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Experience the thrill of rafting down the Delaware River with expert guides from Shawnee Inn. Choose between scenic 3- or 6-mile trips that blend adrenaline-pumping rapids with serene river views in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Poconos.
Experience the thrill of rafting down the Delaware River with expert guides from Shawnee Inn. Choose between scenic 3- or 6-mile trips that blend adrenaline-pumping rapids with serene river views in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Poconos.
Book with Shawnee Inn
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Shawnee Inn · East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the Delaware River cuts through the scenic Pocono Mountains, offering some of the best rafting experiences in the Northeast. This rafting trip launched from the iconic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is an exciting way to engage with the outdoors, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to whitewater adventures. The Delaware River is well-known for its combination of spirited rapids and calm stretches, providing a balanced ride that caters to families, groups, and solo adventurers alike.
Your journey begins at Shawnee Inn, a historic lodge perched along the riverside, which makes for a perfect launching point steeped in local charm. The trip options include refreshing 3-mile or more challenging 6-mile floats that wind through lush riparian forests and rugged rocky outcrops carved over millennia. Along the way, paddlers encounter Class II and III rapids, enough to get adrenaline pumping while still accessible for participants of various skill levels.
The surrounding forest is home to native flora such as eastern hemlocks and rhododendrons, and keep an eye out for wildlife glimpses—herons and river otters are common sights. Beyond the natural setting, this stretch of the Delaware holds rich local history, from indigenous Lenape heritage to its role in early American river trade routes.
Shawnee Inn’s rafting tours are well-regarded for their expert guides who prioritize safety and provide engaging instruction, making this trip ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking a safe thrill. The approachable rapids, combined with stunning riverside views and a welcoming community vibe, make this experience distinctive to the Poconos region.
For those staying nearby, East Stroudsburg offers an array of accommodations, eateries, and cultural spots that complement your rafting adventure. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, rafting the Delaware River from Shawnee Inn delivers an accessible and exhilarating outdoor escape that highlights the best of Pennsylvania’s river landscapes and outdoor recreation offerings.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Moderate fitness required; able to paddle for several hours and manage some rapids.
No prior experience is needed, as guides provide clear instructions and support throughout the trip.
Yes, children ages 8 and up can join, but participants should be comfortable in water and able to follow safety instructions.
Wear quick-drying clothing and water shoes or sandals with straps. Avoid cotton and bring a change of clothes.
Participants should bring their own snacks and water; there are spots to hydrate before and after the ride.
Rafting can be canceled or rescheduled in unsafe weather or high water conditions to ensure guest safety.
Trips start and end at Shawnee Inn’s private river access points along the Delaware River.
The Delaware River was historically used by the Lenape people and later became a critical route for colonial trade and travel.
Shawnee Inn promotes eco-friendly practices, including catch-and-release fishing policies and minimizing riverbank impact.
Shawnee Inn is a historic resort and activity provider located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sitting on the banks of the Delaware River within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The property offers a broad mix of outdoor, educational, and family-friendly experiences that launch from the inn and nearby access points. Activities available at Shawnee Inn include guided hikes on sections of the Appalachian Trail, guided canoe trips and open canoeing options (including 3-mile and 13-mile paddles), all-electric historic tram tours with on-site interpretation, archery in the Bamboo Garden, golf cart tours of the championship course, craft hour sessions, candle making workshops, seasonal Fall Harvest Tram Tours, stargazing tram tours, and special holiday programs such as Breakfast with Santa. Programs are led by trained staff who provide safety briefings, interpretive information about local history and river formation, and practical guidance like Leave No Trace hiking ethics and river safety. Seasonal offerings run on set dates, for example the Fall Harvest Tram Tour operates from late September through mid-November. Shawnee Inn’s combination of riverside location, structured programming, and interpretive guides makes it a convenient base for families, couples, and groups seeking curated outdoor experiences in the Poconos.
Book with Shawnee Inn