshback to the Water Gap.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
East Stroudsburg
Operator
Adventure Sports
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This guided, two‑day excursion follows twenty miles of the Delaware River from the Eshback launch down to the Delaware Water Gap, winding past islands, beaches and recreation areas beneath the Kittatinny Ridge. Expect to watch for bald eagles, deer and other northeastern Pennsylvania wildlife as you paddle through changing seasonal flows and move from open river into the iconic gap.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Bald eagles, deer and birdlife along the banks
THE WILDLIFE

Bald eagles, deer and birdlife along the banks

The river corridor supports abundant wildlife; paddlers commonly spot birds of prey and deer as they move between islands, bars and riverside parks.

Island‑studded river to the Water Gap
THE ROUTE

Island‑studded river to the Water Gap

The put‑in at Eshback leads past a series of islands — including Tocks, Labar, Depew and Poxano — and local river features like the Buck Bar on the first mile, before the approach to the Delaware Water Gap.

A different river each season
THE SEASONS

A different river each season

Flows change through spring and summer; higher spring levels shorten the trip, while lower summer flows can make the 20‑mile passage feel longer — and each season redraws the scenery.

What the day feels like

What the two‑day paddle feels like

Spread over two days, the route is a steady river journey that alternates long, reflective stretches with tighter passages around islands and bars; paddlers move from the wooded banks and small beaches near Eshback toward the dramatic breach of the Kittatinny Ridge at the Delaware Water Gap, taking in varied wildlife and riverside parks along the way.

Bald eagles, deer and birdlife along the banks

THE WILDLIFE

Bald eagles, deer and birdlife along the banks

The river corridor supports abundant wildlife; paddlers commonly spot birds of prey and deer as they move between islands, bars and riverside parks.

Island‑studded river to the Water Gap

THE ROUTE

Island‑studded river to the Water Gap

The put‑in at Eshback leads past a series of islands — including Tocks, Labar, Depew and Poxano — and local river features like the Buck Bar on the first mile, before the approach to the Delaware Water Gap.

A different river each season

THE SEASONS

A different river each season

Flows change through spring and summer; higher spring levels shorten the trip, while lower summer flows can make the 20‑mile passage feel longer — and each season redraws the scenery.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most out of this outing.

1
Active FamiliesSuitable for paddlers of all ages — families with school‑age children can expect accessible paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2
Beginner PaddlersThe trip accommodates a range of skill levels; average paddlers can complete the expedition over two days with the guided support.
3
Seasonal NaturalistsObservers of birds and riverside ecosystems will find seasonally shifting wildlife and scenery along the corridor.
4
Weekend ExplorersA two‑day schedule and manageable distance make this a compact multi‑day river trip for those looking to maximize time on the water.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Trip Duration & Distance

The guided outing covers about 20 miles total and is scheduled as a two‑day trip with approximately 7 hours of paddle time.

Timing & Season

The route is typically paddled from the end of April through the end of October; higher spring flows shorten the trip while lower summer flows can extend transit time.

What the operator provides

Adventure Sports provides all the gear you might need to have an excellent trip.

Launch & Logistical Notes

Launch is at the Eshback Boat Access and the trip finishes at the Delaware Water Gap; the route passes islands and local river features so expect varied channels.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the paddle time during this trip?

The trip is scheduled with approximately 7 hours of paddle time spread over the two‑day route.

What is the total distance covered?

This outing covers roughly 20 miles from the Eshback launch to the Delaware Water Gap.

When is the best season to paddle this section?

Average paddlers typically run this trip from the end of April through the end of October; spring flows are higher and shorten transit while summer flows can lower the river and lengthen the journey.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No — Adventure Sports provides all the gear you might need for the trip.

Is this trip suitable for beginners or families?

Yes — the trip is described as great for paddlers of all ages and skill levels, and average paddlers can enjoy the two‑day route.

Where do we put in and take out?

The launch is at the Eshback Boat Access and the trip concludes at the Delaware Water Gap.