The Delaware River Sojourn combines guided paddling excursions, interpretive programs and camping. Participants may sign up for the entire trip or for the day(s) of their choice; all skill levels are welcome.
“The sojourn is a family-friendly paddling and learning adventure, a wonderful way to discover the Delaware River,” said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Sojourn Steering Committee. “We are really excited to be back and look forward to hosting a safe, fun and educational program; 2020 was the first year there was no Delaware River Sojourn since it began in 1995.”
Over 60 miles of the main stem Delaware River will be paddled in 2021, split into daily trips ranging from five to 13 miles.
In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:
-- Saturday, August 7 - Hancock, N.Y. to Buckingham, Pa.
-- Sunday, August 8 - Buckingham to Northeast Wilderness Experience (NEWE) Campground, Equinunk, Pa.
-- Monday, August 9 – NEWE Campground to Callicoon, Pa.
-- Tuesday, August 10 - Damascus, Pa. to Narrowsburg, N.Y.
-- Wednesday, August 11 – Minisink Park on the Brodhead Creek to Driftstone Campground, Mt. Bethel, Pa.
-- Thursday, August 12 – Driftstone Campground to Talen Boat Launch, Martins Creek, Pa.
-- Friday, August 13 – Talen Boat Launch to Phillipsburg, N.J.
“By getting people out on the Delaware River and experiencing it first-hand, the sojourn helps create stewards of this important natural resource,” said Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Steve Tambini. “The Delaware River Sojourn is one of the longest-running programs of its kind, and DRBC is proud to have been a part of the steering committee since its early years.”
Registration fees in 2021 are $90 per day for adults and $60 per day for children (ages 15 and under). There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $10 per person for this American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members.
This year due to the pandemic, registration will be capped at 75 participants per day to allow for social distancing. The sojourn will follow current guidance issued by the CDC and state agencies and will implement protocols to protect public health as needed.
Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals and optional overnight camping sites.
Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum nor wooden canoes are recommended.
Adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn are invited to take advantage of the First-Time Paddler Program, which offers a discount on registration available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Delaware River Sojourn appreciates the support of its donors and grantors. The regional supermarket cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013; individual donors also provide valuable support.
The sojourn receives grant funding from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, Brookfield Renewables and PPL Utilities.
These funds help keep costs as low as possible for participants and support the sojourn’s reduced fees for youth and its educational and First-Time Paddler programs.
August 6 Cleanup
On Friday, August 6, the day before the paddle trip begins, the sojourn and the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are hosting a river cleanup from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers will clean up a two-mile section of the East Branch Delaware River near Hancock, N.Y. Pre-registration is required through the Delaware River Sojourn website. Canoes and equipment will be provided.
Registration
Registration details, itinerary overview and sojourn safety guidelines are available at the Delaware River Sojourn website.
Sojourners can register online using Paypal. Registration-related questions and first-time paddler discount availability inquiries should be directed to Dejay Branch at (646) 205-2724 or send email to: info@delawareriversojourn.com.
The nonprofit, annual event is planned by a steering committee with representatives from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and individual volunteers.
Delaware River Basin Commission Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt serves as the commission’s representative. She can be contacted by sending an email to: kate.schmidt@drbc.gov.
Visit the Delaware River Sojourn website for all the details.
2021 Sojourn Schedule
To learn more about sojourns in other parts of the state, visit the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers 2021 Sojourns webpage. There are also tips for planning a safe trip.
[Posted: May 11, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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