This winding large river is surrounded on either side by trees. An army of them, coloring the landscape with a wash of green through the spring and summer, or shades of burnt orange, yellow, and red in autumn. This Eden of riverside fun is well within reach, just a couple of hours from Manhattan. This is the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, and it’s not just beautiful, it’s practical too: the river site has contributed $21 million to the local economy, according to a new report from the National Park Service.

The river, which winds across the border between New York and Pennsylvania, had over 300,000 visitors in 2023, who spent a total of $16.6 million in the park and surrounding areas. Add that total to the 157 jobs that were supported by that spending and the cumulative benefit to the local economy sits at about $21 million.

A mix of historical facts and gorgeous nature makes the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River a particularly special place. Old-timey-trivia fanatics and infrastructure nerds will love the country’s oldest existing wire suspension bridge, and outdoorspeople come for fishing, canoeing, and soaking in the scenery at the last major undammed river in the eastern United States.

Repeat visitors (or one time visitors who are scarily dedicated and athletic) can work towards the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River “Take a Hike!” patch by completing six local hikes, and then (even scarier) filling out all of the associated forms and paperwork. American bald eagles can sometimes be spotted in the surrounding areas too, so keep an eye out.

Plan ahead and make a river trip out of your visit. Check the water levels, load the necessary gear and safety equipment, and set out to view the towering trees and shining water by raft, tube, kayak or canoe. The National Park Service always recommends that you wear a life vest when in the area of the river. Find more safety information and plan your trip here.

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