Delaware
Where is the Delaware River deepest? New map poster shows 113-foot answer
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On vacation from France, Sandrine Fontaine and her husband, got the memory of a lifetime as they paddled near the coastline.
Sandrine Fontaine
Where is the deepest part of the 330-mile Delaware River? Where it is also widest, where the river meets the Delaware Bay? Try Narrowsburg, New York. A new map has been published showing the mysterious contours of what is called the “Big Eddy Narrows.”
The river, the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi, is 113 feet deep at River Mile 290, counting from Delaware Bay, and visible from the bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New York.
The Delaware River’s average depth is only four to five feet, although holes of 12 to 18 feet are not unusual.
A diver with a local search and rescue team said no light penetrates the bottom at all.
Made a map poster
The map is available as an 11-by-17-inch poster that its creator has donated to benefit the non-profit Upper Delaware Council (UDC), announced UDC Executive Director Laurie Ramie.
The map was developed by Lisa Glover of Honesdale, who became enthralled with this unique, local claim to fame of the Delaware River and contacted the UDC.
Although one might muse that the hamlet of Narrowsburg should have been named Deepestburg, its name is derived from its other distinction of being the main stem’s narrowest part. The river courses through a rock canyon before the bridge, where it is only 200 feet wide.
Where to see it
The Big Eddy Observation Deck on Main Street in Narrowsburg has an interpretative sign telling these distinctive topographic features. Here the public also finds a good place to watch for bald eagles as rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts go by.
Perhaps very few people paddling by or on shore looking at this scenic part of the river are aware of the fantastic underwater depth.
This very deep part of the Delaware also is easily seen from the Darbytown Access on the Pennsylvania side.
The interpretative sign at the deck offers two theories of how the 113-foot hole was created. The first is that a long-drowned “plunge pool” was created from a glacial waterfall. The other theory is that a pothole was formed by tumbling rocks scoured out through erosion.
A whirlpool is often visible at the Big Eddy, where the deepest point is located just downstream from the narrows.
Log rafts spun like tops
The deeps at Narrowsburg have been known for a very long time, impacting 19th century log rafters. The Wayne County Herald’s Feb. 20, 1873, edition reported that J.I. Appleby and J.E. Miller, of Narrowsburg, out of curiosity took soundings of the river from a boat. They concluded the river was 101 feet. “Rafts in coming down the Delaware are frequently drawn into this eddy and sometimes detained for days,” the article reads. “Whenever the wind is blowing with any force, rafts are sure to be drawn into this eddy where they have to remain until the wind calms.”
The Herald republished an unattributed column from The Middletown Mercury on Jan. 20, 1881, stating that log rafts caught in the Big Eddy “may spin around like a top for an hour.” Rafts so caught could create a river traffic jam of a hundred rafts. “I have seen 500 rafts in here at one time, some of them on top of each other, and some turned up on edge, and others bottom side up,” the columnist penned.
Extensive research
The UDC press release states that Glover read articles from the UDC’s “The Upper Delaware” newsletter which led her to interviews with National Park Service divers who had measured the hole. Glover also found various illustrations.
She spoke of her desire for an accurately detailed map of the river bottom with the hope of potentially solving the mystery. Although topographic maps exist showing the elevation of landforms above “sea level,” bathymetric maps show depths of landforms below water.
Glover, in her research, discovered that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) had published a LiDAR scan of the Delaware River in 2020 and reached research scientist John Young, who provided a digital map focused on the Big Eddy section, the press release states.
Obtaining a map
From her research, Glover designed a topobathymetric color map with 10-foot contour lines and to-scale cross sections of The Narrows and The Deeps, printed 50 copies, and offered a stack to the UDC to share with the public as a fundraiser.
The Big Eddy Narrows poster is available for a $20 donation to the UDC.
Contact Administrative Support Stephanie Driscoll at stephanie@upperdelawarecouncil.org or 845-252-3022, or stop by the UDC’s office at 211 Bridge St. in Narrowsburg (next to the firehouse) on weekdays for pick-up.
Payment must be by check or cash. Add $3 for mail orders.
Glover is affiliated with Highlights for Children, the Stourbridge Project, the Wayne County Arts Alliance and the Center on Rural Innovation, for which she is their Placemaking Fellow.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master of engineering degree from Lehigh University and likes to use a paddle board. Her website is lisathemaker.com.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
TV, kickoff times set for 2026 Delaware football schedule
Blue Hens with numerous national TV appearances in second Conference USA season
The all-important recruiting game is sped up now that Delaware is a Football Bowl Subdivision outfit as it heads into its second season in Conference USA.
With the start of preseason practice still a month away, Blue Hens coaches have been busy watching future prospects show their skills during on-campus camps as they attempt to build future rosters.
