10 Fun Activities to Do in Upstate New York’s Delaware River Valley
The Delaware River Valley in Upstate New York offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming small towns. Nestled along the winding boarder between New York and Pennsylvania, this area follows the Delaware River from quaint Port Jervis up to Hancock, where New York State shoots off to the left, toward Binghamton and Ithaca. This picturesque valley presents a plethora of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking a respite from crush of NYC, the Delaware River Valley has something fantastic to offer. In this blog, we'll explore ten fun activities that will provide you with great memories and a new favorite Upstate New York spots to visit again and again.
10 Things to Do in the Delaware River Valley
River Tubing: Embark on a leisurely river tubing adventure down the pristine waters of the Delaware River. Rent a tube, relax, and let the gentle current guide you along as you soak up the stunning scenery surrounding you. It's a perfect activity for a sunny day and a fantastic way to enjoy the river. Landers River Trips (Callicoon) and OARS of Hancock are both great options.
Hiking and Exploring Nature Trails: Discover the region's natural beauty by exploring the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the Delaware River Valley. Immerse yourself in the lush forests, observe native wildlife, and relish the tranquility of the great outdoors. Popular trails include the Tusten Mountain Trail and the Minisink Battlefield Park Trail. One of our new favorite hiking trails is the Bouchoux Trail that features beautiful waterfalls at Jensen’s Ledges, a long-time favorite natural wonder for Sullivan County locals. Recently we lead our Culinary Camping attendees on a hike, and we all loved every minute of it!
Bald Eagle Watching: The Delaware River Valley is renowned for its thriving bald eagle population. Take a guided tour or venture by yourself to one of these siting locations, to catch a glimpse of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. The sight of a bald eagle soaring above the river is truly awe-inspiring.
Travel Back in Time: Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region by visiting the historic sites scattered throughout the Delaware River Valley. Explore the centuries-old stone houses in Narrowsburg or tour the beautiful covered bridges throughout Sullivan County. Take a trip to the Fort Delaware Museum to learn about the region's role in the American Revolution. You can also bring home a piece of history. Grab a coffee at The Kitchen Table Cafe and then head out on a day of antiquing, starting in quaint downtown Callicoon.
Fishing and Hunting: Cast your line into the Delaware River for some of the best trout fishing on the East Coast. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, fishing in the East and West Branches of the Delaware is a relaxing and rewarding experience. This region is also a great destination during deer season, or year round for clay target shooting.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Experience the thrill of paddling on the Delaware River's gentle rapids by renting a canoe or kayak. Glide along the river, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters, as you navigate through the scenic valley. Keep an eye out for a glimpse of eagles and hawks along the way. Check out Kittatinny Canoes for details and pricing.
Visit Local Breweries: The Delaware River Valley is home to a vibrant craft beer and spirits scene. Explore the craft beer scene by visiting breweries like the Roscoe Beer Company, known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, as well as its live music on the weekends. Upward Brewing Company, near Livingston Manor, is a unique destination that combines award wining craft beer with stunning panoramic views. Located on a hilltop, this brewery offers visitors a chance to savor delicious brews while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Tasting and Tours at Local Distilleries: For those who prefer spirits, there are distilleries in the area producing exceptional liquors. Catskill Provisions Distillery, with its tasting room in Callicoon, is known for handcrafted spirits, subtly infused with local raw wildflower honey. Rock Valley Spirits is a small-batch distillery specializing in artisanal spirits created with a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. The friendly proprietors invite visitors to experience their unique process with a tour and tasting, on Saturdays from 2-6pm. Their lineup includes handcrafted gin, vodka, and barrel-aged spirits, many of which are infused with their wild harvested berries and botanicals from their family farmlands.
We always love stopping by Rock Valley Spirits for a tour, a delicious cocktail, and a chat with Terry.
Scenic Drives: For sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts, the Delaware River Valley offers an exhilarating experience known as the Hawks Nest. This stretch of road, located along Route 97, is renowned for its winding curves, stunning views, and challenging twists. Whether you're behind the wheel of a sports car or cruising on a motorcycle, the Hawks Nest provides an exciting and scenic route that will satisfy your need for speed and adventure. Of course you can also take a leisurely pace, stopping for breathtaking views of the river and rolling hills.
Explore Quaint Towns: The Delaware River Valley is dotted with charming small towns that are worth exploring. Stroll through Narrowsburg's art galleries and boutique shops, visit Callicoon's farmers' market, or explore the historic Main Street in Hancock. Each town has its own unique charm and offers a glimpse into the region's local culture. Venture east for lunch or provisions at Main Street Farm in the charming town of Livingston Manor.
A few of our favorite stops in Callicoon: Callicoon Caffè, the Callicoon Pantry and Catskill Provisions Distillery
Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, the Delaware River Valley will have you falling in love in no time. From river tubing and hiking to historic sites and whiskey tasting, the Delaware River Valley promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
If you're looking to enhance your exploration of this beautiful area, consider joining us at Basecamp Brooklyn for our Culinary Camping Experiences. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Delaware River Valley while enjoying five-star meals prepared by our talented Chef Allan. Our culinary camping experiences are designed to highlight the flavors of the region, offering a unique and delectable way to savor the local harvest.
So, pack your bags, embrace the beauty of this scenic valley, and if you're looking for an extraordinary culinary adventure, check out our Culinary Camping Experiences at Basecamp Brooklyn. We invite you to experience the best of the Delaware River Valley, where delicious meals and breathtaking surroundings converge to create an unforgettable journey.
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