Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River wilderness guide
Scenic and Recreational River · NY, PA

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a picturesque stretch of water that flows through the Pocono Mountains, offering visitors natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities.

Scenic and Recreational River55,5754+ Trails

Designation

Scenic and Recreational River

Total Wilderness Area

55,575

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a picturesque stretch of water that flows through the Pocono Mountains, offering visitors natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a federally protected area that encompasses approximately 73.4 miles of the Delaware River along the New York-Pennsylvania border. This protected river is embedded in a lush, forested landscape that hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, which have recently made a remarkable recovery. Rich in history, the area was once inhabited by the Lenape people and offers visitors a chance to explore remnants of 19th-century canal systems and the historic Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide array of activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. With its clear waters and forested surroundings, the river provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. The calm and scenic water, combined with the availability of camping sites and picnic areas, make it a peaceful retreat for families and adventure seekers alike.

Field Guide · Scenic and Recreational River
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct - the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States.✦ The pristine water quality supporting diverse aquatic life.✦ Bald eagle watching, with several viewing areas along the river.✦ Fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass and walleye.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees; recreational licenses required for fishing.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Narrowsburg, New York
⌖ 1.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Narrowsburg, New York

Narrowsburg is a quiet river town in the Upper Delaware Valley known for its paddling, fishing, and peaceful hiking trails. A great base for exploring the Delaware River corridor and nearby protected natural areas.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
⌖ 9.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Honesdale, Pennsylvania offers outdoor enthusiasts easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling adventures surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. With quiet trails, scenic waterways, and charming town vibes, it’s a perfect year-round basecamp for exploring nature and history.

Spring through Fall for hiking, paddling, and biking; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Hawley, Pennsylvania
⌖ 9.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hawley, Pennsylvania

Hawley, PA, is a peaceful Pocono town known for easy river paddling, fishing, and forest trails. It’s a quiet spot for visitors seeking nature, with accessible parks and friendly small-town charm year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
White Lake, New York
⌖ 13.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

White Lake, New York

White Lake, NY, offers a quiet Adirondack escape with excellent hiking, fishing, kayaking, and snowshoeing. Surrounded by protected forestlands and a pristine lake, it’s a great year-round spot for outdoor lovers looking to unwind.

Late Spring through Fall, Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Lakeville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 14.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakeville, Pennsylvania

Lakeville, Pennsylvania offers a peaceful outdoor escape with lake paddling, forest hiking, fishing, and winter snow sports. Its location by Lake Wallenpaupack makes it an inviting base for nature lovers seeking quiet adventure year-round.

Spring through Fall; Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Forestburgh, New York
⌖ 16.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Forestburgh, New York

Forestburgh offers a peaceful outdoor escape with hiking, paddling, and fishing amid quiet forests and waterways. Ideal for travelers seeking adventures without heavy crowds in the Catskill region.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Two Days on the Water: Hawley’s Watersports Rental Options
ADVEXPEDITION
Hawley, Pennsylvania
CanoeADV Bookable

Two Days on the Water: Hawley’s Watersports Rental Options

A two-day rental offering solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, tubes, SUPs and six-person rafts with life jackets, paddles and a required safety clinic—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

CanoePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Rails & Tails: Pups, Play and a River Ride on the Lackawaxen
ADVEXPEDITION
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
TrainADV Bookable

Rails & Tails: Pups, Play and a River Ride on the Lackawaxen

A three-hour, family-focused train excursion from Honesdale that pairs a scenic ride along the Lackawaxen River with facepainting, outdoor games, and an appearance by beloved cartoon pups.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pontoon for the Pack: A 14‑Passenger Cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack
ADVEXPEDITION
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon for the Pack: A 14‑Passenger Cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack

Rent a 24' Harris pontoon (14-passenger, 90HP) from Wallenpaupack Boat Tours & Rentals for two- or four-hour outings on Lake Wallenpaupack — practical guidance on what to expect and the rules to follow.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pontoon Calm: A 6‑Passenger Sunchaser on Lake Wallenpaupack
ADVEXPEDITION
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon Calm: A 6‑Passenger Sunchaser on Lake Wallenpaupack

Rent an 18' 6‑passenger Sunchaser (50 HP) from Wallenpaupack Boat Tours & Rentals for two-, four- or eight-hour outings on Lake Wallenpaupack—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the rules that matter.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip