Upper Delaware Scenic And Recreational River
Almost all land along the river is privately owned; public river access areas are located on both the Pennsylvania and New York shores. Private campgrounds and canoe liveries are available near the river.
The Upper Delaware was an important transportation route for Native Americans and early settlers. In 1828 the Delaware and Hudson Canal opened, bringing coal-laden boats from the Pennsylvania interior to the port of New York. However, problems soon developed at the point where the canal crossed the river: Slow-moving boats being towed across the river were constantly colliding with the huge log and timber rafts that were coursing down the river to sawmills and shipyards in Trenton, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa.
To solve the problem and improve the canal's efficiency, the company approved a plan to build the canal above the water. John Roebling, who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge, built the Delaware Aqueduct, known today as Roebling Bridge, to cross the river and carry canal traffic from Lackawaxen, Pa., to Minisink Ford, N.Y. The aqueduct is considered to be the oldest wire suspension bridge in America. The adjacent tollhouse contains exhibits interpreting the history of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, John Roebling and the Delaware Aqueduct.
Beavers, foxes, white-tailed deer, minks, muskrats, otters, rabbits and squirrels populate the area. Birds include bald eagles, great blue herons, Canada geese and several varieties of hawks and ducks.
On the banks of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River lies the Zane Grey Museum, in Lackawaxen, Pa. The renowned Western author began his writing career and lived at the site with his wife, Dolly, 1905-18.
Recreational opportunities include boating, canoeing, fishing and rafting. In summer the National Park Service offers a variety of programs and recreational activities, including cultural and natural history walks and guided hikes.
Information stations are located at some public boating access sites in Narrowsburg, N.Y. and Lackawaxen, Pa., and at the Zane Grey Museum on Scenic Dr. in Lackawaxen, Pa. Phone (570) 684-4871 for the museum or (845) 252-7100 for river conditions. The museum is open Wed.-Sun. 10-5, Memorial Day-Sept. 30; Sat.-Sun. 10-5, first three weekends in Oct.