Drift the Upper Delaware: A Guided Tube Float Through Eagle Country
Slow water, big sky, and a private guide on one of the East Coast’s wildest border rivers.
The river moves like a long exhale—cool, steady, unhurried. You lower into your tube and feel the Delaware’s current take a gentle grip, nudging you into the flow as hemlocks lean in to watch. A bald eagle knifes the sky overhead, riding a thermal as if it owns the afternoon. The banks slide by in a hush of alder and sycamore. Somewhere downstream, the Lackawaxen slips in to add its muscle, and the water seems to grin and push a touch faster, daring you to surrender to the ride.
Trail Wisdom
Wear Real Water Shoes
Closed-toe water shoes with grippy soles protect against slick cobbles and submerged branches—flip-flops get lost fast.
Rig It, Then Relax
Use a small dry bag and a short strap to secure essentials to your tube so nothing drifts away during riffles.
Sun-Smart Strategy
Long-sleeve UPF shirt and a brimmed hat beat constant reapplications of sunscreen on the water.
Read and Respect the Current
Keep your feet up in moving water, give fallen trees a wide berth, and follow your guide’s line through riffles.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the Roebling Bridge pedestrian path for river-and-history views.
- •Pop into the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen to connect literary lore with the river corridor.
Wildlife
Bald eagles, River otters
Conservation Note
This corridor is part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River managed by the National Park Service—pack out all trash, avoid disturbing riparian vegetation, and give nesting eagles at least 330 feet of space.
The Roebling Bridge (Delaware Aqueduct) is the oldest surviving wire suspension bridge in the U.S., and the Upper Delaware carried timber and canal traffic that built the region.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool, fast flows, Quiet wildlife viewing
Challenges: Cold water temps, Variable river levels
Spring can bring higher, colder water—great for a brisk drift but bring extra layers and be ready for changing conditions.
summer
Best for: Warm water floats, Family-friendly outings
Challenges: Strong sun, Weekend crowds at popular access points
Peak tubing season with comfortable temps and mellow flows; plan morning or late-afternoon starts to avoid heat and traffic.
fall
Best for: Foliage views, Crisp air and fewer crowds
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Cooling water
Golden banks and quieter ramps make for serene floats—bring a light insulating layer and wrap up earlier in the day.
winter
Best for: Solitude from shore, Eagle watching (off-river)
Challenges: Tubing generally not offered, Icy conditions
Tubing isn’t practical in winter; consider guided eagle-viewing drives and hikes along the river corridor instead.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Water ShoesEssential
Protects your feet on slick rocks and submerged debris during put-in, take-out, and any wades.
UPF Long-Sleeve Sun ShirtEssential
Provides all-day sun protection without constant sunscreen reapplication.
Small Dry Bag (10L) With StrapEssential
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry and secured to your tube so nothing floats away.
Polarized Sunglasses With Retainer
Cuts surface glare to spot submerged features and wildlife while reducing eye strain.
Common Questions
How long is the float?
Plan for 2–3 hours on the water, depending on daily current and section chosen by your guide.
Do I have to wear a lifejacket?
Yes. PFD use is required at all times for all participants, regardless of swimming ability.
Is this suitable for kids?
Tubing is generally suitable for ages 8+ in their own tube, with strict adherence to age and weight guidelines; younger children can join in tandem watercraft with an adult per guide discretion.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes—pack snacks and water in a small soft-sided dry bag. Avoid glass containers and hard coolers on tubes.
What if the weather or river level changes?
Guides monitor forecasts and USGS gauges; trips may be rescheduled or rerouted for safety if conditions become unfavorable.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Private guide service includes transportation to and from the river access points.
What to Pack
Closed-toe water shoes for traction on slick rocks; 1–2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated in the sun; UPF long-sleeve shirt and hat to manage all-day exposure; Small dry bag with strap to secure phone, keys, and snacks to your tube.
Did You Know
The Roebling Bridge in Lackawaxen, designed by John A. Roebling, is the oldest surviving wire suspension bridge in the United States and a precursor to his design of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning float to beat heat and boat ramp traffic; Check current flows via USGS Delaware/Lackawaxen gauges the day before; Bring cash for small-town eats and museum admissions; Expect spotty cell service in river valleys—download directions in advance.
Local Flavor
Post-float, head to Here & Now Brewing Company in Honesdale for small-batch beers and seasonal pub plates, or grab riverside fare at The Waterfront at The Inn at Lackawaxen. If you’re near Hawley, Wallenpaupack Brewing pours award-winning IPAs and lagers sourced from the region’s waterways.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: AVP (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) ~1 hr; SWF (New York–Stewart) ~1 hr. Typical put-ins/take-outs near Lackawaxen and Narrowsburg; ~25–40 minutes from Honesdale. Cell service is intermittent in the river corridor. No permits required for casual floating, but PFDs are mandatory and NPS regulations apply.
Sustainability Note
You’re floating a federally protected river corridor. Pack out every scrap, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid trampling riverbank vegetation, and give wildlife—especially nesting eagles—extra space.