Group of people in life jackets floating on inner tubes and inflatable swan in river with rapids.
1-2 Hours

Float from Lackawaxen to Highland

Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River

Float this short stretch of river from Lackawaxen River Access to Highland River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float.

Float this short stretch of river from Lackawaxen River Access to Highland River Access. This stretch is approximately 3 river miles and takes on average 1.5 hours to float. Immediately after leaving the Lackawaxen River Access you will pass over the remains of the old spillwater dam and underneath Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct, the oldest wire cable suspension bridge in North America. It is recommended you pass under the bridge in the center of the river, but after you clear the bridge, look to your left to see the D&H Towpath Trail which follows along remains of the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal, just on the other side of the path. This stretch of river has one set of rapids, Cedar Rapids, before reaching Highland. These rapids are Class I rapids. River Safety Wearing a life jacket is the #1 thing you can do to stay safe on the river. Make sure your life jacket fits snugly and is the correct size for you. Familiarize yourself with the life jacket rules of the river. During all seasons, there is always a risk of hypothermia. Even during summer, water temperatures can remain cold. Always come prepared, check the weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing, and bring an extra set of dry clothes. River conditions can change very quickly. Stay informed by calling the river hotline line at 845-252-7100 for daily information about river height, condition, and temperatures. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from April 1st to October 31st. Glass is prohibited on the river. Closed toed shoes are recommended to protect your feet. The river is surrounded by private property. Please respect landowners and do not stop or get off on private property. Driving and Parking There are no public shuttles, public transit, or ride-sharing services along the Upper Delaware River, as well as limited cell service. Unless you are renting equipment from a livery which offers shuttling services, make a plan on how you will get back to your vehicle after your trip. Parking lots are available at both the Lackawaxen and Highland River Accesses. Most visitors will leave one car at their starting point and another at their ending point.

Tags

River TubingDamsRiver and RiparianScenic ViewsBridgesCanalsUpper Delaware Scenic and Recreational Riverinner tubingTubinglackawaxen river accesshighland river accessriver tubing

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Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Duration Details

Floating times can vary greatly depending on river height and conditions, wind, weather and the type of vessel being used. At an average river height of 2.5 - 4 feet, an average floating speed is 2 miles per hour.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility

The Lackawaxen River Access has a gravel ramp and designated accessible parking spots. An ADA accessible seasonal portable restroom is available behind the Zane Grey Museum, across the road from the access. The river access at Highland has a paved ramp and designated accessible parking spots. It has an ADA accessible seasonal portable restroom. The pathway from the parking lot to the access ramp is at a long, paved incline. There are no ADA accessible ramps at either access.

Pets

Yes — You are welcome to enjoy the river with your pet. Dogs make great boat buddies, but there are some things to take into consideration before you get on the water. Know your dog and their abilities, temperament, and stamina. A hot summer day on the river can be draining on people and pets. Know your limits. A life jacket can save your pet if you capsize. Even though dogs can swim, river currents can be very swift and a life jacket will ensure peace of mind that your pet makes it back to shore. Do not tie your pet to your boat. Respect wildlife and other visitors. Remember that when you get out onto a river access, your dog needs to be leashed in order to protect your pet, other visitors, and wildlife. Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash receptacles at river accesses. Help keep the park clean by picking up after your pooch and taking back with you any pet waste. Ticks and snakes are both present in the park. Reduce the risk to your pet by keeping them out of tall grass and vegetation. Please note due to the stability and size of the vessel, boats such as rafts or canoes may be safer and easier to take on a river trip with your pet in comparison to inner tubes.

Reservations

No

Location

Lackawaxen River Access

View on NPS.govBack to Upper Delaware

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