Adventure brief
3 Day Milford to Smithfield Beach (28 mile trip)
Paddle 28 miles down the Delaware River from Milford Beach to Smithfield Beach with Adventure Sports. Experience riverside camping, scenic views of the Pocono Mountains, and a journey steeped in nature and history.
Adventure Sports offers paddlers an immersive three-day canoe and camping experience along the Delaware River, covering 28 miles from Milford Beach to Smithfield Beach. This route threads through the Pocono Mountains’ eastern edge, a landscape shaped by ancient sandstone cliffs and shaded by dense hardwood forests. Each paddle stroke brings you closer to nature’s quiet moments: the splash of a jumping fish, the distant call of a bald eagle, or the gentle rustle of white-tailed deer in the underbrush.
Starting from Milford Access Canoe Launch, the journey combines physical challenge with rewarding downtime. Expect roughly 10 hours of paddling spread over three days, making it an ideal adventure for intermediate and seasoned paddlers comfortable with extended trips and overnight camping. Your nights are spent camped beside calm river bends where the water mirrors starry skies, surrounded by tranquil wilderness.
Along the way, historical sites punctuate the route, including the Minisink Historic District near Minisink Island, offering a glimpse into early Lenape and colonial-era heritage. The Delaware River itself is a National Wild and Scenic River, prized for its clean waters, diverse fish populations, and protected shoreline habitats. Adventure Sports distinguishes itself by providing quality gear and local expertise, ensuring paddlers navigate safely while immersing fully in the environment.
Their base in East Stroudsburg anchors this trip within a region celebrated for outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking to fishing. This canoe trip isn’t just a journey downriver; it’s a chance to disconnect and rediscover patience and presence in a landscape shaped by water and time. For those ready to paddle deeper into the Poconos, Adventure Sports delivers a memorable passage rich in nature, history, and authentic adventure.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Plan Your Paddling Hoursessential
Divide your 28-mile route into manageable daily segments to balance paddling and relaxation.
- 02Pack Lightweight Camping Gearinfo
Choose compact tents and sleeping bags to ease portaging and camping along the riverbank.
- 03Watch for Wildlife Safelywarning
Keep a respectful distance from bald eagles, deer, and the occasional black bear along the shore.
- 04Secure Gear Against Wateressential
Use dry bags and waterproof containers to protect your supplies from splashes and rain.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Dry Bags
Protect your gear from water damage while on the river and during rain.
EssentialLightweight Tent
Compact and weather-resistant shelter suited for riverside camping.
EssentialPFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Safety equipment required for paddling on the river.
EssentialHeadlamp or Waterproof Flashlight
Essential for campsite safety and navigation after dark.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Minisink Island’s quiet shoreline for fishing and rest, Secluded river bends near Smithfield Beach with excellent birdwatching opportunities
Local fauna
Bald eagle, Black bear
Historic heritage
The Delaware River corridor was historically inhabited by the Lenape people and later became a key transport and settlement area during colonial times.
Mindful exploration
This stretch of the Delaware River is part of a federally protected Wild and Scenic River system, emphasizing the need to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- River bends near Minisink Island, Pocono Mountains backdrop from Smithfield Beach shoreline, Campfire sites after sunset
- Subjects
- river reflections, wildlife in habitat, campfire scenes
- Best times
- Golden hour, early morning, late afternoon
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Is previous canoeing experience required?
While beginners can join, this trip is best suited for paddlers with some multi-day canoe or kayak experience.
What kind of camping facilities are available?
Camping is primitive along riverside sites with no electric hookups, so be prepared to self-sustain.
Are meals provided on the trip?
Meals are not provided; participants should bring their own food and cooking supplies.
What wildlife might I see during the trip?
Common sightings include bald eagles, white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of waterfowl.
How do I get to the starting point at Milford Beach?
Milford Beach is accessible by car from East Stroudsburg, PA, where Adventure Sports is based.
What should I do if the weather turns bad?
Guides monitor weather and will adjust plans accordingly; always bring rain gear and inform your trip leader of any concerns.