Stretching across the heart of northwestern New Jersey, the Delaware River Sojourn invites paddlers to engage directly with a river that’s fiercely itself—questioning, pushing forward, daring those who take to its waters. Starting in Blairstown, this annual event offers a multi-day paddling journey along the Upper Delaware’s crystal-clear flow, moving through sections that challenge both novices and seasoned adventurers alike.

The route spans approximately 50 miles over several days, combining flat water stretches with currents that demand respect and attention. Each day brings a new pulse: early morning fog lifting off the river, occasional rapids that chatter at your hull, and forested banks leaning in as if to watch your progress. Elevation gain translates into occasional portages around shallow riffles or fallen trees, a practical reminder that this river is an active participant, not a mere backdrop.

Preparation is key. Paddlers should pack lightweight, waterproof gear, favor sturdy footwear that transitions well between water and shore, and ensure hydration strategies are in place—this is not a race; it’s an engagement with a living watercourse. Timing your journey to start early will help you catch calm mornings while reducing exposure to afternoon winds that can stir the river’s temperament.

Campsites are spaced to facilitate rest without breaking stride, each offering a quiet claim to evening starlight that filters through dense hardwood canopies. The air here carries more than moisture—it holds the soft echoes of history, where native tribes, colonial settlers, and modern-day conservationists have all left their marks.

Blairstown acts as a logical base for this journey, offering resources for last-minute outfitting or a final comfortable night on solid ground. From here, the river pulls you; it’s a dynamic entity, sometimes calm, sometimes insistent. Respecting its flow while meeting it head-on creates an experience both thrilling and grounded.

This isn’t just paddling. It’s an encounter with the Upper Delaware’s spirit—alive in the current, whispering through the leaves, challenging every stroke you take to be purposeful. Whether you come for the sheer distance, the scenic interplay of water and forest, or to tap into a tradition of outdoor endeavor, the Delaware River Sojourn demands preparation, respect, and a readiness to listen to what the river tells you.