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Registrations Now Being Accepted For June 15-23 Delaware River Sojourn

Interested paddlers are invited to register for the 24th Annual Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 15-23 and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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

“This year's theme, Still Wild After All These Years, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which protects rivers in their free-flowing condition for present and future generations” said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and chair of the sojourn steering committee.

“Three-quarters of the non-tidal Delaware River has been designated as Wild & Scenic,” explained Zakutansky. “On the 50th anniversary, it is only fitting that the Delaware River Sojourn highlights the Wild & Scenic program and features designated river stretches along our eight-day journey.”

Over 60 miles of the main stem Delaware River will be paddled in 2018, split into daily trips ranging from nine to 13 miles.

The sojourn will also paddle a section of the Lackawaxen River, a PA Delaware River tributary, on June 18, and sections of the Crosswicks and Watson creeks, two N.J. tidal tributaries, on June 23.

In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:

-- June 16: Northeast Wilderness Experience Camp, Equinunk, Pa. to Callicoon, PA

-- June 17: Callicoon to Narrowsburg, N.Y.

-- June 18: Lackawaxen River (stretch TBD)

-- June 19: Worthington State Forest, N.J. to Driftstone on the Delaware, Mt. Bethel, PA

-- June 20: Driftstone on the Delaware to Talen (PPL) Martins Creek, PA

-- June 21: Riegelsville, N.J. to Giving Pond Recreation Area, Upper Black Eddy, PA

-- June 22: Giving Pond Recreation Area to Bulls Island, N.J.

-- June 23: Crosswicks and Watson creeks & the Delaware River at Bordentown, 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 56 years to manage and protect this shared water resource. We encourage the public to participate in this family-friendly paddling and learning adventure.”

Registration fees in 2018 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; other sponsors include Konrad’s Kitchen of Yulan, N.Y. and individual donors.

The sojourn also receives grant funding from the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, Lehigh Valley Greenways, and PPL.

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. 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.

The non-profit, 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.

June 15 River Cleanup

On June 15, 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 four-mile section of the Delaware River starting at the Buckingham access in Pennsylvania and ending at the Lordville access in New York. Volunteers must pre-register through the Delaware River Sojourn website. Canoes and equipment will be provided.

Sojourn Registration

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

Other Sojourns

For information on other sojourn opportunities in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers website.

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