Two Days on the Delaware: A 16‑Mile Paddle from Bushkill to the Water Gap

STROUDSBURG SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Days on the Delaware: A 16‑Mile Paddle from Bushkill to the Water Gap

A two‑day, 16‑mile river trip from the Bushkill boat launch to the Delaware Water Gap with roughly 6 hours of paddling—this guide distills the route, camps, and sights along the Pocono shoreline.

Two Days on the Delaware: A 16‑Mile Paddle from Bushkill to the Water Gap.

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

Set out from the Bushkill boat launch for a relaxed two‑day paddle down the Delaware River, framed by the low ridges of the Pocono Mountains. The trip threads past riverside history — the stately Shawnee Inn and the remains of the Old Karamac Resort and train crossing — while offering ample chances to spot local wildlife from deer to bald eagles as you float toward the Delaware Water Gap.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Pocono ridge-lines and easy river miles
THE LANDSCAPE

Pocono ridge-lines and easy river miles

The route follows a scenic stretch of the Delaware River with open views of the Pocono Mountains—ideal for a relaxed float where the river’s pace lets the landscape set the rhythm.

Watch the riverbanks for deer, bears and bald eagles
THE WILDLIFE

Watch the riverbanks for deer, bears and bald eagles

Expect wildlife sightings along the banks: the itinerary calls out deer, bears and bald eagles among the species native to northeast Pennsylvania that you may see from your boat.

Riverside stories: Shawnee Inn and the Old Karamac remains
THE HISTORY

Riverside stories: Shawnee Inn and the Old Karamac remains

Paddlers pass notable historic points like the Historic Shawnee Inn and the visible remnants of the Old Karamac Resort and a former train crossing—small landmarks that punctuate the river journey to the Water Gap.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

This is an unhurried two‑day river excursion: a longer first day of roughly 10–11 miles followed by a shorter second day of about five–six miles after an overnight camp on Tocks or Labar Island. The flow is deliberate—enough paddling to feel like an outing, with room for lazy mornings at the campsite and time to take in riverside views and historic sites.

Pocono ridge-lines and easy river miles

THE LANDSCAPE

Pocono ridge-lines and easy river miles

The route follows a scenic stretch of the Delaware River with open views of the Pocono Mountains—ideal for a relaxed float where the river’s pace lets the landscape set the rhythm.

Watch the riverbanks for deer, bears and bald eagles

THE WILDLIFE

Watch the riverbanks for deer, bears and bald eagles

Expect wildlife sightings along the banks: the itinerary calls out deer, bears and bald eagles among the species native to northeast Pennsylvania that you may see from your boat.

Riverside stories: Shawnee Inn and the Old Karamac remains

THE HISTORY

Riverside stories: Shawnee Inn and the Old Karamac remains

Paddlers pass notable historic points like the Historic Shawnee Inn and the visible remnants of the Old Karamac Resort and a former train crossing—small landmarks that punctuate the river journey to the Water Gap.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and what to check before you go.

1
Relaxation seekersThe itinerary and pace are designed for a relaxed, scenic river experience with a shorter second day and time to camp and explore shoreside history; confirm any personal limitations with the operator before booking.
2
Weekend paddlersA two‑day schedule with one overnight makes this a solid weekend getaway; be prepared for a longer first day and a shorter second day between island campsites.
3
Wildlife and history observersGood for travelers who want to combine casual paddling with wildlife watching and riverside history—expect sightings of deer, bears and bald eagles and views of historic sites like the Shawnee Inn.
4
Families and mixed‑ability groupsNo specific participant limits, ages, or health restrictions were provided in the source material; if traveling with children or variable fitness levels, discuss pacing and logistics with Adventure Sports ahead of time.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

The operator runs this trip in spring, summer, and autumn; the two‑day format allows for flexible starts and a relaxed pace across seasons.

What to Bring

Adventure Sports will provide the gear you need for the river trip; still plan for personal essentials (sun protection, layers for changing weather, any required medications) and confirm specifics with the operator when booking.

Logistics

Launch is at the Bushkill boat launch in Lehman Township; the full route covers 16 miles with about 6 hours of paddle time reported for the outing.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip in miles and paddle time?

The outing covers 16 miles in total with about 6 hours of paddle time.

Where do we put in and take out?

The trip launches at the Bushkill boat launch and finishes at the Delaware Water Gap.

How are the days structured?

Expect a longer first day of about 10–11 miles and a shorter second day of roughly five–six miles, with an overnight camp on Tocks or Labar Island.

What wildlife might we see?

The trip notes sightings of deer, bears and bald eagles among the local species along the riverbanks.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

Adventure Sports states they will provide everything you need for the river trip—confirm any personal items to bring when you book.

What historic sights are on the route?

Paddlers pass the Historic Shawnee Inn and can see the remains of the Old Karamac Resort and a former train crossing, plus the notable 'jumping rock' on the Pennsylvania side.