East Stroudsburg: Gateway to the Best River Trips in PA

East Stroudsburg doesn't get enough credit. It sits at the edge of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, right where Pennsylvania and New Jersey meet along the Delaware River — which puts it at the center of some of the best outdoor recreation in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. If you're searching for river trips, hiking, or a real outdoor weekend near a major city, East Stroudsburg is the answer you were looking for.

Where Exactly Is East Stroudsburg?

East Stroudsburg is in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, right on the PA/NJ border. It sits along the I-80 corridor, which makes it one of the most accessible mountain and river destinations from the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas.

By the numbers: roughly 75 miles west of the George Washington Bridge, about 90 miles from midtown Manhattan, and around 90 miles from Philadelphia. That puts it in legitimate day-trip range for tens of millions of people — close enough to leave after breakfast and be on the water by mid-morning. It's the same reason people have been coming here from the city for over a century.

The town itself is a small college town (East Stroudsburg University calls it home), with the surrounding area serving as a gateway to the Pocono Mountains and, most importantly, the Delaware Water Gap.

What's the #1 Thing to Do Near East Stroudsburg?

River trips on the Delaware — it's not particularly close.

The Delaware River runs right along the edge of town, through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and it's one of the finest paddling rivers on the East Coast. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, rafting — all of it happens here, and all of it is excellent.

Chamberlain Canoeshas been the go-to outfitter for this stretch of river since 1968. Family-owned and operated for nearly 60 years, they're located at 103 Five Star Lane in East Stroudsburg, right at the edge of the Water Gap. Every trip includes transportation, life vests, and all equipment — you just show up ready to get on the water.

The options cover the full range: tubing for an easy, social float; canoes and kayaks for routes from 6 to 16 miles; rafts for groups who want to pile in together; and overnight trips for the full immersive experience. Whatever kind of day you're after, the river can deliver it.

What Else Is East Stroudsburg Known For?

East Stroudsburg is the main gateway to the Pocono Mountains, which means the outdoor recreation calendar here extends well beyond summer paddling.

In winter, the Poconos is Pennsylvania's ski country — Camelback Mountain Resort is about 20 minutes away and is the closest ski mountain to New York City. In fall, the foliage along the Delaware River and Kittatinny Ridge is spectacular and draws visitors specifically for the color.

The broader region has waterfalls, lakes, and trails throughout. Lake Wallenpaupack is about 45 minutes north and is one of the larger lakes in Pennsylvania, popular for boating and fishing. The Delaware Water Gap NRA itself encompasses over 70,000 acres of protected land with hiking, wildlife watching, and river access along a 40-mile stretch.

What Are the Best Hikes Near East Stroudsburg?

The Delaware Water Gap NRA has some of the best accessible hiking in the Northeast, and much of it is within 20 minutes of downtown East Stroudsburg.

Mount Tammanyon the New Jersey side of the Gap is the most popular summit in the area — a 3.6-mile loop with 1,200 feet of elevation gain that tops out with panoramic views of the river and the Gap below. It's challenging enough to feel earned, and the view is worth every step.

The Appalachian Trail passes directly through the Gap and offers everything from short out-and-back sections to longer ridge walks along the Kittatinny. The Dingmans Falls Trailon the Pennsylvania side is a gentler 1-mile round trip to a 130-foot waterfall — one of the tallest in Pennsylvania and an easy add-on to any river day.

Is East Stroudsburg Worth Visiting?

If you're in the NYC or Philadelphia metro area and you haven't been — yes, genuinely yes.

The Delaware Water Gap is one of the most accessible major outdoor recreation areas in the country. You can leave New York City on a Saturday morning, be on the river by 10am, spend the day paddling or tubing through one of the prettiest stretches of river on the East Coast, and be back in the city for dinner. Or you can stay the weekend, hike on Sunday, and make it a real trip.

It's the kind of place that surprises people — most visitors assume the Poconos means ski resorts and waterparks. The river and the Gap are something else entirely.

Where Is Chamberlain Canoes?

Chamberlain Canoes is located at 103 Five Star Lane, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 — right at the edge of the Delaware Water Gap. It's straightforward to find coming off I-80: take Exit 308 and follow the signs toward the Water Gap. The phone is (570) 421-0180.

The season runs from early May through the first three weekends of October. Trips depart daily during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and on weekends during the shoulder months.

Ready to Book a River Trip?

Start with the canoe trips if you want to explore the river at your own pace, or the tubing page for the most relaxed afternoon the Delaware has to offer. The FAQ answers the most common questions, and the trip guide covers everything you need to know before you go.