What water level is good for paddling Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg?

This section is generally runnable at 400–8,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Delaware River levels?

We read USGS gauge 01427510 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg good for beginners?

This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Delaware River here?

Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg?

This reach is about 9 miles, roughly 4.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II9 mi · ~4.5 hrDelaware RiverNew York

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 6:30 PM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

1,300 cfs

3.4 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 01427510

Runnable 400 – 8,000 cfs

04008,0009,520

What this means today

At 1,300 cfs the Delaware River is inside the runnable range but only 900 cfs above the 400 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 1,340 cfs to 1,300 cfs. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 1,340 cfs and 1,650 cfs, 18% lower at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Callicoon to Narrowsburg

Delaware River at Callicoon to Narrowsburg is a 9-mile Class II run in New York — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Callicoon boat launch (NY Rt 97) and take out at Narrowsburg access, a trip that runs about 4.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 400–8,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Delaware River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 01427510 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable May–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 9 mi
Float time: ~4.5 hr
Best months: May–October
Put-in: Callicoon boat launch (NY Rt 97) ↗
Take-out: Narrowsburg access ↗

Reading USGS gauge 01427510 — DELAWARE RIVER AT CALLICOON NY ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg?: This section is generally runnable at 400–8,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Delaware River levels?: We read USGS gauge 01427510 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg good for beginners?: This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Delaware River here?: Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Delaware River — Callicoon to Narrowsburg?: This reach is about 9 miles, roughly 4.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 1,300 cfs