Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
New York · Pennsylvania
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its way through a valley of swiftly changing scenery or fish amid rolling hills and riverfront villages in one of the finest fishing rivers in the northeastern United States. The clean water of the Delaware, the last major undammed river in the eastern United States, supports a healthy ecosystem and offers tranquility and excitement.
About Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River is a scenic & recreational river located in New York and Pennsylvania. Spring: Temperatures usually range from lows of 26°F to highs of 80°F with average rainfall of 5 inches. Summer: Temperatures usually range from lows of 55°F to highs of 85°F with average rainfall of 4 inches. Fall: Temperatures usually range from lows of 30°F to highs of 83°F. Fall foliage is at its peak sometime in October as daily mountain temperatures vary frequently and influence the change. Winter: Temperatures usually range from lows of 15°F to highs of 49°F.
Many routes will bring you into the river corridor. New York Scenic Route 97 runs parallel to the river and connects Port Jervis, NY and Hancock, NY at each end of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. To the Zane Grey Museum: From NY 97, turn onto the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct and then turn right onto Scenic Drive. The museum will be located on the right. See complete directions on Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River's Directions webpage.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Upper Delaware is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Camping, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, and 16 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Upper Delaware
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Upper Delaware
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Upper Delaware before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Upper Delaware can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Upper Delaware get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Upper Delaware. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its way through a valley of swiftly changing scenery or fish amid rolling hills and riverfront villages in one of the finest fishing rivers in the northeastern United States. The clean water of the Delaware, the last major undammed river in the eastern United States, supports a healthy ecosystem and offers tranquility and excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Delaware
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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