Interested paddlers are invited to register for the 23rd Annual Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 17-23.

The Delaware River Sojourn combines the experiences of guided paddling excursions with interpretive programs, camping, and camaraderie.  Participants may sign up for the entire seven-day trip or for the day(s) of their choice; all skill levels are welcome.

“This year's theme, Flowing Together, highlights the river’s tributary watersheds that make up the Delaware River Basin, as well as the individuals who come together to protect it,” said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and chair of the sojourn steering committee.

Over 55 miles of the mainstem Delaware River will be paddled in 2017, split into daily trips ranging from six to 13 miles.  The sojourn will also paddle a section of the Lehigh River, the Delaware’s second largest tributary, on June 21.

In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:

-- June 17: Zane Grey Museum, Lackawaxen, Pa. to Corwin Farm, N.Y.

-- June 18: Staircase Rapids Access, N.Y. to Matamoras, Pa.

-- June 19: Dingmans Ferry, Pa. to Bushkill, Pa.

-- June 20: Bushkill to Worthington State Forest, N.J.

-- June 21 (Lehigh River): Rt. 33 Access, Pa. to Hugh Moore Park, Easton, Pa.

-- June 22: Martins Creek Access, Pa. to Scott Park, Easton, Pa.

-- June 23: Scott Park to Riegelsville, N.J.

“The sojourn is a wonderful way to discover the Delaware River and experience first-hand the unique character and diversity of its different sections,” said Delaware River Basin Commission Executive Director Steve Tambini.  “DRBC has been working for more than 55 years to manage this shared water resource.  We encourage the public to participate in this family-friendly paddling and learning adventure.”

Registration fees in 2017 are $80 per day for adults and $50 per day for children (ages 15 and under).  There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $5 per person for this American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members.

Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals, a souvenir T-shirt, and optional overnight camping sites. 

Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum nor wooden canoes are recommended.

Sojourn expenses are subsidized by donations and grants.  The regional supermarket cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013. 

The sojourn also receives grant funding from the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. These funds help keep costs as low as possible for participants and support the sojourn’s Youth Paddle and First-Time Paddler programs.

The sojourn’s Youth Paddle Program funds full scholarships for a limited number of student groups and their leaders.  There are still scholarships available; interested teachers or scout leaders should visit to learn more. 

The sojourn’s First-Time Paddler’s Program is another savings opportunity available on a first-come, first-served basis for adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn.

On June 16, 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 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers will clean up a five-mile section of the Delaware River starting at the Ten Mile River access in N.Y. and ending at Lackawaxen, Pa. Volunteers must pre-register through the Delaware River Sojourn website. Canoes and equipment will be provided.

The nonprofit, annual event is organized by a steering committee with representatives from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual volunteers.  The DRBC has proudly served on the steering committee since the sojourn’s early years and is represented by Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt.

Registration details, itinerary overview, sojourn partners, and sojourn guidelines are available at 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@riversojourn.com.

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[Posted: April 17, 2017]

4/24/2017