At least 15 Class of 2027 high school recruits have already verbally committed to accepting Delaware’s scholarship offer as of June 30, according to social media reports.
Recruits are not officially part of the UD program until December’s signing period.
That list includes four players from Delaware high schools – Cape Henlopen quarterback Jameson Tingle, Middletown linebacker Mekhi Corbin and offensive linemen Mario Castillo from Red Lion and Game Medico of Salesianum.
Delaware Class of 2027 commits
Douglass Callihan, 6-0, 215, LB, Gilmer/Ellijay, Georgia
Charles Carpenter-Simms, 6-2, 200, DB, Dexter Southfield/Brookline, Massachusetts
Mario Castillo, 6-6, 290, OL, Red Lion Christian Academy/Bear, Delaware
Mekhi Corbin, 6-1, 210, LB, Middletown/Middletown, Delaware
Austin Farrell, 6-3, 265, DL, Iona Prep, New York City
Kodi Gbanite, 6-3, 250, DT, Livingston/Livingston, New Jersey
Cooper Hodson, 6-3, 310, OL, Providence Day School/Charlotte, North Carolina
Chase Hyacinth, 6-4, 220, DE, Eagle Academy, New York City
Gabe Medico, 6-5, 260, OL, Salesianum/Wilmington, Delaware
Darius Smith, 6-1, 170, DB, Millbrook/Raleigh, North Carolina
Ronny Taylor, 5-11, 180, DB, Jenkins/Savannah, Georgia
Jameson Tingle, 6-2, 185, QB, Cape Henlopen/Lewes, Delaware
Aaron Truedell, 5-9, 170, RB, Lakeland Christian/Lakeland, Florida
Charles Williams, 5-10, 170, WR, Bamberg-Ehrhardt/Bamberg, South Carolina
Anthony Willis, 6-2, 180, WR, Bergen Catholic/Oradell, New Jersey
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.
With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.
“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”
Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?
State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.
DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.
However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:
- Spinners
- Fountains
- Jumping jacks
- Ground blooms
- Handheld sparklers
These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.
Firework Safety Tips
DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:
- Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.
Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.
Delaware
Delaware on Main Street Program Grows as 17 Communities Earn National Designations – State of Delaware News
DOVER, Del. – On Monday, the Delaware on Main Street (DOMS) Program, operating within the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB), presented certificates of accreditation or affiliation to 17 downtown organizations on behalf of Main Street America.
The recognition reflects continued growth in the Delaware on Main Street Program, with two new organizations joining the network between July 2025 and January 2026 and two communities advancing to Main Street America’s highest designation level. Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs, up from four in 2025, representing a 50% increase in communities earning Main Street America’s top designation.
“I’m incredibly excited to see the growth of this program and so proud of the dedication, passion, and effort that each of these Main Street programs put into economic development and revitalization of their downtown areas,” said Delaware on Main Street Coordinator Anastasia Jackson. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve.”
The impact of Delaware’s Main Street programs extends far beyond recognition. In 2025, eleven Delaware on Main Street programs generated more than $306.8 million in local reinvestment, facilitated the creation of 421 full-time and 108 part-time jobs, and helped open 104 new businesses. They also completed 38 rehabilitation projects, 85 public improvement projects, and eight new construction projects. Volunteers contributed more than 29,293 hours to support downtown revitalization efforts.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce a list of designated programs that have committed to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns through the Main Street Approach™.
These designations serve as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders, that a Main Street program has an established position within a nationwide movement. Main Street America’s 46-year track record of economic success and community building has created a lasting impact in communities across the country.
Certificates were presented during the quarterly Main Street meeting held at Middletown Town Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The four programs receiving renewed accreditation are Downtown Wilmington Visions, Downtown Dover Partnership, Downtown Milford, Inc., and Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Inc. The two programs earning accreditation status for the first time are Cornerstone West CDC in Wilmington and Middletown Main Street.
To qualify for Accredited status, Main Street America’s highest designation tier, communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach™ and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
The remaining 11 downtown programs receiving Affiliate status are City of Harrington, City of Seaford, Clayton Main Street, Delaware City, Main Street Laurel, Millsboro Downtown Partnership, Milton Main Street, The Newark Partnership, Town of Elsmere, Smyrna Main Street, and Town of Georgetown.
To qualify for Affiliate status, Main Street America’s second designation tier, communities must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Main Street model and dedication to achieving outcomes in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.
According to Main Street America, for every dollar invested in the operation of a Main Street program, an average of $21.73 is reinvested into its downtown and commercial corridor communities.
Together, Delaware’s accredited and affiliate Main Street programs are helping strengthen local economies, support small businesses, preserve historic downtowns, and create vibrant places where residents and visitors want to live, work, and spend time.
To learn more about the Delaware on Main Street Program, visit de.gov/demainst.
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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity
Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6840; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov
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