Float down the River
The Delaware River flows south from Milford to Delaware Water Gap (and further south to the Atlantic Ocean). Most boaters select a stop down river of where they want to get on the river and use the River Runner North. They arrive back at their vehicle at the end of their float. Example: Park at Smithfield Beach, take the shuttle to Bushkill and float down to Smithfield.
Distance / Approximate Time on River*
*Times are approximate based on flow of river and assumes watercraft with paddles. Times do not apply to floats with tubes without paddles.
Easy Steps to Use the Shuttle With Boats
Small Craft Portage
Through 2018, MCTA transported thousands of kayaks and canoes up and down the Delaware River. Our free boat portage service is most helpful for those who use the river for boat recreation.
Our trailers are designed to haul up to 10 kayaks, canoes, and smaller inflatable craft, along with personal flotation devices, oars and paddles, coolers and camping equipment. If you have access to, and the ability to use the proper equipment, you can take a trip anywhere from 2 to 22 miles on the Delaware River.
The best part is that we take the chore of the relay vehicle. You park and load our bus and float back to your vehicle.
There is no portage service from Kittatinny up-river. As an alternative, we recommend the following: (1) Park at the Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride; (2) Take the River Runner north to your choice of stop; (3) Float back to Kittatinny; (4) Leave your boat(s) in a secure location; (5) Take your small gear on the Water Gap Hiker Shuttle back to the Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride and (6) Drive back to Kittatinny for your boat. Why was this change made? Crossing the Delaware with a trailer cost $13.50 per trip. By not attaching a trailer, we can afford to run more trips to reduce parking issues at Kittatinny and Dunnfield Creek.
Safe and Secure
All of our bus operators are specially trained to drive this route and have at least a CDL Class B license. Our trailer equipment is checked regularly throughout the season to ensure safe operation. Each vehicle is provided the proper maintanence to meet all state standards.
Current River Conditions
Gage height, feet: Loading
Discharge, cubic feet per second: Loading
Water Temperture: Loading
Reminder: the NPS requires every boater to have a personal flotation device.
Overnight River Trips
There are a limited number of overnight camping locations approved by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You can use the River Runner for an extended overnight trip by parking at the Dingmans Boat Launch location and completing your trip at Smithfield Beach (or vice versa) on a weekend service. Be sure to check the schedule and be off the river to catch the shuttle back to your vehicle in time. Check the National Park Service for important information about camping along the river.
River Resources
Waterprooof river recreation mapsets are available for the Delaware River using this link to the Delaware River Basin Commission. Also, A Paddler's Guide to the Delaware River may be a useful book for those looking for the most information about the river. For an extended trip on the river, consider participating in the 2018 Delaware River Sojurn.
Find Other Adventures
Large Groups and Points North Note:
The trailer gets full, especially on gorgeous, sunny days. If you're coming from the north (e.g. Dingmans Ferry, Milford, Summit, NJ, upstate NY) and have a group of people AND water craft with you, consider doing this: drop your gear at your put-in point (with a few folks to watch it) and stage your relief vehicles at your take-out point. Use our shuttle to ferry the drivers back to your put-in point. Seats are always available on the shuttle for passengers, but limited space for boats on the trailer. We know everyone wants to ride the shuttle - that really is the highlight of our day, of course - but this movement will make your trip more enjoyable if you don't have to worry about having space on our trailer for your equipment.
