Gravel and Riverlight: A Guided Cycling Day Trip in the Upper Delaware
A beginner-friendly, guide-supported gravel loop that samples the Upper Delaware’s best backroads in about two hours.
First light slips through hemlocks and maples as your tires hum over pale gravel, the Delaware River keeping easy company off your left shoulder. Morning mist lifts in tatters, unveiling pastures stitched to low ridgelines and stone walls that still remember the hands that stacked them. The road rolls, playful and unhurried, and your guide sets a friendly pace. This is the Upper Delaware River Region at head height: a quiet network of dirt lanes, creekside bends, and forested climbs that ask only for steady legs and a curious mind.
Trail Wisdom
Run Lower Tire Pressure
Drop 5–10 psi from your usual road pressure for better grip and comfort on gravel and packed dirt.
Eyes Up, Line Light
Look past the loose stuff and steer a relaxed, wide arc through turns to keep momentum and control.
Hydrate Early
Sip regularly, even on cool days—rolling terrain and loose surfaces can sneak up on your energy.
Eagle Etiquette
If you spot a bald eagle, keep distance, speak softly, and avoid lingering beneath nesting trees.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Tusten Mountain overlook for a short post-ride hike with river views
- •Skinners Falls river access for a quick toe-dip on hot days
Wildlife
Bald eagle, White-tailed deer
Conservation Note
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a protected corridor—pack out all trash, respect private property along backroads, and give nesting eagles a wide berth.
Segments of the nearby Delaware & Hudson Canal once paralleled the river, moving anthracite coal and shaping the region’s towns and trade routes.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Waterfalls and high-flow creeks, Cool riding temps
Challenges: Muddy stretches, Variable weather and slick leaves
Expect cool mornings, lively streams, and mixed surfaces. Pack a light shell and be ready for puddles.
summer
Best for: Shaded forest lanes, River breezes and swim stops
Challenges: Humidity, Gnats and deerflies in still sections
Ride early or late for cooler temperatures; bug spray and steady hydration are key.
fall
Best for: Peak foliage vistas, Crisp air and firm surfaces
Challenges: Leaf-covered corners, Shorter daylight
Traction is great, but hidden gravel under leaves demands smooth braking and careful lines.
winter
Best for: Quiet roads, Long sightlines and eagle watching
Challenges: Icy patches, Wind chill
Dress in layers, watch for black ice in shaded bends, and expect a peaceful, uncrowded ride.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
HelmetEssential
Required for all riders and essential protection on mixed surfaces.
Gravel/MTB Bike (35–50 mm tires)Essential
Wider, knobby or file-tread tires add comfort and control on dirt and pea gravel.
Two Water Bottles or Hydration PackEssential
Staying ahead of hydration keeps energy steady on rolling terrain.
Packable Rain/Wind Shell
A light shell handles surprise showers and fast descents in shoulder seasons.
Common Questions
How far and how hard is the ride?
Plan on about 10 miles over two hours, with gentle hills and mostly dirt or gravel roads. It’s designed for beginners and families.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. A gravel, mountain, or sturdy hybrid with off-road tires works best. Bring spare tubes and basic repair supplies if you have them.
What happens if it rains?
Trips run in light rain but may be rescheduled for thunderstorms, high winds, or poor surface conditions. Your guide will make the call for safety.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are typically fine on these roads, but confirm in advance to ensure compatibility with the day’s route and group pacing.
Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, riders ages 10+ are welcome if they’re comfortable riding 10 miles and can follow safety instructions. A parent or guardian must sign for minors.
Are bathrooms available on the route?
Facilities can be limited on backroads. Use the restroom before departure; the guide may plan a mid-ride stop when possible.
What to Pack
Helmet and gloves: safer hands and head on loose surfaces; Two water bottles: steady hydration on rolling gravel; Light shell: wind and surprise showers happen year-round; Snack you love: quick calories make the final miles feel easy.
Did You Know
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River protects roughly 73.4 miles of free-flowing river between Hancock and Sparrowbush, designated by Congress in 1978.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to fine-tune seat height; Run slightly lower tire pressure for comfort and grip; Bring cash or card for a post-ride bite in town; Download offline maps—cell service dips in valleys.
Local Flavor
Refuel in Honesdale at Here & Now Brewing Company for wood-fired pies and local pours, or grab a seasonal plate at Dyberry Forks. If you’re heading toward Hawley, the Settlers Inn garden is a mellow spot to linger. Coffee before or after? Black & Brass Coffee Roasting Co. keeps the river-town energy strong.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AVP), about 45–60 minutes by car. Meet-up/route varies around the Upper Delaware; expect 10–30 minutes driving from Honesdale. Cell service is spotty in hollows—download details in advance. No permits required for public roads, but follow local traffic laws and NPS guidance near the river corridor.
Sustainability Note
Gravel roads are resilient but not invincible—avoid riding through soft, saturated sections that rut easily, yield to wildlife, and keep noise low near nesting areas. Pack out everything you pack in.